Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey breaks tradition by releasing 8,888 bottles of its Master Blend Edition beyond distillery gates, marking the Tennessee brand’s eighth anniversary with its most decorated expression to date.
The limited release, which earned World’s Best Bourbon at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards, will be part of an historic nationwide expansion. Previously exclusive to visitors at the Nearest Green Distillery in Tennessee, the cask-strength whiskey will now reach 32 markets across the United States at $149 per bottle.
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READ THE STORYUncle Nearest Master Blend Edition’s Decorated History
The Master Blend Edition has accumulated an impressive collection of accolades since its creation. The expression has earned 46 Double Gold medals, 106 Gold medals, and 32 Best in Class honors across multiple competitions. In 2025 alone, bartenders named it World’s Best Bourbon, Best Whisky, Best Tennessee Whiskey, and Spirit of the Year at the Bartender Spirits Awards.
The whiskey also secured Consumer Choice and Innovation awards at the SIP Awards for two consecutive years. The ADI International Spirits Awards recognized it as Best Bottled and Blended Tennessee Whiskey, adding to its growing list of achievements.
Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green, crafts each edition by selecting exceptional barrels from every batch. These standout barrels are then blended to create the final product.
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Uncle Nearest 2025 Master Blend Edition
The Uncle Nearest 2025 Master Blend Edition showcases notes of caramelized sugar, dark fruit, and warm baking spice in what the distillery calls “our most perfect expression yet”.
“This Master Blend is a celebration not just of the past eight years, but of everything that lies ahead,” said Butler, speaking about the 2025 edition. “It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and I can’t wait for more people to finally experience it.”
The 8,888-bottle release commemorates Uncle Nearest’s eighth year of honoring Nearest Green, recognized as the first known African American master distiller. The bottle count directly references this anniversary milestone, making it one of the few limited releases from Uncle Nearest this year.
Adding collector appeal, some bottles will contain Butler’s signature as a hidden surprise within the release. This Easter egg element increases the desirability for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors seeking rare expressions.
The presale phase on ReserveBar.com sold out quickly, indicating strong demand for the previously exclusive expression. Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, noted the significance of this release decision.
“It takes a truly special occasion—like our 8th anniversary—to justify releasing our most beloved bottle from Nearest Green Distillery into the market,” Weaver stated. “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.”
Consumers interested in purchasing the 2025 Master Blend Edition can find retailer information in the “Find” section on the Uncle Nearest website. With limited quantities available and strong initial demand, the expression is likely to sell out quickly.
