Fawn Weaver

Set against the backdrop of Lynchburg, Tennessee, this narrative weaves together a thrilling blend of personal discovery, historical investigation, and the revelation of a story long overshadowed by time. Through extensive research, personal interviews, and the uncovering of long-buried documents, Weaver brings to light not only the remarkable bond between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel but also Daniel’s concerted efforts during his lifetime to ensure Green’s legacy would not be forgotten. This deep respect for his teacher, mentor, and friend was mirrored in Jack’s dedication to ensuring that the stories and achievements of Nearest Green’s descendants, who continued the tradition of working side by side with Jack and his descendants, would also not be forgotten. Love & Whiskey is more than just a recounting of historical facts; it’s a live journey into the heart of storytelling, where every discovery adds a layer to the rich tapestry of American history. Weaver’s pursuit highlights the importance of acknowledging those who have shaped our cultural landscape; yet remained in the shadows.

As Weaver intertwines her present-day quest with the historical threads of Green and Daniel’s lives, she not only pays homage to their legacy but also spearheads the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. This endeavor has not only brought Nearest Green’s name to the forefront of the whiskey industry but has also set new records, symbolizing a step forward in recognizing and celebrating African American contributions to the spirit world. Love & Whiskey invites readers to witness a story of enduring friendship, resilience, and the impact of giving credit where it’s long overdue. It’s an inspiring tale of how uncovering the past can forge new paths and how the spirit of whiskey has connected lives across generations.

Fawn Weaver has been a serial entrepreneur for more than 25 years. As the CEO and founder of Grant Sidney, Inc., she continues to grow her multimillion-dollar real estate and investment portfolios. Weaver is a popular TED speaker, a USA Today and two-time New York Times best-selling author, and has appeared in hundreds of popular magazines, radio, and morning shows around the world, including FOX Business, the TODAY Show, The New York Times, CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, CNBC, and The Washington Post. Her revealing How I Built This segment with Guy Raz on NPR had the internet abuzz for months, as did her 2024 Forbes Self-Made Woman profile. Weaver is one of only five African American women to found and lead a $1B+ company in U.S. history. She serves as the CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc., a company she founded in 2016. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history, the best-selling Black American-founded spirit brand of all time, and was the most award-winning Bourbon of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The super-premium brand has earned more than 1,200 awards and was named “World’s Best” two years in a row. Her 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery is the seventh most visited distillery in the world. She is certified as a Corporate Director by Harvard Business School, graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama, and holds an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Bluefield State University. She serves on the board of Endeavor Group Holdings.