Latest news with #NearestGreen
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
UNCLE NEAREST, INC. WELCOMES FORMER JACK DANIEL'S PRESIDENT TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Premium Tennessee Whiskey Company Expands Leadership as It Transitions Into a Portfolio Company SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the world's most-awarded Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey for six consecutive years (2019-2024), has appointed Mark McCallum, former President of Jack Daniel's and former Chief Brands Officer of Brown-Forman, to its board of directors as an independent director. 'The story nearly writes itself,' said Fawn Weaver, co-founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc. 'Mark McCallum played a pivotal role in transforming Jack Daniel's into the most valuable spirit brand in the world. Now, he is bringing that expertise to the whiskey brand honoring Jack's mentor, teacher, and first master distiller, Nearest Green.' Weaver and McCallum first connected during his tenure as President of Jack Daniel's when she shared her extensive research on Nearest Green's legacy. Recognizing the significance of her findings—including thousands of original artifacts and documents—McCallum advocated for Brown-Forman to update its historical records, ensuring Green's contribution to Jack Daniel's legacy was properly acknowledged. 'As you can imagine, I was navigating an understandably delicate relationship,' said McCallum. 'Fawn was launching a brand that intersected with the rich history of Jack Daniel's, while I was responsible for protecting our trademarks and ensuring we accurately honored our legacy. It was important to acknowledge Nearest Green's role while continuing to grow the Jack brand.' McCallum joined Brown-Forman in 2003 as Chief Marketing Officer before ascending to Chief Operating Officer in 2009. He ultimately served as Executive Vice President and Chief Brands Officer, holding key leadership roles, including EVP and President of EMEA, APAC, Global Travel Retail, and EVP and President of Jack Daniel's Brands. During his tenure, Brown-Forman's market capitalization grew from $5.9 billion to $31.5 billion, with Jack Daniel's driving the significant portion of that growth. Before joining Brown-Forman, McCallum was Chief Marketing Officer at Red Lobster and spent two decades in consumer packaged goods at Campbell Soup Company and Cadbury Schweppes. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Caledonia Spirits, where he has been a board member since 2020, and is also a board member of Grant Sidney, Inc. As Uncle Nearest, Inc. evolves into a full-fledged portfolio company in 2025, it is set to relaunch the bartender-beloved Square One Organic Vodka and debut an all-new cognac brand. The foundation of this new endeavor is the historic Domaine St. Martin chateau and vineyards, acquired in 2023, making Uncle Nearest, Inc. the largest Grande Champagne vineyard owner in the city of Cognac, France. McCallum's addition to the board signals the company's steadfast commitment to global expansion, category leadership, and honoring the legacy of Nearest Green through innovation and excellence. 'When Mark became an investor in Uncle Nearest after retiring from Brown-Forman, we were honored to welcome him as a more than 40-year veteran of consumer packaged goods,' said Keith Weaver, co-founder and president of Uncle Nearest, Inc., who also serves as a board member. Prior to joining Uncle Nearest, Inc., Keith was the Executive Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment, overseeing global public policy and external affairs. 'Having spent decades leading some of the most recognized brands in the world, Mark immediately saw something special in what we were building. By his own account, he had never seen a spirits start-up achieve what we had in such a short period, and he wanted to be part of the journey. Now, with a front-row seat at the board table, his deep industry knowledge and strategic guidance will help propel Uncle Nearest into its next phase of growth as we build the next great American brand.' About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand's portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Straight Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, amassing over 1,450 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 953 Gold medals or higher, which includes 155 Best in Class honors and an average critic's score of 91. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world. For more information, please visit the website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.
Miami Herald
28-01-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
A Conversation with Keith Weaver: The Heart and Vision of Uncle Nearest Distillery
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.
