INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Embark on a captivating journey with Love & Whiskey. New York Times bestselling author Fawn Weaver unveils the hidden narrative behind one of America’s most iconic whiskey brands. This book is a vibrant exploration set in the present day, delving into the life and legacy of Nearest Green, the African American distilling genius who played a pivotal role in the creation of the whiskey that bears Jack Daniel’s name.
Set against the backdrop of Lynchburg, Tennessee, this narrative weaves together a thrilling blend of personal discovery, historical investigation, and the revelation of a story long overshadowed by time. Through extensive research, personal interviews, and the uncovering of long-buried documents, Weaver brings to light not only the remarkable bond between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel but also Daniel’s concerted efforts during his lifetime to ensure Green’s legacy would not be forgotten. This deep respect for his teacher, mentor, and friend was mirrored in Jack’s dedication to ensuring that the stories and achievements of Nearest Green’s descendants, who continued the tradition of working side by side with Jack and his descendants, would also not be forgotten.
Love & Whiskey is more than just a recounting of historical facts; it’s a live journey into the heart of storytelling, where every discovery adds a layer to the rich tapestry of American history. Weaver’s pursuit highlights the importance of acknowledging those who have shaped our cultural landscape; yet remained in the shadows.
As Weaver intertwines her present-day quest with the historical threads of Green and Daniel’s lives, she not only pays homage to their legacy but also spearheads the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. This endeavor has not only brought Nearest Green’s name to the forefront of the whiskey industry but has also set new records, symbolizing a step forward in recognizing and celebrating African American contributions to the spirit world.
Love & Whiskey invites readers to witness a story of enduring friendship, resilience, and the impact of giving credit where it’s long overdue. It’s an inspiring tale of how uncovering the past can forge new paths and how the spirit of whiskey has connected lives across generations. Join Fawn Weaver on this extraordinary adventure, as she navigates through the layers of history, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds formed by the legacy of America’s native spirit, ensuring the stories of Nearest Green and his descendants live on in the heart of American culture.
Missy Brown –
This book captured my attention as an enlightening and powerful tribute to an important true story of love, friendship and support that doesn’t fit the traditional stories of relationships between whites and blacks in the south in the1800’s. Fawn Weaver’s well-documented story of Nearest Green, Jack Daniel, their families and Lynchburg is told with care and reverence. Her commitment to raising up their story in a way that honors much more than whiskey is captivating. The winding path to the creation and meteoric rise of Uncle Nearest Distillery in such a short period of time is mind boggling and a great study in how to achieve the seemingly impossible by deciding you cannot fail and working tirelessly to meet each challenge as it arises.
You will not forget this story once you’ve read it, and you will wish you could have been part of its creation in one form or another!
Mary –
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.
Mary Brown –
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!
Holly B –
I visited Uncle Nearest Distillery last August , and was truly in awe ! Learning the history of Nearest Green , the book Love & Whisky is an excellent read delving into the history of Nearest Green and his descendants . As Fawn Weaver writes in her book , “ love, Honor, and Respect” I cherish these three words. Weavers writing is filled with richness , truth , and resilience !! ♥️♥️♥️
Mary Brown –
WOW! What an incredible story this is! This book is an absolute page turner. From someone that doesn’t read as much as I’d like, I finished this book in two sittings. Fawn Weaver’s story and the story of Nearest Green is so incredibly compelling that I just couldn’t put it down. This is true, American History, so if you like anything from history, leadership, brand building, building and growing a company, to whiskey, the spirits industry, Tennessee history, etc. this book is for you! Congrats to Fawn and her team at Uncle Nearest for their incredible rise in the industry. Really looking forward to seeing them continue to build and grow!
Missy Brown –
Fawn Weaver’s compelling narrative of love, honor, history, and whiskey weaves together the extraordinary friendship of two men ahead of their time, uniting the people of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Fueled by extensive research, her storytelling skillfully brings to life the hidden tale of Uncle Nearest, resonating with warmth and emotion.
The depth of the relationship between the Daniels and the Greens is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the heartwarming essence of love and whiskey. Fawn’s unwavering commitment to preserving this history is evident, making her story both captivating and meaningful.
Prepare to be immersed in the rich history revealed by Fawn’s research, gain insight into Fawn’s own journey and partnership with Keith (her husband) to establish Uncle Nearest, and uncover the intriguing history of Lynchburg, TN. This promises to be an enlightening and enthralling experience.
Mary –
“They’d lived this history; I was just trying to piece it together.” – Fawn Weaver
This book is more than the forgotten history of Nearest Green or the untold truth of how Jack Daniels came to be. It’s a window into the woman who brought both of their stories to life with Love, Respect & Honor.
I read an early manuscript. It shook me, shocked me, challenged me and honestly changed me. Good stories are great medicine and this one is still being written.
It’s hard to categorize L&W in any one genre because this story is a living work of art as much as it is a written work. It’s history, strategy, business, biography, faith and culture all in one page-turning journey. What other story is being taught in MBA classes at Harvard Business School and mentioned in church pulpits on Sunday morning? Three threads tie it all together: Love, Respect & Honor.
Since finishing the early manuscript I’ve ordered several copies for friends & family. As one of Green’s descendants said about Fawn, “I want to thank God for placing this vision on her heart & guiding her here at this appointed time.” This is indeed a love story that is bigger than all of us and one we sorely need reminding of.