An enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey

Fawn Weaver

Fawn Weaver is behind the distillery honoring an enslaved black who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Praised for its smoothness, rich flavors of caramel, vanilla, oak, and fruit (like apricot/banana), UncleNearest is a whiskey brand and heritage project centered on the life and legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the formerly enslaved American Black man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey in the 19th century. The brand spotlights Nearest’s role as a master distiller through a premium whiskey lineup, including aged Tennessee whiskies and limited releases, produced at the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

• Mission and legacy: Commemorates Nathan “Nearest” Green’s contribution to American whiskey, reframing historical recognition and celebrating Black craftsmanship in distilling.

• Product offerings: A range of Tennessee whiskies (including aged expressions and special editions) marketed for quality and heritage storytelling.

• Distillery and visitor experience: Operates a distillery with tours and a visitor center to share Nearest’s story, whiskey-making processes, and tastings.

• Education and philanthropy: The Uncle Nearest Foundation supports Black distillers and hospitality professionals through scholarships, training, and business development programs; initiatives aim to expand representation in the industry.

• Brand achievements: Emphasizes awards, industry recognition, and rapid growth as one of the fastest-growing American whiskey brands.

• Storytelling and media: Uses historical research, partnerships, and museum-quality exhibits to document and promote Nearest’s life, including books, films, or documentary projects tied to the brand’s narrative.

Overall, UncleNearest positions itself as both a premium whiskey producer and a cultural corrective—commercially successful while also investing in historical recognition and opportunities for Black professionals in the spirits industry.

Visit > https://unclenearest.com/

Two sisters own the largest Black-owned Wine Company in the United States

These two amazing queens are making a difference in the winemaking industry for their family and generations to come. The McBride sisters grew up in Monterey, California and Marlborough, New Zealand among the vines and have carved out a path that they consider to be destiny.

Andréa and Robin are both passionate about all things wine; a love affair that was planted within them from an early age while growing up in two of the world’s most iconic wine-growing regions. In 2005, it was in California that they found themselves together and decided to shake up the industry with a blend of old-world elegance and new-world finesse. It was then that the McBride Sisters Collection was born.

As forward-thinking leaders in an industry historically defined by tradition and gender, Andréa and Robin saw every obstacle as an opportunity to chart their own path rather than follow the standard formula.

Their signature McBride Sisters Collection wine flavors are designed for all palates and is an ode to their history, culture and story and made to be enjoyed by all. The McBride Sisters’ mission has become clear—to transform the industry,

“LEAD BY EXAMPLE, AND CULTIVATE COMMUNITY, ONE DELICIOUS GLASS OF WINE, AT A TIME.”

McBride Sisters has grown to become the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States and one of the most inclusive, accessible, socially aware and sustainable.

Follow at @mcbridesisters

The first beer bar in Harlem owned by 3 HBCU grads

At Harlem Hops beer bar and restaurant you’ll find beer, booze, bites and beats, and you may even get a lesson in the African and African-American roots of beer. Opened by three awesome HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) grads, Kevin Bradford, Kim Harris, and Stacey Lee, they wanted more places to patronize within their own community and not have to travel to another neighborhood to enjoy a variety of beers. This was the beginning of the Harlem Hops beer bar and restaurant concept. Harlem Hops now sits on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.

So, let’s talk about the history and roots of beer. According to historian Tonya Hopkins, who is also known as the Food Griot, ancient Egyptians developed the malting process and perfected the brewing process at a large scale. This process traveled to Europe following the cultivation process. Some of the earliest brews in the world, such as Pumbe, Tempo Dolo, Burukutu and Tchakpalo, were found in Africa, which were brewed in warmer climates using cereals like Maize, Millet and Sorghum. Beer in Africa was not only used for nutrition, medicine, but also for religious, social and recreational reasons. It was also left in tombs of kings for brewing in the after life and was a key offering to the gods.

Harlem Hops is sure to give you great vibes, great beer and open the door to meeting new people and sparking entertaining conversations.