BLACK-OWNED WHISKEY BRAND “UNCLE NEAREST” EXPANDS INTO COGNAC WITH HISTORIC PURCHASE OF LARGE FRANCE VINEYARD

by: Jahaura Michelle

October 12, 2023

Black-owned whiskey brand Uncle Nearest is one of the most successful distilleries in the country, and now it’s making history with a new business venture. Per a press statement, the company recently secured ownership of Domaine Saint Martin, an estate that dates back more than 350 years to the first Lord Mayor of Cognac, Philippe Fé de Ségeville. With the new historical purchase, the brand is now labeled as Cognac and will produce products in the Grande Champagne vineyards, one of six crus in the Cognac region of France. “The Uncle Nearest brand thrives on its profound story of love, honor, respect, and heritage. Our mission in Cognac echoes this essence,” Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver said. She added, “Our brand strategy pivots from the norm. We are unveiling a short film first at several film festivals, then launching the brand.” According the statement, the forthcoming film will follow Cognac’s success in America, Europe and Asia, with narration by award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright. The project’s release will be in the spring of 2024. The initiative will be spearheaded by several Black women, with Adrian Parker named as president. She discussed Weaver’s leadership and how Uncle Nearest’s expansion would benefit the spirits industry. “Under Fawn’s guidance and innovative approach, the Uncle Nearest team has created a playbook for independent spirits that has never before been seen,” Parker expressed.

“In four years, they have grown Nearest Green Distillery to the seventh most visited distillery in the world. While there recently, I observed cars backed up for 1.5 miles each way trying to get in, with more than 14,000 visiting that weekend. The Uncle Nearest team went from distribution in one state to all 50 states in less than two years and their sales now rank them in the top 10 of all ultra-premium American whiskey companies, the only independent company in that ranking,” she noted.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays homage to Nathan “Nearest” Green, the world’s first African-American master distiller. The brand became the first independent spirit named after a Black American, amassing over 900 awards and recognitions since its inception in 2017. The flagship location, Nearest Green Distillery, is in Shelbyville, Tennessee.