NORMAL — Alabama A&M University has uncorked a partnership with Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey in a link between the state’s oldest Historically Black College and University, established by a former slave, and a distillery, named for a former slave.

The exclusive batches – “Rich Heritage” and “Bold Future” – commemorate the university’s 150th anniversary and feature the craftsmanship that has crowned Uncle Nearest the most-awarded bourbon globally.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, founded in 2017 by Fawn Weaver, is a Black-owned and woman-owned brand named after Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African American master distiller. Based in Shelbyville, Tenn., the distillery is open to the public for tours and events, and Uncle Nearest products are sold in all 50 states and 12 countries.

Green’s extraordinary whiskey-making skill spread from Nashville to Huntsville during the 1800s. The uncommon smoothness and character of his sugar maple charcoal process defined a distilled spirit unlike any other.

A former slave, he soon became the premier master distiller of Tennessee whiskey around the same time that Dr. William Hooper Councill was creating a new place on a Hill in northern Alabama for formerly enslaved people to pursue education freely.

The university said just 400 limited bottles will be offered exclusively to Alabama A&M University 150th Anniversary torch level donors – individuals who have contributed at least $1,500 to the 150th campaign.

To purchasie a bottle, click here.