The Hidden Figure
ABOUT
Do you know who the Godfather of Tennessee whiskey is? And nope, it’s not Jack Daniel. It’s the Black man who taught him how to make whiskey.
Uncle Nathan Nearest Green, also known as Uncle Nearest, was the formerly enslaved Black man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Uncle Nearest is commonly referred to as “the best whiskey maker the world never knew.” It is believed that in 1856, he perfected the Lincoln County Process and later taught Jack Daniel this technique.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the process, right after distillation, the whiskey is filtered through charcoal chips prior to aging. Also known as “charcoal mellowing,” this technique is used to remove any impurities from the whiskey prior to aging, and to also create a smoother and more palatable spirit. Today, almost all Tennessee whiskies go through the Lincoln Country Process. Calling Uncle Nearest the Godfather of American whiskey is an understatement.
The base spirit for this drink is Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey. With notes of caramel, apple, and baking spices like clove and nutmeg, this is still an incredibly smooth whiskey. Honey syrup is added for sweetness and lemon juice helps to balance the drink out. I used my favorite brand of Prosecco — La Marca. But you can use any sparkling wine of your choice.
This drink is served in a Champagne flute. A lemon twist is an optional garnish.
Recipe Type: Cocktails
Glassware: Champagne Flute
Servings: 1
INGREDIENTS
1 oz. Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey
1/2 oz. honey syrup
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
Fill with sparkling wine
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all of the ingredients, except for the sparkling wine, to a cocktail shaker
Add ice
Shake for a few seconds
Strain into a Champagne flute
Fill with sparkling wine of your choice
Serve