Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has done it again, dropping a bottle that’s got everyone talking. The 2025 Master Blend Edition, named the World’s Best Bourbon by top bartenders at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards, is hitting shelves across the country for the first time ever. This isn’t just another whiskey release—it’s a big deal, a collector’s dream, and a nod to a legendary figure in American whiskey history. With only 8,888 bottles available, this limited-edition release celebrates eight years of Uncle Nearest’s mission to honor Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller. Here’s why this bottle deserves a spot in your collection.
A Historic Release with Deep Roots
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey isn’t just about making great whiskey—it’s about telling a story that’s been overlooked for too long. The brand, launched in 2017, pays tribute to Nearest Green, a man who played a key role in shaping Tennessee whiskey as we know it. Green, born around 1820, was the first master distiller for Jack Daniel’s, teaching a young Jack Daniel the craft of distilling. His expertise, including the Lincoln County Process of filtering whiskey through sugar maple charcoal, helped define what makes Tennessee whiskey so smooth and distinctive.
The 2025 Master Blend Edition marks the brand’s eighth anniversary with a bold move: for the first time, this exclusive whiskey, once only available at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is going nationwide. With just 8,888 bottles released—each one symbolizing a year of the brand’s journey—this is one of the few limited releases Uncle Nearest is offering in 2025. It’s a chance to own a piece of history, crafted with care and rooted in a legacy that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Crafted by a Master: Victoria Eady Butler’s Vision
At the heart of this release is Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green and a four-time Master Blender of the Year. Her skill is unmatched, and her approach to blending is personal. For every Uncle Nearest batch, Butler hand-picks barrels she believes are the best of the best, setting them aside for something special. For the 2025 Master Blend, she’s combined these standout barrels to create what the brand calls its “most perfect expression yet.”
Butler’s touch is evident in every sip. She describes this blend as a celebration of the past eight years and a look toward the future. “It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and I can’t wait for more people to finally experience it,” she said. Her work has earned the Master Blend Edition over 270 awards, including 46 Double Golds, 106 Gold Medals, and 32 Best in Class honors. In 2025 alone, it took home titles like World’s Best Bourbon, Best Whisky, Best Tennessee Whiskey, and Spirit of the Year at the Bartender Spirits Awards, plus top honors at the SIP Awards and the ADI International Spirits Awards. That’s not just a trophy case—it’s a testament to Butler’s craft.
What’s in the Glass: A Flavor That Packs a Punch
The 2025 Master Blend Edition is a cask-strength whiskey, bottled at a robust 55.5% ABV (111 proof), so it’s not for the faint of heart. Pour it into a glass, and you’ll notice its deep amber color, hinting at the richness inside. The aroma hits you first with layers of caramelized sugar, warm baking spices, and ripe dark fruits like figs and plums. As you let it breathe, notes of molasses, charred oak, and a touch of toasted pecan come through, inviting you to take that first sip.
On the palate, this whiskey is full-bodied and intense, but it stays smooth and balanced. You’ll taste burnt orange peel, fig jam, and vanilla bean, all wrapped in a bold, spicy oak backbone. The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of cinnamon, caramel, and a hint of red berries. It’s the kind of whiskey that demands your attention, perfect for sipping neat or with a splash of water to open up its complex flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it by the fire or sharing it with friends, this is a bottle that delivers an experience you won’t forget.
A Collector’s Dream with a Hidden Surprise
What makes this release even more special? Only 8,888 bottles are available, making it a rare find for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. Each bottle is a tribute to Nearest Green’s legacy, but there’s an extra thrill: a small number of bottles come with a signature from Victoria Eady Butler herself. It’s not marked on the label, so finding one is like striking gold. This “Easter egg” adds a personal touch, making each bottle a potential keepsake for those lucky enough to snag one.
Priced at a suggested retail of $149, the 2025 Master Blend Edition is a steal for its quality and rarity. It’s already sold out in presale on ReserveBar.com, showing just how much demand there is. If you’re hoping to get your hands on one, check the “Find” section on the Uncle Nearest website for a list of retailers in the 32 markets where it’s available. But act fast—these bottles won’t last long.
More Than Whiskey: A Legacy of Excellence
Uncle Nearest isn’t just about making great whiskey; it’s about rewriting history. Founded by Fawn Weaver, the brand was the first to bear the name of a Black American, shining a light on Nearest Green’s contributions to the whiskey world. Since its launch in 2017, Uncle Nearest has racked up over 1,450 awards, including 953 Gold medals or higher and 155 Best in Class honors, with an average critic’s score of 91. It’s the most-awarded bourbon and American whiskey brand from 2019 to 2024, and it’s available in all 50 states, 26 countries, and over 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants.
The Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is a destination in its own right, ranking as the seventh most-visited distillery in the world. Spanning 458 acres, it’s a place where visitors can taste the whiskey, learn about Green’s story, and see the craft in action. The 2025 Master Blend Edition is a milestone for the distillery, marking the first time this exclusive bottle has left its gates to reach a wider audience.
Why This Bottle Stands Out
In a world where new whiskey brands pop up every day, Uncle Nearest stands apart by staying true to its roots. This isn’t about chasing trends or throwing out gimmicky flavors—it’s about craftsmanship, heritage, and telling a story that matters. The 2025 Master Blend Edition isn’t just a drink.
