NEW YORK CITY — Less than 24 hours ago in the The Flatiron Room in New York City, Whisky Magazine named a Tennessee whiskey with deep Lynchburg roots as the World’s Best Tennessee Whiskey for the second year in a row.

Uncle Nearest 1820 Single Barrel enjoyed the honor this year. Last year, the Shelbyville distillery’s Uncle Nearest 1856 got the nod. The magazine also named Uncle Nearest Brand Ambassador Sailor Guevara as Brand Ambassador of the year. She was one of two Uncle Nearest ambassadors nominated. They also recognized Richie Michaels for his efforts. That brings the total awards earned by Uncle Nearest Distillery to 78 in the past two and half years.

For those who don’t already know, Nathan “Nearest” Green was the black slave credited with teaching Jack Daniel how to make whiskey. He is officially recognized by Jack Daniel’s Distillery as their first Master Distiller. To learn more about his story, click here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}