Where Legacy and Love Meet

It can be hard for us to connect what we read to our personal lives, especially when these readings don’t connect without the surroundings. I had believed I was already familiar with lives and histories beyond my own, but reading Love & Whiskey by Fawn Weaver over the summer showed me otherwise. The book introduced me to a story I had never fully considered: the legacy of the South and the small Tennessee distillery named after Nearest Green. Amid all the anticipation leading up to the trip—and the long 3½-hour trek from Atlanta to Nashville—I can confidently say the wait was absolutely worth it. 

The two themes that resonated most with me during the trip were legacy and love. Whether through the stories of Nearest Green—his devotion to his craft and his connection with Jack Daniels—or through the legacy that Mrs. and Mr. Weaver chose to honor and expand, what stood out most was the care and attention to detail evident in every corner of the distillery. Every component, from the narration to the exhibits, seemed purposeful, resulting in a place that honored history and allowed guests to experience its gravity and importance.

Upon entering the distillery, I was welcomed by plaques on the walls of the distillery that told the tale of Nearest Green and the techniques that have come to characterize Tennessee whiskey. Green was an enslaved man who began honing his craft in whiskey making at a young age. While working for a local preacher, he met Jasper Daniel, a young boy seeking employment, who also ended up working for the same preacher. After sharing his knowledge and techniques, Nearest Green played a crucial role in helping Jasper Daniel develop what would eventually become the Jack Daniel’s whiskey brand. Visiting the Uncle Nearest Distillery brings Nearest Green's history to life, as you can see the tools, smell the barrels, and hear the guides' stories. Traveling from Atlanta to Tennessee makes this experience even richer, letting you feel the history of the South. 

One thing I would note is that while I liked the speakeasy (which just so happened to remind me of the movie Sinners), some aspects conflict with the marketing and legacy. I appreciated the focus on the women's movement and Ida B. Wells, but I wish the tour had highlighted the connection between that and Nearest Green's legacy more clearly. While both are important, it’s not very obvious how they relate, aside from occurring around the same time. 

While honoring legacy is a way to show appreciation and love, some aspects of the distillery specifically highlight that love. The office is adorned with black-and-white photos of family and friends, fostering a sense of connection and shared history. Even the layout of the space suggests that it was created as a space to commune. Another detail we were explained was that Fawn Weaver named the restaurant of the distillery 'Humble Baron' in order to "honor him while he's still here to witness it". These details encapsulate the essence of the distillery, where love and legacy are proudly pronounced.

To me, the distillery serves as a love story in itself, dedicated to the Black community. It is a pristine example of excellence that just so happens to be black. The Nearest Green Distillery holds special meaning for the Black community as it represents a place that honors one of us by one of us.

In conclusion, the Nearest Green Distillery embodies a powerful connection between legacy and love. It showcases the remarkable story of Nearest Green, honoring his contributions, family, and craft. Being able to step outside the classroom and see the pages of this book come to life encourages me as an honors student to reflect on what I want my legacy to be in the future as the next generation of black excellence. This retreat invites us to see ourselves not only as Spelman College students striving for academic success, but also as the following torch bearers of the incredible change we have the power to make.

By Christine "Cycy" Cherestal