If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of Uncle Nearest.  Two of the most popular Uncle Nearest whiskeys are the 1856 and 1884 expressions. While both are aged Tennessee whiskeys, there are some key differences between them.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Uncle Nearest 1884 vs 1856 and explore their differences in taste, history, and aging. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or just starting out, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for these two exceptional whiskeys.

Uncle Nearest 1856 and 1884

When it comes to Uncle Nearest whiskey, there are two main varieties to choose from: the 1856 and the 1884. Each has its own unique history and flavor profile, making them both worth trying. Here’s what you need to know about each one:

History of Uncle Nearest 1856

Uncle Nearest 1856 is a Tennessee whiskey that is sourced from various distilleries in Tennessee. It is named after Nathan “Nearest” Green, a slave who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey. While Green’s story was largely unknown for many years, it has recently gained more attention, and Uncle Nearest whiskey seeks to honor his legacy.

The whiskey itself is aged for a minimum of seven years, giving it a smooth and mellow flavor. It is also 100 proof, making it a strong and bold choice for whiskey lovers. According to tasting notes, Uncle Nearest 1856 has a sweet aroma with hints of caramel and vanilla. On the palate, it is said to have a rich, oaky flavor with notes of butterscotch and spice.

History of Uncle Nearest 1884

Uncle Nearest 1884, on the other hand, is distilled at the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Tennessee. It is a premium whiskey that is crafted by fifth-generation Master Blender Victoria Butler. The whiskey is aged for at least seven years, giving it a smooth and complex flavor profile.

Unlike the 1856, Uncle Nearest 1884 is 93 proof, making it slightly less strong. It is also priced cheaper than the 1856, making it a more accessible option for those who want to try Uncle Nearest whiskey without breaking the bank. According to tasting notes, Uncle Nearest 1884 has a sweet aroma with hints of honey and butterscotch. On the palate, it is said to have a smooth and mellow flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.

Production Process

Uncle Nearest 1856 and Uncle Nearest 1884 are both premium whiskeys that are crafted with care and precision. Let’s take a closer look at the production process for each of these whiskeys:

Uncle Nearest 1856

photo Editorial credit: Keith Homan / Shutterstock.com

Uncle Nearest 1856 is distilled elsewhere as construction of the Nearest Green Distillery is still underway. The whiskey is made using a unique process developed by Fawn Weaver, the CEO of Uncle Nearest, and her team. The whiskey is aged for a minimum of 7 years in new American oak barrels, which gives it its rich and complex flavor profile.

The whiskey is made using a mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% barley, which gives it a sweet and spicy taste. After distillation, the whiskey is charcoal mellowed, which helps to remove any impurities and gives it a smooth finish.

Uncle Nearest 1884

photo source: unclenearest.com

Uncle Nearest 1884 is crafted at the Uncle Nearest Distillery by fifth-generation Master Blender Victoria Butler. The whiskey is made using a mash bill of 90% corn, 8% rye, and 2% barley, which gives it a sweet and slightly spicy taste.

After distillation, the whiskey is aged for an unspecified amount of time in new American oak barrels, which gives it its rich and complex flavor profile. The whiskey is then charcoal mellowed, which helps to remove any impurities and gives it a smooth finish.

Overall, the production process for both Uncle Nearest 1856 and Uncle Nearest 1884 is steeped in history and knowledge. The brand is black-owned and honors the legacy of Nathan “Nearest” Green, a former slave who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. Today, the brand is run by Fawn Weaver, who is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Uncle Nearest with the world.

Taste Comparison

When it comes to comparing Uncle Nearest 1884 and 1856, taste is where the real difference lies. Both whiskeys have their own unique flavors and aromas that make them stand out from one another.

Starting with the nose, Uncle Nearest 1884 has a sweet and fruity aroma with hints of caramel and vanilla. On the other hand, Uncle Nearest 1856 has a more robust and spicy scent with notes of pepper and toasted oak.

As for the palate, Uncle Nearest 1884 has a smooth and mellow taste with flavors of almond, caramel, and vanilla. The whiskey is easy to drink and has a subtle sweetness that is not overpowering. Uncle Nearest 1856, on the other hand, has a bolder and more complex flavor profile. The whiskey has a spicy kick to it with notes of pepper and citrus that give it a unique taste.

Finally, when it comes to the finish, Uncle Nearest 1884 has a short and smooth finish with a subtle hint of toasted oak. Uncle Nearest 1856, on the other hand, has a longer finish with a lingering spiciness that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

In summary, if you are looking for a smooth and mellow whiskey with a subtle sweetness, Uncle Nearest 1884 is the way to go. If you prefer a bolder and spicier taste with a longer finish, Uncle Nearest 1856 is the better choice.

Price Comparison

When it comes to Uncle Nearest whiskey, you have two great options to choose from: the 1856 and the 1884. One of the most important factors for many whiskey lovers is the price. So, how do these two options compare in terms of cost?

According to Liquor Laboratory, 1884 is cheaper than 1856. A bottle of 1884 costs roughly $40-45, while 1856 costs around $50-55. Both whiskeys are fairly priced, given that they meet the legal requirement of both distinctions (Tennessee whiskey and bourbon whiskey).

It’s worth noting that the 1856 is aged a minimum of 7 years, while the 1884 is aged a minimum of 4 years. This could factor into the price difference between the two options.

When it comes to the taste, the 1884 has a slightly lower alcohol content than the 1856, with 93 proof versus 100 proof. This could also be a factor in the price difference.

Ultimately, both the 1856 and the 1884 are quality whiskeys that are worth the price. It’s up to you to decide which option fits your budget and taste preferences best.

Conclusion

After comparing Uncle Nearest 1856 and Uncle Nearest 1884, you have a better understanding of the differences between these two premium American whiskeys. Both whiskeys are made with the same mash bill and undergo the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal before aging in toasted oak barrels.

Uncle Nearest 1856 is a 100 proof whiskey that is aged for a minimum of seven years. It has a brash and rugged taste with heavy oak notes that may not be suitable for first-time bourbon drinkers. On the other hand, Uncle Nearest 1884 is a 93 proof whiskey that is crafted at the Uncle Nearest Distillery by fifth-generation Master Blender Victoria Butler. It is aged for at least seven years and is priced cheaper than Uncle Nearest 1856.

When it comes to tasting notes, Uncle Nearest 1856 has a strong nose with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The palate is bold with flavors of spicy rye and toasted oak, and the finish is long and warm. Uncle Nearest 1884, on the other hand, has a lighter nose with hints of honey, fruit, and oak. The palate is smooth with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, and the finish is medium in length.

It’s worth noting that Uncle Nearest is a black-owned brand with a rich history. The whiskey is named after Nathan “Nearest” Green, a slave who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey. The brand was founded by Fawn Weaver, who is dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of Nearest Green.

Overall, both Uncle Nearest 1856 and Uncle Nearest 1884 are high-quality Tennessee whiskeys that are worth trying. Whether you prefer the bold and rugged taste of Uncle Nearest 1856 or the smooth and affordable taste of Uncle Nearest 1884, you can’t go wrong with either option.