Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest

by Fawn Weaver

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey with Love & Whiskey. New York Times bestselling author Fawn Weaver unveils the hidden narrative behind one of America’s most iconic whiskey brands. This book is a vibrant exploration set in the present day, delving into the life and legacy of Nearest Green, the African American distilling genius who played a pivotal role in the creation of the whiskey that bears Jack Daniel's name.

Set against the backdrop of Lynchburg, Tennessee, this narrative weaves together a thrilling blend of personal discovery, historical investigation, and the revelation of a story long overshadowed by time. Through extensive research, personal interviews, and the uncovering of long-buried documents, Weaver brings to light not only the remarkable bond between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel but also Daniel’s concerted efforts during his lifetime to ensure Green’s legacy would not be forgotten. This deep respect for his teacher, mentor, and friend was mirrored in Jack's dedication to ensuring that the stories and achievements of Nearest Green's descendants, who continued the tradition of working side by side with Jack and his descendants, would also not be forgotten.

Love & Whiskey is more than just a recounting of historical facts; it's a live journey into the heart of storytelling, where every discovery adds a layer to the rich tapestry of American history. Weaver's pursuit highlights the importance of acknowledging those who have shaped our cultural landscape; yet remained in the shadows.

As Weaver intertwines her present-day quest with the historical threads of Green and Daniel's lives, she not only pays homage to their legacy but also spearheads the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. This endeavor has not only brought Nearest Green's name to the forefront of the whiskey industry but has also set new records, symbolizing a step forward in recognizing and celebrating African American contributions to the spirit world.

Love & Whiskey invites readers to witness a story of enduring friendship, resilience, and the impact of giving credit where it’s long overdue. It's an inspiring tale of how uncovering the past can forge new paths and how the spirit of whiskey has connected lives across generations. Join Fawn Weaver on this extraordinary adventure, as she navigates through the layers of history, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds formed by the legacy of America's native spirit, ensuring the stories of Nearest Green and his descendants live on in the heart of American culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781595911346
Publisher:	Melcher Media Inc
Publication date:	06/18/2024
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	8,204
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

A serial entrepreneur for more than two decades, Fawn Weaver is America’s first Black female CEO of a major spirit brand. She has written two previous books, Happy Wives Club and The Argument-Free Marriage, is a regular contributor to Inc., and has been interviewed on top shows in Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Ireland, Poland, Spain, and New Zealand on topics ranging from accelerating growth in business without losing your soul to creating a happy balance between work and family. Weaver currently serves on the board of Endeavor, is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, the founder and chair of the Nearest Green Foundation, and a former executive board member of Meet Each Need With Dignity and Slavery No More.

Editorial Reviews

★ 04/08/2024

Reading a 2016 New York Times article about Nearest Green, an enslaved Black man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey in the 1850s, set bestseller Weaver (Happy Wives Club) on a path that changed the course of her career, as she recollects in this striking account. Venturing to Lynchburg, Tenn., home of the Jack Daniel’s distillery, she was surprised to find that Nearest’s “contributions... were no secret . His family had passed down the story... for generations.” However, the Jack Daniel’s museum ignored Nearest, even as his descendants continued to be employed by the whiskey empire. Weaver delved into the story through interviews with Nearest’s family and archival research, and eventually purchased the site of Nearest’s original still, where she worked with his descendants to produce Uncle Nearest label whiskey. Weaver’s heartfelt memoir of bonding with Lynchburgers frames her poignant discoveries about the close friendship between Nearest and his young mentee Jack, who in his lifetime strove to preserve Nearest’s legacy. She uncovers that Jack went on to employ Black workers and treat them fairly, and that the town’s relative racial harmony in the late 19th century led to violent targeting by white supremacists, including the 1894 lynching of an ailing Jack’s Black caretaker. It’s a powerful portrayal of a largely hidden American history. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Many contributions of enslaved men and women have only just started to be recognized. Entrepreneur Fawn Weaver has made sure at least one critical piece of the history is not forgotten.” —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME magazine

“A vast history that was largely untapped - until now… The company’s roots follow an unlikely camaraderie, born on a plantation. … it wouldn’t be until decades later after five generations of master blenders that Green’s name would finally make its mark.” —Deborah Roberts, ABC News

“I so admire Fawn Weaver. I’m thinking, if you need an investigation, we need to call her.” —Gayle King, journalist and co-host, CBS This Morning

“Weaver didn’t want to use Green to promote whiskey. Rather, she wanted to use whiskey to promote Green—and the idea that enslaved Black people were also a part of the story.” -Clay Risen, reporter at The New York Times, writing for Bourbon+ Magazine

From the Publisher