The Uncle Nearest Story: A Timeless Lesson for Modern Times (Episode 779: August 4, 2019)

If the story of Nathan “Nearest” Green and Jack Daniel was made into a movie, critics might describe it as “a feel-good story for the ages” or “a story from the past that’s still relevant today.” History shows “Nearest” Green was the enslaved distiller who not only perfected the “Lincoln County Process” for filtering Tennessee Whiskey, but also taught the young Jack Daniel how to make whiskey – then went to work with him after the Civil War ended and Green became a free man. Next month, Uncle Nearest Whiskey founder Fawn Weaver will open Phase 1 of the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee to tell that story, and she’ll tell us about it on WhiskyCast In-Depth.

In the news, the growing potential for a “no-deal” Brexit has Irish Whiskey makers on both sides of the border even more nervous than before. Investors were scared off this week by sluggish earnings for MGP Ingredients, and that raises a question about whether we’ve reached “Peak Bourbon.” We’ll also find out the back story behind the “Missouri Bourbon” law, and on Behind the Label, you’ll hear how one young distiller started his career with a bang.

Links: Uncle Nearest | Drinks Industry Group of Ireland | MGP Ingredients | Little Book | Gordon & MacPhail | Oban | Clonakilty Distillery | Teeling Whiskey Company | Jos. A. Magnus & Co. | Copper Mule Distillery | Jack Daniel’s | The Glenlivet | Kentucky Peerless Distilling