The recent admission by Jack Daniel’s whiskey makers that a Tennessee slave, Nearis Green, was behind its legendary recipe has shed new light on the history of American whiskey production. For 150 years, credit for teaching Jack Daniel how to distill had been attributed to the Rev. Dan Call, a Lutheran preacher in Tennessee. However, the company has now acknowledged that it was Call’s slave, Nearis Green, who provided the expertise.
During the mid-19th century, distilleries in America were owned by white businessmen, but much of the labor involved in making whiskey was carried out by slaves. Drawing on techniques brought from Africa, many slaves became experts in the distillation process, often working clandestinely. Even prominent figures such as George Washington and Andrew Jackson had slaves involved in their distilleries.
The role of Nearis Green in advising Jack Daniel had been suspected before, but like that of many slaves, his contribution to the development of American whiskeys was never formally recorded. It was not until the 150th anniversary of Jack Daniel’s that the company publicly acknowledged Green’s influence. This acknowledgment comes more than a century after Daniel’s death and marks a significant shift in how the company views its history.
The admission has prompted discussions about the role of slaves in the development of American whiskey and has raised questions about the historical record. Some have pointed out that a history of Jack Daniel’s written in 1967 did suggest that Call had instructed the slave to show Daniel how to distill, indicating that there may have been previous knowledge of Green’s involvement.
Following the end of slavery in 1865, Jack Daniel founded his distillery and employed two of Nearis Green’s sons. However, despite this direct connection, the company never officially acknowledged Green’s role during Daniel’s lifetime. It is only now, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, that the company has publicly recognized Green’s contribution.
In response to the revelation, Phil Epps, global brand director for Jack Daniel’s, stated that there had been “no conscious decision” to whitewash Green from history. He explained that research associated with the anniversary had uncovered evidence supporting Green’s involvement and emphasized that the company now sees it as something to be proud of.
Nelson Eddy, Jack Daniel’s in-house historian, also commented on the significance of this acknowledgment, stating that it had “taken something like the anniversary for us to start to talk about ourselves.” The acknowledgment of Nearis Green’s role in the creation of Jack Daniel’s whiskey represents a significant step in recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the history of American spirits.
This revelation has broader implications for the whiskey industry as a whole, prompting a reexamination of historical narratives and a greater emphasis on acknowledging the often overlooked contributions of marginalized communities. It serves as a reminder that behind many iconic products and industries lie untold stories of individuals who have played pivotal roles but have been omitted from official records.
As the story of Nearis Green and his influence on Jack Daniel’s whiskey continues to unfold, it catalyzes broader conversations about representation and recognition within the spirits industry. The acknowledgment of Green’s contribution underscores the importance of revisiting historical narratives and ensuring that all individuals who have contributed to the rich tapestry of American history are duly recognized.
The acknowledgment of Nearis Green’s role in the creation of Jack Daniel’s whiskey marks a significant moment in the company’s history and prompts a reevaluation of historical narratives within the whiskey industry. It reminds us of the often-overlooked contributions of marginalized communities and underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring these untold stories. As the industry continues to grapple with its past, the acknowledgment of Green’s influence paves the way for a more inclusive and accurate representation of history within the spirits industry.