The Nearest Green Distillery hosted their Winter Wonderland and Christmas Treet Lighting Ceremony Friday evening, which included a VIP Happy Hour at the “world’s longest bar,” the Humble Baron.  

Guests enjoyed live Christmas music and signature cocktails while relaxing at the 525 linear feet of the Humble Baron’s bar, located behind the welcome center. Dari Ruff, who is director of operations and general manager of Humble Baron, said even if someone builds a longer bar, there’s room to expand.  

There is also a performance stage at the back on the venue and outside, where co-founders Fawn and Keith Weaver said they hope to “rival Nashville.”  

During the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, fifth-generation master blender Victoria Eady Butler, who is the great-great granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the inspiration for the Uncle Nearest Whiskey brand, thanked the City of Shelbyville and Bedford County for all their support.  

“You have showed up again! We love Bedford County,” she said.  

County Commissioner Sylvia Pinson, who also serves as a tour guide at the distillery, said all their tours were booked in the week before the event.  

The Nearest Green Distillery will also be finishing up their 12 Weeks of Christmas with:  

• The release of the inaugural Nearest Green Distillery Ornament will be on Dec. 8
• The release of the Single Barrel Rye will be on Dec. 15
• Legacy Collection Ultimate Gift Pack (including all seven current Uncle Nearest whiskeys) will be given away at NGD on Dec. 22 and running all weekend
• To celebrate New Year’s Eve, they will be giving away custom Uncle Nearest rocks glasses starting on Dec. 29
• And finally, for National Thank Your Customers Week, the distillery will be having a 20% off all retail merchandise (excluding whiskey) beginning January.

The Uncle Nearest whiskey blend is believed to be from 1856. Nathan “Nearest” Green, as an enslaved man, is believed to have perfected what is known as the Lincoln County Process, where whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal.  

Today, they are one of the fastest growing brands to go from idea to market and will continue to expand in Shelbyville as well as worldwide, according to Keith Weaver.