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

Love & Whiskey Written and narrated by Fawn Weaver A notable quote from Love & Whiskey: “Some things, like good whiskey, just takes time.” And time was needed to make good whiskey and history. Fawn Weaver embodies the essence of divine intervention and Love & Whiskey is the representation of words that God breathed into her with a purpose so profound, unequivocal and intentional that only she could have conceived and nurtured it. It was her purpose and Shelby, TN was her destiny! As I listened to the story, I became captivated with Mrs. Weaver and the dedication and sacrifice it took to write this remarkable tale that trancends whiskey and love, it encompasses friendships, family, legacy, history and truth. Moreover, it chronicles a woman's journey of self-discovery that tested her patience, finances, and at times, her sanity and truth and I love that through it all, her rock and husband, Keith Weaver stayed tried and true, a ride or die that is loyally by her side supporting her vision from the start as his role was instrumental in this journey. Mrs. Weaver understood the assignment when she boldly declared “Uncle Nearest is about more than whiskey, and I’m never going to sell it.” This statement resonated deeply with me. She recognized what many of our ancestors didn’t and that’s: no amount of money could replace a birthright. This narrative is indeed the birthright of the Green family, which Mrs. Weaver has selflessly honored and selflessly bestowed to them. Jeffrey Wright said it best, “We’re victors now, and we can tell these stories and tell them right—tell them freely, properly, in a way that celebrates who we are without bias.” well Mrs. Weaver brought Nearest from obscurity and unapologetically showed the world exactly who this incredible ingenious man, Nearest Green was, never tarnishing anyone else’s reputation or heritage thus solidifying Nearest Green’s legacy loudly, proudly and publicly with pride and authenticity. I loved every moment in this story and await the movie because of course a movie has to be made! Its merits and emotion woven into the narration was palpable and I felt her passion, excitement and determination as she recounted her experience. She transported me to a time when color barriers were nonexistent, challenging the societal norms of the Nearest Green’s era. Mrs. Weaver illustrated how collaboration can foster positive change and love. The town’s embrace of her, her efforts and their eagerness to share tales of Nearest, and their welcoming spirit were beautifully depicted. She had me a lil scarrred at some scenes but when God calls you to walk a predetermined path, one must proceed with faith, knowing divine protection is assured. Love & Whiskey is a divine masterpiece, a love letter crafted with purpose and intention. Thank you Fawn weaver for this monumental story based on man, his friend and making whiskey. Thank you for sharing your journey allowing us to walk with you learning another hidden Black treasure long buried in the earth so deep it took a SHEro to excavate it, dust it off, shine it up so pretty and showcase it to the world. Well done ma’am, well done. I don’t drink whiskey, but in honor of this wonderful story being told, I raise a glass and toast to Fawn Weaver, her team and to the man we all now know as Nearest Green aka Uncle Nearest. Cheers 🥃

What a great blend of history, perseverance, hope, legacy, and celebration! Reading *L&W* was a captivating journey through the in-depth story of Nearest Green and the meteoric rise of his namesake through Uncle Nearest Whiskey. Fawn did an excellent job of making me feel like I was right there in Lynchburg, in board meetings, at Green family gatherings, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating the brand's growth—all within just a few short pages! I loved how the book flowed; it was so engaging that I finished it in just a day or two. As a young entrepreneur, it provided a blueprint for perseverance, reminding me that there's "grit in growth." Thank you for allowing me to ride along on this beautiful journey of success, community relations, love, and history!

Nearest Green Intrigued by a Jack Daniels tour in 2022 and the mention of Uncle Nearest, led us to discover the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, TN. Another heartwarming discovery was a woman named Fawn Weaver who through years of research uncovered the story behind Jack Daniels #7 whiskey recipe. Uncle Nathan Nearest Green, the mastermind who taught Jack about Whiskey making. A man whose recipe made history for another man. This is also an eye opener for all of us to see how African’s brought to America, and survived torturous journey’s, also brought skill sets that were unknown to Americans, and were sadly not credited to them. Fawn writes with such love and spirit in this book to help readers and lovers of Whiskey and history, know how through families and friendships this book came about. Knowing the full story as of today, this book warmed my heart to see how a true legacy will be known. This is a must read! Once you are finished you’ll want to travel to Tennessee and see Lynchburg and Shelbyville. You will want to walk on the grounds that Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniel walked and see all that is mentioned in this book. Do not miss both Whiskey tours!! It’s a small drive between. If it weren’t for a bar tender at our hotel in Nashville that served us Uncle Nearest Whiskey instead of Jack, I wouldn’t be writing this review. When she mentioned Nearest Green, I said, “Isn’t that the black slave that taught Jack Daniel how to Make whiskey and sour mash”? She said yes! Then my husband and I were all ears! We stayed at the La Quinta in Nashville by the stadium. I don’t remember her name, but we developed a love of Whiskey relationship she led us to Uncle Nearest Distillery, which then prompted me to order my book, Love & Whiskey. I had to pre order it! It wasn’t even in distribution yet!! I received my copy with Fawns signature too in June/24. Take a gander and be pleasantly enchanted by this work of love and passion.

Good information but too much going on. Is it a memoir? a biography? a history treatise?

What an enlightening journey into the history of the humble beginnings of an empire. Fawn Weaver weaves a story of the friendship between Jack Daniels and Nearest Green. Although the story is biographical in nature, it reads like an intriguing novel of family mysteries and revelations. The story begins with Ms. Weaver's childhood and how she dropped out of school and left home. Early in her life, she proved that she was destined to be a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman. She stumbles upon an article about Nearest Green and is determined to go to his home state and uncover as much as she can. I do not believe Ms. Weaver (and husband, Keith) ever expected to learn so much and ultimately begin a whiskey distillery that would eventually turn into a multi-billion-dollar industry. The rise to this multi-billion-dollar business did not come easily; this small business had to fight its way to the top. The discovery of the descendants of the families of Jack Daniels and Nearest Green was heartwarming, and the interjection of family photos really humanized this story. I really enjoyed the transparency of the facts and figures surrounding the birth of Nearest Green Whiskey, which changed the trajectory of their lives. It is truly a "Rich to Richer" story for the current times.

Let me start by saying I not only bought the book, but I know me and got it on Audible as well. I'm so glad I did. Hearing her tell it in her own voice was Amazing. With the book though, once you pick it up, you will not be able to put it down. Weaver's ability to intertwine her own groundbreaking story with the compelling tale of Nearest Green, the distiller who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey, is nothing short of extraordinary. Set against the backdrop of a difficult era in American history, the deep friendship between Green and Daniel unfolds in a way that will leave an indelible impact on readers and resonate for generations to come. This book is a testament to the power of legacy, friendship, and sheds light on an overlooked contribution by Nearest Green that has led to the creation of the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey sold in stores globally today. Get it for yourself and share it as a gift for friends, co workers and family. This book will impact generations to come.

I actually finished this book in 4 days. There were just many days I didn’t get to read inbetween! Here’s how good this book is, I had to finish it tonight in the middle of a power cut, reading by my iPhone flashlight!! What a story. You wonder how this could not be more widely known, and then you find out Fawn spent EIGHT years uncovering the full story and the family tree - the back of the book is filled with accredited references if you want to dig in deeper. It’s a history that deserves to be told and to be remembered. The story keeps you wanting more as you follow along as Fawn uncovers layer after layer of snippets of history here, remembrances there and pieces together the family tree. There are some funny elements too: “Chuck was ambitious; he'd told us that first night-back when we were afraid he was going to kill us in the woods—that he wanted to expand his business.” ! <Wait What?!!! you’ll need to read the book to find out more on this tale!> This could have easily turned out to be a dry genealogy story but for Fawn’s turn of phrase, her ability to make you feel like you were there with her, and the suspense of how she and her husband Keith went about setting up a competing whiskey company in Jack Daniel’s (Brown-Forman’s) back yard. Fawn mentions a couple of times in the book how she chose to handle annoyances and antagonists with “grace”, and I think that sums up the style and poise of the narrative here in the book: it’s told with “grace”. Makes you want to be a better person! An amazing story you need to read.

I finished this book in under a week and it is phenomenal. It is such an amazing and fascinating story. I was sad when I was done with the book, although I know the story is not over. I am a whiskey/bourbon lover so that’s what initially had drawn me to the book. But this book is so much more than that. It’s part memoir, part entrepreneur, part whiskey making, and much about black history and the uncovering of the story of Nearest Green who was Jack Daniel’s first master distiller. It’s amazing research, wonderful storytelling, a story of disruption in a dominant white male industry, and a testament of tenacity, perseverance, kindness, transparency, grace, and giving back. “…I will remain steadfast. This mission will remain unchanged, and I will complete the work I set out to do” - Fawn Weaver I enjoyed the story and learned so much! I am in awe of the work that Fawn Weaver and her mighty team accomplished and in a short amount of time! Fawn rewrote an integral part of American history.

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