Legacy of Love: The Beauty of the Uncle Nearest Experience (3 points)

When embarking on a road trip to a whiskey distillery at eighteen years of age, it makes you wonder if you will learn something suited towards you. After all, partaking in whiskey consumption at eighteen may generate some confusion. However, I have learned that there is so much knowledge waiting at the door for those who come to see it, especially in the most unlikely places. The Uncle Nearest Distillery experience offered more than some words and some whiskey; a passionate purpose was the root of the bountiful fruit it produces today.

While Love & Whiskey was able to express the deep connection Uncle Nearest had with the author, being at the distillery in person was a way for anyone to build their own relationship with the great Uncle Nearest. Being there in person allowed everyone to see the consequences of the hard work of our people, and seeing how successful the distillery was gave me hope. Despite the upsetting circumstances that African Americans had to endure, there are still many successes to be celebrated, such as this one. In this celebration, there is a community coming together, from different walks of life, to experience the rich history of Uncle Nearest. The author was able to forge her own connection, including her birthday. Even though not everyone can have the same birthday as Uncle Nearest, they can still experience his genius today. The beauty of the grounds, the smell of the whiskey in the storage room, and the unification of people to hear the same beautiful story gives us these opportunities to make our own experience meaningful.

While the distillery holds many positive assets, I pondered the rough and trying experiences people have had with alcohol. While I was jokingly asking my friends if I could own a distillery one day, I later wondered, could I? Could I deal with the multitude of customers who would come every day? Could I deal with the changes that would happen over the years in governmental and social practices, as a business owner? Because of this, I find it extremely admirable to take on such a position, especially with the complicated questions involved.  

This reminds me of Robin D.G. Kelley’s Freedom Dreams, where it shows that even during times of oppression, an imagination for a better future is required. The establishment of the Uncle Nearest Distillery is a result of that imagination; there is so much more that can be accomplished, even in the face of injustice and hard times. Uncle Nearest’s legacy is not only reflected in a bottle of whiskey, but in the love he left for his family, in order to continue rising above the society he was in.

All in all, being a part of this retreat has really opened up my mind to what exists beyond the classroom. Over the years, I have gotten used to the setting of a classroom and focusing on a number to make it through the year. However, this experience (as well as the Honors Program mission) has encouraged me to explore more of our history outside of one setting. So much can be told in a book, but who knows what else can be told in the experiences all around me? So, when embarking on a road trip to a whiskey distillery at eighteen years of age, you most certainly can gain a significant experience—an experience of history that pushes you to journey beyond the classroom into the lap of intellectual discovery.

by Eden Williams

Class of 2029

The Love Story - In this room, the family's history hangs on the walls, with people coming together in here for a good time.

Complexity - This part of history showed the hidden get-togethers during prohibition. Yet, this room still has a kind of love story, as people still came together to celebrate during a confusing time.

Brand vs. History - This mural represents the heights to where anyone can go, especially through being inspired by Uncle Nearest's journey.