Review: Why Uncle Nearest 1884 Matters

One time to Nearest Green and Fawn Weaver.

Representation matters.

When you can see yourself in a story, when you can relate to an experience, or when you can empathize with a situation, we as a people are much better off.

And that’s how I got to fully appreciating Uncle Nearest’s newest release, 1884.

The story of Uncle Nearest, an American whiskey brand based out of Shelbyville, Tenn., is centered around Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African-American master distiller. The narrative around Green reached the national spotlight in 2016 as he was acknowledged as a close friend and a master distiller in helping launch the whiskey conglomerate that is Jack Daniel‘s and in developing the Lincoln County Process, the charcoal filtering method that most Tennessee Whiskeys are made with.

Since launching in the summer of 2017, Uncle Nearest has impressed with its release of 1856 and 1820, two award-winning whiskeys that have become a bit of a ritual sipping process for new members in Brown Liquor Collective. However, I was intrigued to see how 1884 would register, as it was being touted as a lighter-bodied whiskey compared to 1856 (100 proof) and 1820 (115 proof) that would be available for mass consumption late in 2019.

It registers as delicious.

If you read my previous whiskey review on Michter’s US-1 American Whiskey, one thing I try to remind other sippers with questions or suggestions is that the strength or proof of a whiskey is not a true indicator of how good it’ll be. In the case of Michter’s US-1, it is a light 83.4 proof and provides a palate that is easily accessible for whiskey connoisseurs of all levels. Some will say that a lower proof shouldn’t come with a higher price tag, as the US-1 prices at ~$45. I believe you pay for the quality of the brand’s process and what the brand is trying to sell you. It’s this belief that impresses me the most about 1884.

Uncle Nearest 1884 comes in at 93 proof and a ~$49 price tag and it’s supposed to be lighter bodied? Yes, yes it is.

I tasted 1884 for the first time with four of my groomsmen while we got fitted for my upcoming wedding in January. Sean took a few sips and proclaimed it “dangerous”, Kris finished his first dram and stated that this might be better than 1856. For me, the realization was simple, as this is something I’d want to sip on a regular basis.

On the nose, you get hints of sweet corn, spice and vanilla. The palate matches the nose, with corn and vanilla paired with woody oak and chocolate flavors. Finally, the finish provides notes of oak and spice, with minimal burn given the proof.

1884 is smooth, approachable and relatable. It has character, it has a presence, and most importantly it is fun. And that’s before you get back to the story of who and what Uncle Nearest represents, because representation matters.

• Appearance: 14/15 points

• Nose: 23/25 Points

• Palate/Taste: 32/35 Points

• Finish: 23/25 points

• Total Score: 92

What are your thoughts on Uncle Nearest 1884? Did you enjoy this review? If so, do us a favor and SHARE WITH PRIDE! Help spread the word about this column on your social channels, as this aims to be a not-pretentious, informative, entertaining column about whiskey. If you’re feeling froggy, leave us a comment in our comment section at the bottom as well. Because discussion is awesome amongst friends. Sip Mightily!