Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:32 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Unearth the differences between Uncle Nearest 1856 and Uncle Nearest 1884 in my direct comparison, and determine which whiskey is the superior choice for you!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Uncle Nearest 1856 vs Uncle Nearest 1884: Comparison
Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey: Offers a balanced blend of caramel, corn, and spices with a medium to long finish. It’s a solid choice for those seeking depth and a touch of warmth. Adding water enhances its sweet and oaky notes, making it versatile for different palates.
Uncle Nearest 1884 Whiskey: Presents a lighter, smoother sip with vanilla, cinnamon, and honey. While easy on the palate, it might lack the complexity desired by some enthusiasts. It’s approachable for newcomers or those preferring a gentler whiskey experience.
Verdict: Uncle Nearest 1856 is ideal for those who appreciate a balanced whiskey with a story, offering a rich flavor profile that’s enhanced with water. Uncle Nearest 1884 caters to those seeking an easy-drinking option with mild flavors, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Both embody the legacy of Nearest Green, offering unique tastes and historical significance.
Related: Best Sipping Bourbons under $50
Uncle Nearest 1856: A Balanced Blend with a Touch of Spice
- Nose: Caramel, roasted nuts
- Palate: Corn, pepper spice, vanilla, almond, oak
- Finish: Corn, nutmeg, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Gentleman Jack
Enticing Aroma: Uncle Nearest 1856 opens with an alluring aroma of sweet caramel and roasted nuts.
Pleasing Palate: This whiskey boasts a well-rounded body, neither too heavy nor watery. The initial peppery spice gives way to a gradual sweetness, revealing a delightful combination of corn, vanilla, caramel, almond, and a subtle oak char bitterness.
Lingering Finish: The medium to long finish is predominantly sweet, leaving a lasting impression of caramel with hints of ash and earthiness.
A Well-Balanced Choice: While offering a pleasant warmth, Uncle Nearest 1856 avoids being overpowering. Adding a few drops of water can further temper the spice while accentuating the caramel and oak notes, enhancing the overall experience.
Solid and Enjoyable: This whiskey strikes a harmonious balance between peppery spice and sweet corn flavors. While not groundbreaking, it delivers an enjoyable drinking experience and boasts an interesting backstory, worth exploring in future discussions.
Uncle Nearest 1856: A Note on Sourcing
It’s important to note that until 2022, Uncle Nearest 1856 sourced its whiskey from two undisclosed Tennessee distilleries.
Uncle Nearest 1884: A Smooth Sipper with Subtle Notes
- Nose: Vanilla, nuts, cherry
- Palate: Vanilla, cinnamon, honey, oak
- Finish: Short, caramel, cinnamon, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (41.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
Aroma: Uncle Nearest 1884 greets your senses with a subtle and inviting fragrance featuring hints of vanilla, roasted nuts, and a touch of cherry.
Palate: This whiskey boasts a light and smooth texture with delicate flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, honey, and oak. However, these notes are not particularly bold and may leave some seeking a more robust experience.
Finish: The short-lived finish offers lingering notes of caramel sweetness, cinnamon, and a touch of oak spice.
A Mild Choice: While Uncle Nearest 1884 offers easy sipping with its mildness, it may present as lacking in character and body compared to other options. It’s neither an unpleasant nor an especially noteworthy experience for some whiskey enthusiasts.
Uncle Nearest 1884: A Legacy in Every Bottle
- Aged for approximately seven years.
- Mashbill details are not publicly disclosed.
- Distilled, aged, and bottled by Uncle Nearest in Tennessee.
- 1884 signifies the year Nearest Green last filled barrels before his retirement.
- Each batch features the signature of fifth-generation Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler and is hand-selected by Fawn Weaver, the founder and CEO. Additionally, a different family descendant of Mr. Green curates each batch, adding a personal touch to this spirit.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Uncle Nearest 1856 | $60 |
| Uncle Nearest 1884 | $50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the commonly asked questions about this whiskey brand:
Who was Uncle Nearest?
Uncle Nearest whiskey pays homage to Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller known in the United States.
Green was a slave until the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War.
It is believed that Green taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling.
Is Uncle Nearest black-owned?
Yes, this brand was created and is managed by Fawn Weaver, who is African-American.
In addition, the Master Blender for Uncle Nearest is Victoria Eady Butler, who is also African-American.
Is Uncle Nearest owned by Jack Daniel’s?
No, Uncle Nearest is independent of Brown-Forman, the company that owns Jack Daniel’s.
Brown-Forman owns brands such as Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Herradura Tequila but has nothing to do with Uncle Nearest.
Is Uncle Nearest a Bourbon, a Rye, or a Whiskey?
Uncle Nearest is a Tennessee Whiskey.
A Tennessee whiskey is a spirit distilled in such state from at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and has undergone the Lincoln County process, filtering the spirit through layers of charcoal before barreling.