Uncle Nearest 1856 Tennessee Whiskey (Sourced Whiskey)

A recent article indicated financial difficulties for the Uncle Nearest brand, including a failure to repay significant loans and alleged misrepresentation concerning a property purchase. While the brand's narrative is compelling and has been profitable for its creators, the question arises: is the story sufficient? Previously, their bourbons were sourced from other distilleries. However, this particular bottling, according to reports, is produced at a contract facility where Uncle Nearest temporarily takes operational control. The label states it is "bottled" by Nearest Green Distillers, but it remains sourced, with a technicality. This information serves as the backdrop for why I decided to taste this whiskey tonight; the article prompted me to do so. The whiskey itself is adequate, but not particularly remarkable, apart from the compelling history of "Uncle" Nearest Green, who is said to have taught Jack Daniel whiskey production. The aroma presents cherries, some cocoa, licorice, and menthol. The mouthfeel has a glycerin-like quality, and oak and vanilla appear on the palate and finish. There are no discernible flaws or harshness, but in a market saturated with similar bourbons, this one doesn't stand out beyond its powerful story. 3.75+ on the scale.

This Tennessee Whiskey from an Unnamed Distillery uses a blend matured 8-14 years in new American oak. A descendant of Nathan "Nearest" Green curated it. It's made with local corn and rye, a unique yeast, double distilled, triple charcoal filtered via the Lincoln County process, and bottled at 100 proof. The aroma offers brown sugar, sultana, cinnamon, earth, grass, charcoal, and nutmeg. The taste is rich and elegant with caramelized nuts, oat cookies, sandalwood, butterscotch, apple, hay, clove, nutmeg, and oak. The finish is creamy with a medium length, featuring mint leaf, milk chocolate, caramel, and a corn aftertaste. Dates: August 2020 / April / November 2021 / August 2022 / December 2023

Vanilla, oak, and subtle fruit notes on the nose. Spicy at first, with heat but no burning. Primarily vanilla on the palate, with butter, apple/pear, and white oak. A really smooth mouthfeel: Nothing surpasses crystal clear southern limestone and charcoal-filtered water. The medium-length finish leaves you wanting more. I added two drops of water to accelerate aeration and reduce the heat if I'm in a hurry to drink it. This way, the nose also shows much more fruit and buttery vanilla.

Nose: spirit-forward, charred, faint apple and cherry in the background. Palate: sweet heat and caramel. Finish: earthy heat. With water: significantly improved. Heat greatly reduced. Nutty notes appear on the nose, fresh red fruits with powdered sugar and nutmeg on the palate, and with ice the apple becomes prominent. This really got better with water and was enjoyable on the rocks, which is how I would drink it again if offered. (from Flaviar Advent Calendar)

Just a rough glass of whiskey passing by. Smells sweet with an initial bite. Fades quickly, then warms the chest for a moment. A little bitterness and a hint of banana. So-so.

Nose: Appealing, traditional oaky sweet corn. Palate: Sweet, very typical Tennessee whiskey, moderate intensity. Finish: Brief, but a tannic sensation remains on the back of the tongue. Could be an everyday drink, but it's unremarkable.