Keith Weaver on the Vision and Legacy of Uncle Nearest Distillery

The husband and wife duo behind this Tennessee-based distillery are redefining whiskey, community, and the legacy of Uncle Nearest one sip at a time.

On a recent visit to parts of Tennessee, Ian and I had the opportunity to break bread with Keith Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Distillery during a tour of the historic property in Shelbyville, Tennessee. As the seventh most-visited distillery in the world, Uncle Nearest is far more than a place to sip whiskey—it’s a living tribute to a remarkable story of innovation, resilience, and community.

Our conversation with Keith revealed his remarkable journey from Hollywood executive to whiskey trailblazer, the profound history behind the Uncle Nearest brand, and the vision that drives this purpose-driven mission.

From Hollywood to the Heart of Tennessee

Keith Weaver’s career pivot is nothing short of extraordinary. After spending 22 years as an Executive Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Keith made the bold decision to leave the entertainment industry and dedicate himself to preserving the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green. “My wife, Fawn, and I came across Nearest Green’s story eight years ago while living in Singapore,” Keith shares. “It captivated us—his role as a pioneer, creator, and wealth-builder, all during a time of immense racial inequality.”

What began as a fascination with Green’s story soon evolved into a full-fledged endeavor. “Initially, we weren’t interested in making whiskey,” Keith admits. “We were drawn to the historical significance of Nearest Green’s role and his relationship with Jack Daniel. But as the story gained momentum, it became clear that this was more than a passion project—it was our calling.”

Uncle Nearest: The Story

At the heart of Uncle Nearest Distillery lies the story of Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved man whose mastery of distillation not only shaped American whiskey history but also forged an enduring bond with Jack Daniel, the founder of the Jack Daniel’s brand. Nearest Green was a trailblazer—America’s first known African American master distiller—who taught Daniel the art of whiskey-making on a farm in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Their relationship transcended the realities of slavery. Jack Daniel, then a young boy, learned distillation under Nearest’s guidance and carried forward a profound respect for his teacher’s craft and expertise. This mutual respect continued after emancipation, as Nearest Green became the first master distiller for the Jack Daniel Distillery. His family’s legacy endured, with several descendants working at the distillery.

Despite his monumental contributions, Nearest Green’s story faded into obscurity. That changed in 2016, when Fawn Weaver, now CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc., rediscovered his legacy. A front-page article in the international edition of the New York Times highlighted the connection between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, prompting Fawn to dive deep into archival records and oral histories. What she uncovered was not just the story of a whiskey pioneer but also a man whose resilience and ingenuity broke barriers during an era that sought to limit him.

Moved by Green’s story, Fawn and Keith Weaver created Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey to celebrate his legacy and ensure his name became central to the narrative of American whiskey. “The story of Uncle Nearest isn’t just about whiskey,” Keith explains. “It’s about innovation, excellence, and a man who defied the odds to make history.”

A Distillery Like No Other

Uncle Nearest Distillery is more than a production facility; it’s a destination. Nestled on a former Tennessee Walking Horse farm, the site pays homage to its roots while celebrating Green’s legacy through immersive experiences. “This isn’t your typical distillery,” Keith says. “It feels more like the Smithsonian with a distillery attached.”

The distillery boasts several unique features, including the world’s longest bar, a Guinness World Record-holding creation by Fawn Weaver. Stretching 518 feet, the bar serves as a gathering place where visitors from all walks of life can share stories, celebrate milestones, and enjoy Uncle Nearest’s award-winning whiskeys. “Fawn’s vision was to create a space where people could come together and connect,” Keith states. “The bar is the heart of our distillery.”

Visitors can also explore exhibits that delve into the history of Tennessee whiskey, including the state’s unique limestone water, the impact of Prohibition, and the agricultural roots of whiskey-making. Outdoor spaces, including horse pastures and walking trails, add a rustic charm that blends seamlessly with the distillery’s modern facilities.