Victoria Eady Butler is a descendant of one of the whiskey industry’s most influential (and too often overlooked) figures, Nathan “Nearest” Green. But that isn’t her only distinction. Victoria is the Master Blender at Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in Shelbyville, TN, and she’s history’s first-known Black female master whiskey blender. From her ancestry (her great-great-grandfather taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey) to her career shift from the Department of Justice to the distilling industry, Victoria’s story is a fascinating one.
The Uncle Nearest brand boasts an impressive roster of awards that could rival the Oscars, and Victoria was even named Master Blender of 2021 by Whisky Magazine — the first female to ever hold the title. Victoria is also an integral part of fundraising efforts to support underfunded Black colleges and universities around the country, and she’s ensuring that her great-great-grandfather’s legacy is an indelible one. Get to know this inspiring FACE of the South!
First things first. Can you give us a brief history of Uncle Nearest himself and how the distillery came about?
Nearest Green was a creative man who crafted some of the best whiskey around. Growing up, my grandmother, Nearest Green’s granddaughter, made sure that our whole family — and anyone else who would listen — knew that her grandfather taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey.
He is also credited with helping to perfect the Lincoln County Process, which is the process of filtering whiskey through sugar maple charcoal. Back in 2013, the governor of Tennessee actually signed this into law, stating that any whiskey labeled Tennessee Whiskey has to meet all the qualifications of bourbon and go through the Lincoln County Process in order for it to be considered Tennessee Whiskey.
I did not know the true extent of Nearest’s contribution to the spirits industry until our CEO and founder, Fawn Weaver, uncovered much more and shared it with my family, including the fact that he was the first African American Master Distiller on record.
What is your career background, and what inspired you to follow in his footsteps?
I was fortunate to have a career in government as an Analytical Manager with the Regional Organized Crime Information Center in Nashville before I joined the Uncle Nearest team. In 2016, when Fawn arrived in Tennessee, she started meeting the townspeople of Lynchburg, TN, and my family, Nearest Green’s descendants. When she asked me to join the team, it was an opportunity that I could not say no to — to be a part of continuing my great-great-grandfather’s legacy, one that lay dormant for more than 160 years. It was an opportunity to be a part of something really special.
Considering the nature of the industry, have you met challenges on the path to becoming the first-known Black female master blender?
Oddly enough, I haven’t faced many challenges in my role. I don’t know if it’s because I’m part of a team that has proved itself quickly, being the most-awarded whiskey for five years running, or if it’s because Fawn did a lot of the groundwork before I came along. But I haven’t had challenges in the industry based on race or gender.
I think that my team and I put the biggest challenge on ourselves because we’re not running a race to outdo anyone else in the industry. We’re not chasing dollars; we’re building history.
What was your first whiskey batch like? Was there a lot of trial and error?
Naturally, the first time I went in to blend, I was quite nervous. But once I got into it, the nerves quickly subsided, and I think one of the reasons is because Fawn put such great confidence in me. She set me up for success, and now I do it with ease. I have embraced my skillset and abilities and truly believe that whiskey is in my blood.
Can you tell us about the Nearest Green Foundation and your role in it?
The foundation was actually established before the whiskey brand was even launched. Fawn knew it was needed, and it’s a blessing that all of the family embraces. In terms of my role, I currently oversee the foundation with Fawn.
The main goal of the foundation is to empower education. For descendants of Nearest to further their education without financial hardship is a real blessing.
Uncle Nearest is one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the United States. It also carries the distinction of being the most successful Black-owned distillery in the world. To what do you attribute its success?
It’s all about ensuring Nearest Green’s legacy is cemented in history. We have won so many awards, and each one is extremely appreciated. From the brand’s initial launch, our focus has always been about Nearest, and it always will be; I think that is where our success lies.
If we’re looking to try our first Uncle Nearest whiskey, what’s your go-to recommendation and your suggested way of drinking it?
For a whiskey drinker, I recommend trying Uncle Nearest for the first time neat or on a big cube. I like for a person to taste the fullness of the whiskey to really appreciate the amazing flavor. I recommend a balanced cocktail to a first-timer or those who don’t typically drink whiskey.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always be true to yourself. Learn and grow continuously … But always be authentically you.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Beyond my faith, family (including the Uncle Nearest team and my amazing sorority sisters), and friends, there really isn’t anything I can’t live without. But here are three things that immediately come to mind that I would not want to give up: my morning cup of coffee, the enjoyment/excitement of watching a good football game, and the thrill of reading a fascinating book.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What destination is at the top of your travel bucket list? Costa Rica
What hidden gem in the South should we have on our radar? Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery
What is one daily self-care practice you employ or product you use? Dove Foaming Wash
All photos courtesy of Amy Haring.
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