Year: 1800s

Who: Nathan "Nearest" Green

Where: Tennessee

In the mid-1800s, Nathan "Nearest" Green, an African American enslaved on a Tennessee farm, imparted his whiskey-making expertise to a young Jack Daniel. Born around 1820, Green's distilling skills laid the foundation for what would become the world-renowned Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.

After the Civil War, Green continued his craft, serving as the first master distiller for the Jack Daniel Distillery. His mentorship ensured the perpetuation of the "Lincoln County Process," a charcoal mellowing technique that defines the distillery's signature flavor. This process, combined with Green's guidance, was instrumental in establishing Jack Daniel's as a distinguished whiskey brand.

In recognition of his pivotal role, the Nearest Green Foundation was established to honor his legacy, offering scholarships to his descendants and promoting diversity within the whiskey industry. Victoria Eady Butler, Green's great-great-granddaughter, became the first African American female master blender, further cementing the family's influence in the industry. Green's story highlights the profound yet often overlooked contributions of African Americans to American heritage, prompting a reevaluation of historical narratives and inspiring future generations.

Sources:

Websites:

• Nearest Green. (n.d.). About Nearest Green. Nearest Green. https://www.nearestgreen.com/about-nearest-green/

• Risen, C. (2017, August 15). The secret history of Jack Daniel's whiskey: How a slave taught the founder his craft. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/15/dining/jack-daniels-whiskey-slave-nearest-green.html