Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey - Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

 In honor of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller, the distillery bearing his name has been producing award winning whiskeys with back-to-back "World's Best," at the 2019 and 2020 World Whiskies Awards.

I'll be reviewing their Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, and their Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey.

1884 Small Batch Whiskey. 46.5% abv

Colour: Russet/Muscat

Nose: Initially on nosing you get this sugary honey sweetness, with touches of chocolate-orange intermingled with a little spiciness.

Palate: Soft vanilla is accompanied by touches of caramel, and a darker, richer honey sweetness, then as on the nose, some toasted oak and light spice

Finish: Medium, chocolatey slightly dry tannic finish.

1856 Premium Whiskey. 50% abv.

Colour: Russet/Muscat.

Nose: Lots of vanilla, touches of honeysuckle sweetness and floral.

Palate: Nose and palate in total sync, mirroring each other perfectly.  The complex honey flavors giving way to the more subtle floral notes, with a complex creamy mouthfeel.

Finish: Long juicy sweet finish with hints of soft vanilla oak that persist to the very end.

I was told that these whiskies are both 4-5-year old, but no age statement is included on the labels.  The 1884 mass bill is supposedly 80% corn with the remainder being rye and malted barley blended for consistency, while the 1856 is a blend of 4 different mash bills.

I can honestly say, Uncle Nearest has hit it out of the park again.  These are two wonderful expressions.  The 1856 Premium Whiskey being the better of the two for me, but that probably comes down to the higher abv.

Slàinte mhath!