Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest

Love & WhiskeyWritten and narrated by Fawn WeaverA notable quote from Love & Whiskey: “Some things, like good whiskey, just takes time.” And time was needed to make good whiskey and history. Fawn Weaver embodies the essence of divine intervention and Love & Whiskey is the representation of words that God breathed into her with a purpose so profound, unequivocal and intentional that only she could have conceived and nurtured it. It was her purpose and Shelby, TN was her destiny!As I listened to the story, I became captivated with Mrs. Weaver and the dedication and sacrifice it took to write this remarkable tale that trancends whiskey and love, it encompasses friendships, family, legacy, history and truth. Moreover, it chronicles a woman's journey of self-discovery that tested her patience, finances, and at times, her sanity and truth and I love that through it all, her rock and husband, Keith Weaver stayed tried and true, a ride or die that is loyally by her side supporting her vision from the start as his role was instrumental in this journey.Mrs. Weaver understood the assignment when she boldly declared “Uncle Nearest is about more than whiskey, and I’m never going to sell it.” This statement resonated deeply with me. She recognized what many of our ancestors didn’t and that’s: no amount of money could replace a birthright. This narrative is indeed the birthright of the Green family, which Mrs. Weaver has selflessly honored and selflessly bestowed to them.Jeffrey Wright said it best, “We’re victors now, and we can tell these stories and tell them right—tell them freely, properly, in a way that celebrates who we are without bias.” well Mrs. Weaver brought Nearest from obscurity and unapologetically showed the world exactly who this incredible ingenious man, Nearest Green was, never tarnishing anyone else’s reputation or heritage thus solidifying Nearest Green’s legacy loudly, proudly and publicly with pride and authenticity.I loved every moment in this story and await the movie because of course a movie has to be made! Its merits and emotion woven into the narration was palpable and I felt her passion, excitement and determination as she recounted her experience. She transported me to a time when color barriers were nonexistent, challenging the societal norms of the Nearest Green’s era. Mrs. Weaver illustrated how collaboration can foster positive change and love. The town’s embrace of her, her efforts and their eagerness to share tales of Nearest, and their welcoming spirit were beautifully depicted. She had me a lil scarrred at some scenes but when God calls you to walk a predetermined path, one must proceed with faith, knowing divine protection is assured.Love & Whiskey is a divine masterpiece, a love letter crafted with purpose and intention.Thank you Fawn weaver for this monumental story based on man, his friend and making whiskey. Thank you for sharing your journey allowing us to walk with you learning another hidden Black treasure long buried in the earth so deep it took a SHEro to excavate it, dust it off, shine it up so pretty and showcase it to the world. Well done ma’am, well done.I don’t drink whiskey, but in honor of this wonderful story being told, I raise a glass and toast to Fawn Weaver, her team and to the man we all now know as Nearest Green aka Uncle Nearest.Cheers 🥃

This is an incredible read. Uplifting. Engaging. Educational. Socially relevant. All the things! While I heard Fawn Weaver talk about the research that went into the story of Nearest Green, the way this book wove together her journey to building Uncle Nearest the company through the story of Nearest Green the distiller was masterful. It was both historical novel and business blueprint. I re-read every page at least once before moving on because there were so many nuggets of inspiration and pointers for business I didn't want to miss a single one. If you haven't read it, it needs to be next on your list!

What an enlightening journey into the history of the humble beginnings of an empire. Fawn Weaver weaves a story of the friendship between Jack Daniels and Nearest Green. Although the story is biographical in nature, it reads like an intriguing novel of family mysteries and revelations. The story begins with Ms. Weaver's childhood and how she dropped out of school and left home. Early in her life, she proved that she was destined to be a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman. She stumbles upon an article about Nearest Green and is determined to go to his home state and uncover as much as she can. I do not believe Ms. Weaver (and husband, Keith) ever expected to learn so much and ultimately begin a whiskey distillery that would eventually turn into a multi-billion-dollar industry. The rise to this multi-billion-dollar business did not come easily; this small business had to fight its way to the top.The discovery of the descendants of the families of Jack Daniels and Nearest Green was heartwarming, and the interjection of family photos really humanized this story. I really enjoyed the transparency of the facts and figures surrounding the birth of Nearest Green Whiskey, which changed the trajectory of their lives. It is truly a "Rich to Richer" story for the current times.

Good information but too much going on. Is it a memoir? a biography? a history treatise?

A captivating read from start to finish. The uncovered history of a new American Icon, Uncle Nearest! Fawn's dedication to the research, and getting the story as right as humanly possible makes the book all that more enjoyable. I especiallyliked to sip on some U.N. 1856 as I read through the pages. It was like learning the history while experiencing history in the making! Kudos on an excellent book and superior new American Award winning liquor. The Trifecta for me was listening on Audible while reading and sipping!!!

What an amazing story of Nearest Green, his impact on Jack Daniel's success, and their unlikely friendship! I loved how the author intertwined her own personal story with theirs and made thus a read that I could not put down! Butler this book if you love history, black history, Tennessee history, whisky, restoration, entrepreneurship..... just read it!

Great, easy read

Very interesting true story. The only problem was the black man who gave this very well known whiskey maker his start is not included in the other man’s profits. Yes, the black man has his own superior brand which the company produces but to me, it is shameful that the black man doesn’t have a share of the well known brands profits.Unfortunately this is a fairly common issue. Adjust to be clear, I am a white person saying this is wrong.