Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey is the inaugural and flagship expression from Uncle Nearest, the fastest growing American whiskey brand in United States history and a label that honors Nearest Green, the formerly enslaved master distiller recognized as the first known African American master distiller and the man who taught Jack Daniel his craft. Launched in 2017 by co founder Fawn Weaver, the brand was the first spirits company in the world to be named after a Black American, and its portfolio has since garnered more than 600 awards and accolades worldwide. The 1856 expression is a blend of premium aged whiskies matured between eight and fourteen years, bottled at a robust 100 proof, and curated by fifth generation Nearest Green descendant and Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, who has been named Master Blender of the Year four times over. Like all Uncle Nearest whiskey, 1856 is made in middle Tennessee and filtered through sugar maple charcoal in the traditional Lincoln County Process, the very technique Nearest Green helped perfect, before aging in charred American oak barrels. The extended maturation gives 1856 noticeably more depth and complexity than the younger 1884, with layers of maple, dried fruit, oak spice, and tobacco unfolding across the palate. It has collected an extraordinary run of honors, including World's Best Tennessee Whiskey at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards and Best in Class at the 2025 Los Angeles competition. Astonishingly smooth despite its full proof, 1856 is built for sipping neat or over ice, yet versatile enough to elevate any whiskey cocktail, and it stands as a fitting tribute to the legacy and craft of the best whiskey maker the world never knew.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Uncle Nearest |
| Distillery |
Nearest Green Distillery, Shelbyville, Tennessee (sourced and blended Tennessee whiskey) |
| Producer |
Uncle Nearest, Inc. |
| Category |
Tennessee Whiskey (Premium Aged) |
| Expression |
1856 Premium Aged Whiskey |
| Age Statement |
No age statement (blend of 8 to 14 year old barrels per producer) |
| Mashbill |
Undisclosed (corn driven) |
| Maturation |
Charred American oak; filtered through sugar maple charcoal (Lincoln County Process) |
| Bottling |
Small batch, curated by Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler |
| ABV |
50% |
| Proof |
100 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Tennessee |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep golden amber with a rich caramel hue.
Nose: Maple, vanilla, and cherries with black pepper, almond cookies, dried straw, and a note of coconut pudding.
Palate: Creamy and layered, with dried fruit, apple pie, maple syrup, caramel nougat, and oak spice.
Finish: Long and gently drying, with lingering tobacco, coffee, black tea tannins, and baking spice.
FAQ
How old is Uncle Nearest 1856? It is a blend of premium aged whiskies matured between eight and fourteen years, though it carries no formal age statement on the label.
What proof is it? 100 proof, or 50 percent ABV, notably higher than the 93 proof 1884 expression.
What is the difference between 1856 and 1884? 1856 is the older, higher proof flagship blend of 8 to 14 year whiskies at 100 proof, while 1884 is the more accessible small batch at 93 proof. 1856 is richer and more complex.
Is it a Tennessee whiskey? Yes. It is made in Tennessee and filtered through sugar maple charcoal using the Lincoln County Process, then aged in charred oak. The brand also markets it within its bourbon and American whiskey awards.
How should I drink it? Excellent neat or on the rocks, and robust enough at 100 proof to anchor an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Where can I buy Uncle Nearest 1856 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
