A Conversation with Keith Weaver: The Heart and Vision of Uncle Nearest Distillery

Miami Herald

28-01-2025

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.
Rewriting History and Building Bridges
Uncle Nearest Distillery challenges the narratives typically associated with the South, celebrating the resilience and achievements of Nearest Green while fostering connections between diverse groups of visitors. 'We're flipping stereotypes and paradigms,' Keith says. 'There's more that unites us than divides us, and this place proves that.'
During our conversation, Keith reflects on moments where visitors—often from vastly different backgrounds—discover common ground and inspiration from Uncle Nearest's story during their time at the distillery. 'You'll see people who arrived as strangers sitting together in rocking chairs, sharing stories and happy tears,' he says. The distillery's ability to bridge divides is part of what makes it so special, drawing visitors from around the globe.
Challenges and Triumphs
While Uncle Nearest thrives in Tennessee, the journey hasn't been without challenges. Keith and Fawn's property on Martha's Vineyard, envisioned as an extension of the Uncle Nearest story, faced resistance from neighbors. 'Before we even set foot there, people assumed wild parties and chaos,' Keith recounts. Despite these hurdles, the couple remains committed to their mission. 'We're staying. We're here to share a story of excellence and belonging,' Keith states resoundingly
Entering the spirits industry was also a steep learning curve. 'We didn't know the odds were against us,' Keith admits. 'Sometimes ignorance can be a blessing because it allows you to approach things with boldness and fresh eyes.'
Fawn Weaver's Vision: A Bar That Unites
The world's longest bar at Uncle Nearest is not just a record-breaker but a powerful symbol of community. Fawn Weaver's vision for the 518-foot masterpiece was about more than scale; it was about creating a space where people could connect. Whether sipping whiskey, celebrating milestones, or sharing stories, visitors experience a sense of unity that reflects the values of Uncle Nearest.
'Fawn wanted the bar to embody the spirit of Uncle Nearest—a place where people feel welcome and inspired,' Keith says. The bar, along with the distillery's expansive grounds and thoughtful design, exemplifies the inclusive spirit that defines the brand.
A Love Letter to History and Hospitality
The Weavers' vision for Uncle Nearest continues to grow, with plans for agritourism experiences, boutique accommodations, and immersive storytelling elements. Their goal is to make the distillery a place where visitors can return time and again, discovering something new with each visit. 'This is a love letter to American history and Tennessee history,' Keith says. 'We want people to feel connected to something bigger.'
Lessons in Legacy
For Keith, leading Uncle Nearest has been as much a personal journey as a professional one. 'I've learned to appreciate the step I'm on,' Keith shares. 'This is a marathon without a finish line, and every step is worth savoring.'
Asked whom he'd share a bottle of Master Blend with, Keith chose his great-grandmother, Odia. 'She was a maid for the Max Factor family in Beverly Hills, and she carried herself with such elegance and pride,' Keith says 'I'd love to hear her stories and learn more about her journey.'
A Legacy Worth Toasting
The Weaver's have transformed Uncle Nearest into more than a whiskey brand—it's a movement, a legacy, and a testament to what's possible when passion and purpose align. Whether it's for the world-class whiskey, the rich history, or the unparalleled sense of community, Uncle Nearest Distillery brings people together—one sip at a time.
Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick are contributors to DETOUR and the founders of World Footprints, a multi-award-winning social impact travel storytelling content hub.