Jack Daniel’s whiskey is a globally recognized brand, but few know the full story of its origins. Central to this story is the question: How Did Jack Daniels Learn To Make Whiskey? The answer lies in a unique relationship that transcended the racial divides of the 19th-century American South. A key figure in this narrative is Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved African-American man who played a pivotal role in shaping Jack Daniel’s whiskey-making knowledge.
Nearest Green’s Influence on Jack Daniel
A photograph from the 1900s, hanging in Jack Daniel’s old office, offers a glimpse into this remarkable history. It depicts Jack Daniel alongside his distillery crew, with an African-American worker, believed to be George Green, seated prominently beside him. George was Nearest Green’s son, and Nearest, along with Reverend Dan Call, taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey making.
Learning the Craft at a Young Age
Jack Daniel left home in his youth, finding work on Reverend Call’s farm in the late 1850s. Call owned a still, overseen by Nearest Green, where Jack developed a keen interest in distilling. In the pre-Civil War era, Nearest mentored young Jack, sharing his expertise and shaping Jack’s lifelong passion for whiskey. This mentorship laid the foundation for the Jack Daniel’s whiskey we know today.
From Slave to Master Distiller
Following the Civil War, Reverend Call faced pressure to abandon his distilling operation. He sold the business to Jack Daniel, and Nearest, now a free man, became the first master distiller for the Jack Daniel Distillery. This was a significant departure from the norms of the time, highlighting Jack Daniel’s respect for Nearest’s skill and their unique bond. While slave labor was prevalent, Jack Daniel never owned slaves and instead employed a diverse workforce, built on mutual respect and shared passion for whiskey making.
The Green Family Legacy
Nearest Green’s influence extended beyond his own tenure. His sons and grandsons continued the family tradition, working at the Jack Daniel Distillery for generations. For over 150 years, a member of the Green family has been involved in the distillery, a testament to Nearest’s enduring legacy and the deep connection between the two families.
A Lasting Tribute
Today, visitors to the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, can see the historic photograph of Jack Daniel and George Green. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the often untold story of how Jack Daniel learned to make whiskey, a story deeply intertwined with the skill, knowledge, and legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green. It’s a story of mentorship, friendship, and the enduring impact of one man on the history of American whiskey.
