© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

How a formerly enslaved man helped create Jack Daniel's

Season 2024 Episode 216 | 8m 57s

Jack Daniel's is a famous whiskey brand, but Daniel didn’t create the method for distilling Tennessee whiskey. He learned it from a formerly enslaved man named Nearest Green. Fawn Weaver created Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey to honor and preserve Green’s legacy and it's now the most successful Black-owned liquor empire. Geoff Bennett sat down with Weaver to discuss her book, “Love and Whiskey."

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
May 29, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Kenyan court blocks U.S. plan to open Ebola quarantine center to treat Americans
Bondi defends handling of Epstein investigation but admits 'redaction errors'
How a Blue Origin rocket explosion could impact NASA's moon mission
Capehart and Continetti on Talarico’s chances against Paxton in Texas
‘The Hero Next Door’ highlights overlooked sacrifices of service members
Killing of Israeli embassy workers inspires father to confront rising antisemitism
Mahjong thriving as players embrace community and connection
News Wrap: Judge orders Kennedy Center to remove Trump's name from building
What to expect from the U.S. team as the World Cup approaches