How Uncle Nearest Founder Fawn Weaver Built A Billion-Dollar Whiskey Business | Forbes
Fawn Weaver founded Uncle Nearest to honor the formerly enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the secret to making great whiskey. Seven years later, she owns the most successful Black-owned liquor empire, worth $1.1 billion, with ambitious plans for the future. Including real estate, Weaver’s 40% stake makes her worth $480 million, landing her at No. 68 on Forbes’ Richest Self-Made Women list.
Weaver wasn’t a Jack Daniel’s drinker, but she knew there were countless former slaves whose stories, like Green’s, had been erased from history. As Green was no longer part of parent company Brown-Forman’s official history of Jack Daniel’s, Weaver sought to rectify that.
The first Uncle Nearest whiskey-named 1856 for the year it is believed Nearest Green perfected charcoal filtration-debuted in 2017 and went on to win the first of more than 1,000 awards for the brand. Today, there are seven Uncle Nearest releases-bourbons and ryes all produced under the direction of Victoria Eady Butler, Green’s great-great-granddaughter.
Read the full story on Forbes:
www.forbes.com/sites/chloesor...
0:00 Intro
1:21 From Rebellious Kid to Entrepreneur
2:40 Leaving Home at 15
3:32 Finding Purpose
4:52 The Story of Uncle Nearest Green
7:25 Fitting the Pieces Together
9:31 The Power of Charcoal Filtration
10:04 “I Should Have Failed”
12:49 Setting Up the Next Generation
14:03 Beating the Odds
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Пікірлер: 757
“own the land, own the brand!” Fawn Weaver - brilliant!!! 💫
@kaglmaladina2867
Ай бұрын
Right. " You don't build an empire by owning 1.4% cut off a 15cent hamburger. You build it by owning the land upon which that hamburger is cooked" - Harry J. Sonneborn ( The Founder) Genius.
@RayUp
Ай бұрын
🐇 . .. … I am here 30 May 2024 #terrencehoward is trending changing the world at this very moment what a wonderful thing to see… Thanks for the opportunity love for all…#terrecnehoward is a genius 💎👁️…#strongertogether💯
@lplp2620
Ай бұрын
Nothing new under the sun. We've always known this!! That's why the colonizers seized it from the natives. And scores of other nations in antiquity did likewise. Others have tried to build brands, communities, etc. and were either discredited, obliterated or demollished. I truly applaud your tenacity, ambition/passion & hope this works out for you FW & NG's family. Great story. Bravo👏🏽😊
@latyshal.2286
Ай бұрын
This was so inspiring. I'm at awe with this amazing woman. 👑👏🏾🙌🏾
The power of storytelling in a product. Gotta respect it.
@isaachoward89
Ай бұрын
Nice
Short Story: I found out about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in 2019 but I’ve known of the Nathaniel Green story for at least 20 years. Most don’t know that ancient and modern Africans have had a liquor and beer history before any other human group. I’m an amateur historian who enjoys African American patent history, Ancient African History, archeology, anthropology, geography and cosmology. Patterson & Sons Automobile Company that competed and out done Henry Ford is also part of our history. I’ve visited all seven continents, my last two were Australia and Antarctica. While in Australia in 2023 I visited an indigenous museum in “The Rocks” area of Sydney. On my way to the museum I accidentally passed through a small bar. I had a short deep conversation about whiskey and I told the Sydney bar owner the story of Mr. Nearest Green and Jack Daniels. He was shocked and even more shocked when I told him about the Uncle Nearest Brand built by Mrs. Weaver. He immediately ordered boxes of the Uncle Nearest Whiskey in that Sydney bar..Thanks for the historical memory of Mr. Nearest Green and congratulations for your ancestral dedication..👏🏿
@BecomeAForce
Ай бұрын
Have you written about African American patent history anywhere or can point to resources to get a better grasp of this history?
@snxdowkdn
Ай бұрын
China's the first fermented beverage 7000 bc approximately the same time as the middle east was making barley beer and grape wine. Israel's the first brewery. I'm not sure where you're getting you're info from.
@jfor7074
Ай бұрын
Isreal more than likely got it from Kemet, known to you as Egypt. Egypt is in Africa.
@snxdowkdn
Ай бұрын
@jfor7074 wether they did or not does not negate the fact that China and the Middle East were consuming alcoholic beverages well before Africa.
@BeautyInYOU583
Ай бұрын
Your dope!!!! Drops mic 🎤
She had me at "I don't care if they remember who Fawn is..." Powerhouse!
@tlrcarroll
Ай бұрын
Me too. 🥰
@user-js9kq3gr7r
Ай бұрын
They need to remember her the same way they should’ve remembered uncle nearest.
@biglaw24
23 күн бұрын
@@user-js9kq3gr7rshe said what she said lady. No need to add to it
I don’t drink alcohol, but if I did I’d buy Uncle Nearest. 👏🏽
@jlnapoleon
Ай бұрын
Same I’m sitting here trying to find out how to invest. Everyone is addicted I’m trying to retire early over here
@swatkins67
Ай бұрын
I don’t drink but I bought a few bottles
@ursamajor6347
Ай бұрын
It’s the only whiskey I give as gifts.
@creativelife9871
Ай бұрын
I don’t either but I def would love a few bottles, for the culture ✊🏾. 😂
@kweenz600
Ай бұрын
It’s very good!!
Someone remembered Uncle Nearest and helped his dream come true. Thank you Fawn!
Okay, I'm a high-level business news reader(and biz owner for 30 yrs) and....why on earth have I/we not heard the faintest whiff of this incredible woman's story?! God help us if it's the most easiest one to roll out of the mind. At the same time, shame on me for missing something in my filter, as well - I'm sure there's plenty on Fawn and Uncle Earnest that I've just missed on my radar. SUCH a powerful vision, inner strength and drive to follow her vision for herself and the company she leads and...owns. More on Fawn Weaver- and unearth other stories overlooked and sidelined this one! Inspirational. Motivating.
@timekabolden5309
Ай бұрын
Me too!!!!😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮
@graffiticreative7649
Ай бұрын
Sir because America does everything it can to cover up, lie about, obfuscate and revision all things great about foundational black Americans. The very people who built this country for free.
@em0jr
24 күн бұрын
It took flight in the news around 3-4yrs ago. Amazing story all around. To add...it's great Whiskey!
ITS ABOUT DAMN TIME FORBES.
@latoniashrimplin8729
Ай бұрын
And to think, there are soooo many other stories. Black Americans have invented and created so many other things that we still use, drink or eat today, and yet...they NEVER got the credit or profit.
@MrTteee
Ай бұрын
I read this in Will Smith voice.
@TimShow
Ай бұрын
Don’t wait on nobody to tell “your” story
@kevinhamilton303
Ай бұрын
@@TimShow Amen, Ase, Right ON!!
This could be a movie just like a lot of Black American stories that are never told The FBA story is truly unique!
@02nupe
Ай бұрын
Gotta love the foundation ADOS have laid for sure.
@makavelli7211
Ай бұрын
@@02nupe What's the difference between ADOS and FBA or are both terms used interchangeably?
@02nupe
Ай бұрын
@@makavelli7211yes sir. Actually ADOS was the original term (AMERICAN Descendants of Slavery) and FBA (Foundational Black American) came later with Tariq but yes they can be interchangeable. 💯
@makavelli7211
Ай бұрын
@@02nupe Thank you very much!
@livefree1111
Ай бұрын
@@makavelli7211ADOS, American Descendants of Slaves is a political organization and FBA, Foundational Black Americans is a lineage. It’s not an organization. You’re born into it. It’s not a group that someone could join or be kicked out of.
We found out about Nearest Green years ago. We jumped on the band wagon and started demanding our stores buy Uncle Nearest. Whenever we are in the area, we go to the distillery and buy!
This is a real American story!
I don't drink whiskey, but because of Fawn I bought a bottle today just to support ! If I have guest I'll definitely offer them some. It has already created a conversation peace in my home. " Facts tell, stories sell."
Fawn Weaver's journey is truly inspiring, shows the power of honoring history while building a future.
The name of the game is brand recognition. There is a reason you hadn't seen this company getting the exposure it should. Hint: It's a BLACK OWNED brand. You ALWAYS hear about the Jack Daniels, Basil Hayden's and Woodford Reserves. How many people KNOW of or have heard of Uncle Nearest even though it's a black owned billion dollar brand? Thank you Forbes for finally doing this story. KEEP doing MORE.
Phenomenal woman! I could listen to her for hours and hours ❤
Damn...this woman inspires me.
@vickiemarshall6585
Ай бұрын
❤
@carpediem4512
Ай бұрын
How?
@SiyahMordecai
Ай бұрын
This is nothing to be proud of
@Summathissummathat
Ай бұрын
💯
@keyawnspoor9903
Ай бұрын
❤
I've tried my first bottle, had it only two weeks and it's gone. I admire her story! It's not about building a company up just to sale it! Pay attention people to what she has said about saying "no" to a number that big businesses try to buy you out with. If you keep the integrity of the band pure and with great quality, then you will receive more money over generations than any one amount offered.
What kind of parents GIVE A CHILD THAT ULTIMATUM....incredible. She bounced back obviously but whew...I had a similar attitude but quieter with my parents, mostly I just read and stayed quiet but held my own. Wow she WAS GUIDED TO DO THIS...ancestors were with her.
@lplp2620
24 күн бұрын
Many respectable parents do. She was 15 not 5 or 10 y.o. A house divided/chaotic is doomed. There are consequences in life period. Brreak the societal governing laws and see what happens. This was her "Journey/lesson" in life. God had mercy on her. She later matured and respected her parents TOUGH-LOVE decision. Granted, her successful outcome is special and many don't come close, but I'm glad she made it through.😊
@tedmonds2049
6 күн бұрын
@@lplp2620she was a teenager, going through adolescence and trying to find her way in the world with a strong willed spirit. Her parents could’ve done more to understand her mental/emotional state, instead of ignoring her and using their new baby as a reason to stop parenting their teenager. They failed her, but thankfully she found her way on her own.
A lot of people still dont know that a black man nathan green taught jack daniels all about whiskey
@renewashington791
Ай бұрын
But isn’t that the **Usual** circumstance 😂😂😂. The Clear Coats ENTIRE history is of them STEALING and TAKING from others
She is a master story teller! Congrats on the feat!!
As a previous drinker of UN whiskey, I applaud you and everything you have accomplished with this brand. You have stayed the course and defined your life situations, and now one of the leading Black female business owners in the world...proud to hear your story and clarify more about UN wiskey!!
Fawn Weaver is genuinely inspirational. I love Uncle Nearest whiskey and the story behind the brand. I sell Uncle Nearest in my select shop, Black Tokyo Store, in Japan. It is very popular and often holds its own compared to the premium Japanese whiskies I offer. I wish Ms. Weaver and Uncle Nearest continued success. ❤
@Summathissummathat
Ай бұрын
AWESOME!🤎
I'm a sales rep for Jack Daniel's. The wholesale suppliers denied Uncle Nearest story in a meeting 😮.
@Wildfire_FX
Ай бұрын
Of course "they" did. But we all know. 😂
@tonyplaysthemambo
20 күн бұрын
The historical record backs it up, no matter what the company line is.
I remember watching this story on 85 south a while back…..salute to her bringing the real story to light, THIS is what black excellence means
I don't drink, but I'll be buying some Uncle Nearest as gifts for friends who are whisky fans. What a story.
@tiwantiwaabibiman2603
Ай бұрын
I don't either. Ever. I do buy gin and other "oti" spirits for rituals, ceremonies and libation for our Ancestors/Ancestresses.
This woman is so inspiring and genius. Truly impressive. Finally a black story that is positive and uplifting.
This is so good, that I had to watch it twice.
THANK YOU.TRUE AMERICAN BLACK HISTORY. I AM PROUD OF YOU AND THIS IMPORTANT STORY.😊
Algorithm did what it was supposed to do Man, this was just phenomenal in absolutely every aspect. Talk about solidifying & restoring a legacy! I don't even drink but I'm about to buy a bottle anyway!
Forbes please do a longer interview with this phenomenal woman. We need to hear more of her story ⭐️
We own the Land and the Brand!
Huge Fan of Fawn, the vision, her recognition of history in this country and black people, legacy, execution, we are rooting for the Uncle Nearest company and the continued expansion. Excited for the opportunities this can bring over the next 100 years LONG TERM!!! SALUTE!!
@zakugodofwar1005
Ай бұрын
the most propagandistic NPC comment here, bravo.
@02nupe
Ай бұрын
@@zakugodofwar1005 this is quite Prodigious & the ownership should be applauded because you would cry if it were a case of eleemosynary and then share your propagandistic view otherwise. 🤡
@BlackberryTitties
Ай бұрын
@@zakugodofwar1005Snowflake 🥳
@zakugodofwar1005
Ай бұрын
@@BlackberryTitties you’re the snowflake not me
@graffiticreative7649
Ай бұрын
Simply amazing post.
Yes tears of joy… I was attending a tasting in downtown Los Angeles on a rooftop… and they served UNCLE NEAREST…. Very nice event🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🌹🌹🌹
I love it, never sell. Keep this in the family to never sell. God bless her
The thing about people like her is that the lows in life are extremely low and the highs are super high. I guess that’s what separates ordinary people from extraordinary people. Glad she found her calling….
American Dream! I'm glad she didn't sell the company. Great video!
Being a black owned business her words impacted more then she would ever know thanks sis and all the blessings to you endless endeavors 🙏🏾
This is a beautiful story. I admired her tenacity in how she honored Nearest Greene. This is also a heartfelt story and a part of Black American history. There are so many unknown stories like this. Fawn Weaver , Earnest would be PROUD. 🤎🖤🤎🖤. I’m proud of you too. 💐
And I’m proud of you sister!!
Beautiful! A touching and inspiring story. Being a former drinker and a huge bourbon fan I wish I had the chance to taste Uncle Nearest...But glad that its a billion $ brand and growing!
It is not hard to tell them , no. Good for you, Fawn!
This story is articulated so well. Love this.
I came across Fawn and her company’s story online a few years ago, and started following her IG immediately. However, her breaking down her story this way was incredible. God had a plan for her life. I am even more impressed by what she’s done. Especially the land that she’s buying. The reviews about Uncle Nearest have been outstanding.
The beautiful spirit of the ancestors connecting with her for sure. 💜 Leading the way from the spirit world and a blessing she had the eyes and spiritual ears to connect on that deeper level. Great video! 💜
Wow... what an incredible story. She's a modern day rockstar who is doing the lord's work and paving the way for other black women with similar aspirations. I am disappointed that her segment is only 15 minutes because I am inspired and want to hear and learn more about her journey. Cogratulations, Fawn! Keep going! I am rooting for you!
I loved every moment of this story and everything about her purpose. Fawn Weaver dropped gem after gem ❤
I learn something new every time I hear her speak! What a phenomenal story! God is in the details and this is definitely a God assignment!!! I visited the Uncle Nearest Distillery for the Grand Opening weekend and it is breathtakingly beautiful! Fawn is absolutely unstoppable!!!
I had to go to one location in NYC from NJ for Uncle Nearest a few years ago. Now it's more accessible but still flying off the shelves.
Wow! So few people really find their purpose. Mrs Weaver what an inspiring and beautiful purpose you have found .
@melaniem5971
Ай бұрын
@@Reikialchemieesthetix Maybe I should clarify my statement to you- Exert from the Harvard Busniess Review: “You just know in your bones in a way that's impossible to articulate with words. Every cell in your body resonates when you've found your purpose. Even when things get challenging, you'll still be as dedicated to your life purpose as you were at the start. You'll feel a sense of harmony and rightness.” - LIfe’s purpose and LIfe’s obligations ( which are created and do change with experiences and age) are two completely different things .
@stacyjd2759
Ай бұрын
@@Reikialchemieesthetixi love what you wrote.! Very profound qnd changes my outlook on my purpose! ❤
@wildonez3076
Ай бұрын
@@Reikialchemieesthetix I don't think purpose changes, not the purpose from God any way!! But I think that goals change!
Proud to have NG Distillery here in Shelbyville, TN! What a place. What a brand. What a leader.
I am not a drinker, but I buy bottles of spirits/liquor for the aesthetics of it all. I cannot wait to add a bottle of NG to my collection!!!! Thank you, Forbes, for telling me about this.
Man I love this as a black man. So inspiring. I’m in the process of building up my daiquiri brand in Los Angeles and when I tell you it’s hard maaaaaan! Acquiring a liquor license, getting people to see your vision etc. kudos to this sista and her families legacy I hope I can bring a tequila and whiskey brand to the table as well one day!
This is amazing. So glad this legacy can live on, as it is a powerful message to the community. Continue to shine and do the opposite of what people say Fawn Weaver and the family of Nearest Green!!
So proud of all you have created here in Bedford County TN. I love the Nearest Green Distillery 5 minutes from my home. Thank you. Your growth is fantastic!
I do NOT drink alchohol, but I'll be buying 2 bottles as soon as I can find where it is sold in my area 🙏 Beautiful, Admirable, & Inspiring story filled with History & absolute Courage/Bravery ❤❤ This woman (& Brand) deserves all the honor & $upport in the world ❤
@Regenold
Ай бұрын
I don't anymore since the 1990's , Thank God for Alcoholics anonymous. It would at my age now kill me and I'm not buying anything that would. Let Active Drug Addicts do that. Alcohol is s Drug I'm not 😕 confused about that Nani naninani 🤵🏾♂️
OUTSTANDING woman & story of triumph!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
What an amazing, outstanding story. This is unlike anything I've heard before. Spirits are truly in this liquor.
Took a long time for y’all to do this story! Fawn did amazing!
Awesome!!! This NEEDS to be IN HISTORY READS!!!🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 We bought our bottles not knowing HALF OF THIS INFORMATION!! Thanks so much ❤
This woman is brilliant.
Uncle Nearest has great packaging and products. I've watched this video 5 times, in one sitting.
What a stunning story! Thank you for this!
Love allll of this story. From showing how you can come from being labeled a difficult child/person to uncovering and highlighting the bond between Jack Daniels and Nearest Green to having the guts to buy they land and continue the legacy of someone who was almost wiped from history. I honor this woman! 🙌🏽👏🏽✊🏽
@Dominion-1
Ай бұрын
How did she buy this company?
I have chills hearing this. I remember seeing that farm go up for sale and said, “I hope that it is bought by someone who will do right by it.” To hear Fawn tell this story let’s me know that my Higher Power answered my prayers!
What a powerhouse of a woman. Just brilliant.
@United-States-of-Africa
Ай бұрын
Really
Awesome story, congratulations Fawn keep going 🎉
Absolutely outstanding! We have a bottle and will purchase more.
I really would like to meet her and just shake her hand in person and say I’m so very proud of you for standing your ground and not selling out god bless you for having the fortitude.
Wow, this was so inspirational! What a wonderful testament of resilience, determination and breaking down barriers. My husband owns a liquor brand and the journey has not been easy for him as African American, but I believe in God, my husband, and the gift. The gift of the brand that was given to him by God. Like she said there is a reason why we are here and our purpose is greater. Thank you for sharing your story ❤
@futuremrsbillionaire
Ай бұрын
Can you share the brand? So we can request or look for it in our local store. I pray you and your husband have much success 🩷
Keep on going. Miss Fawn Weaver.
This is so inspirational. So many nuggets of wisdom and great business acumen.
What an amazing human being and fierce leader. Really cool stuff.
I visited there back in October, she has the longest bar in the world there-a sight to see! It's such an Amazing, Beautiful, Full of History, fun filled place! FYI-have your "walking shoes" on!👟 And to hear my sistas story, makes me have even more of an Appreciation for her dream come true!! #UncleNearest 🤎✊🏽🤎
Thank you Fawn and Uncle Nearest. Inspiring story and awesome whiskey.
Wow. American history is soo important. There’s always more to unravel that’s been intentionally hidden. Ms. Fawn Weaver, you are amazing!
Wow so empowering First time hearing of the Uncle Nearest brand I heard about Nathaniel Green a few years back I never looked his connection with Jack Daniel’s like that So true if the plan was to hide Nathaniel Green we wouldn’t have heard of him
By chance killing time I came by this. Learn something everyday. This made me smile and subscribe. Thank you sis🌹
You can create your own narrative when you can tell a good story
@VitaKet
16 күн бұрын
Not sure if that's a good thing...
Wow so inspiring! I love me some aunty fawn.❤. When she said she tried to take her life twice and didn't succeed then laid there thinking there must be a reason that i am her resonates so much . Same here i knew God had a plan for my life after i didn't succeed all my attempts to take my iwn life 🙏🙏. Thank you for reminding me that God has a purpose for me
WOW!! I literally clapped at the end of this. An Absolutely Amazing story. Much respect 💯
If you can visit Uncle Nearest, you will love it! My husband and I have visited Uncle Nearest and it’s more than a distillery…it’s truly an experience into the spirit if Uncle Nearest.
This right here makes me emotional. I love this woman's vision and tenacity.
I got goosebumps when it was mentioned that Nearest was in the center of the picture
I love this. I wish I could be apart of something like this
I’m not a liquor drinker but I did support her and bought a bottle of Uncle Nearest ❤️
Phenomenal Story! I needed to see this TODAY!
What a great story and vision.
That woman is just next level incredible. Love her.
This Woman is an inspiration to all. Amazing and Strong. ❤
MAGIC PERSONIFIED.... BELIEF, FOCUS, DEDICATION, + SOME LUCK AND A WHOLE LOT OF SELF-LOVE.... OH YEAH AND A NICE SUIT TO GO WITH YOUR SUCCESS....🏆💰👑🙌🏾👸🏾⭐🔥
Such an intelligent and a brave woman. Salute.
This was a FBA man too, not a caribbean, or an african immigrant. This is our culture
@E.P.7131
Ай бұрын
Nearest Green and his method of distilling whiskey was from West Africa, Fawn Weaver has stated this in other interviews.
@beverlyclark9497
Ай бұрын
Why do you people trip he was a black man from slavery
@graffiticreative7649
Ай бұрын
@@E.P.7131 Which makes it foundational black American. Please keep up.
@E.P.7131
Ай бұрын
@@graffiticreative7649 Maybe I'm not understanding why the delineation between FBA and Caribbeans/Africans. The difference is literally a boat stop.
WOW! THIS WAS AMAZING!!! SO PROUD OF THIS WOMAN AND EVERYTHING SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED BEING THE VOICE OF MR GREEN
I love this, the story and drive that put it together. Learning to triumph against the odds or going against the grain is an amazing story. While I do not drink alcohol personally, I love seeing our Black Women succeed. Building generational wealth, heritage and brands is truly beautiful to see. Just wow
So proud to see this….you go sista🔥
Culture is everything !!!! Without it there is no WAY !!!! Little does she know her ancestors are the original indigenous peoples of America 👀👀👀👀👀, 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
Awesome story. Has made me curious and want to research it more.
omg no way!!!! I started at covenant house in downtown toronto it's amazing to see how far she made it! gives me inspiration LOVE
👍🏿 Continue to ascend!!!! Great Whiskey!!
My lord . . . Literally crying. Incredible journey, incredible story!