Brand Celebrates Eight Years with a Limited Collector’s Release.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has unveiled its 2025 Master Blend Edition in honor of its eighth anniversary. Previously available only at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee, this marks the first time the coveted expression will be sold nationwide. A total of 8,888 bottles will be released, symbolizing eight years of honoring the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller. This edition is one of few limited releases planned by the brand for 2025.
Crowned World’s Best Bourbon at Bartender Spirits Awards
The 2025 Master Blend Edition recently earned top accolades at the Bartender Spirits Awards, including World’s Best Bourbon, Best Whisky, Best Tennessee Whiskey, and Spirit of the Year. In total, the expression has received over 270 awards, including 46 Double Golds and 32 Best in Class honors. It was also recognized at the SIP Awards with consecutive Consumer Choice and Innovation awards, as well as Best Bottled and Blended Tennessee Whiskey at the ADI International Spirits Awards.
Crafted by Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler
Each Master Blend is created by Victoria Eady Butler, fifth-generation Nearest Green descendant and four-time Master Blender of the Year. Butler hand-selects standout barrels from each batch and blends them into a bold, cask-strength whiskey. The 2025 release features layered notes of caramelized sugar, dark fruit, and warm baking spice. “This Master Blend is a celebration not just of the past eight years, but of everything that lies ahead,” said Butler. “It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and I can’t wait for more people to finally experience it.”
Limited Bottles Include Surprise Butler Signature
Adding to its collectible value, a select number of bottles will include a hidden signature from Butler herself—an “Easter Egg” within the release. The suggested retail price for the 2025 Master Blend Edition is $149, and it will be available in 32 markets across the U.S. While the edition has already sold out in presale on ReserveBar.com, retail availability can be found through the “Find” feature on the Uncle Nearest website.
CEO Fawn Weaver Calls It a Milestone Release
Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, emphasized the significance of this nationwide release. “It takes a truly special occasion—like our 8th anniversary—to justify releasing our most beloved bottle from Nearest Green Distillery into the market,” said Weaver. “The Master Blend Edition flies off our shelves every week for good reason. It has earned more golds, double golds, and ‘Best in Class’ honors than nearly any other expression we’ve ever created. It’s the crème de la crème of Uncle Nearest.”
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