SUMMER VACATIONS are the stage for some of our favorite memories and stories. Shelbyville’s Nearest Green Distillery and Humble Baron value the power of story and provide the backdrop for the fun and good times we’ll treasure for years to come.
The story of Nearest Green drew Fawn and Keith Weaver to Middle Tennessee, and Shelbyville soon became home to their entrepreneurial enterprises, sparked by the broader area’s roots in whiskey-making. Shelbyville’s presence as a vacation destination soon enlarged.
Keith said, “Inspired by Clay Risen’s story in The New York Times, Fawn felt compelled to travel to Lynchburg for her 40th birthday and uncover more about Nearest’s remarkable narrative. Once there, we connected with descendants of Nearest and Jack Daniel, as well as the wider community, which led us to learn more about the profound impact they had on the area. We were immediately hooked and drawn to stay in Shelbyville to fully immerse ourselves in the stories of the people around us and really dig deep into Nearest’s narrative, spreading it far and wide.”
But Shelbyville was more than a name along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail map. “The spirit of Shelbyville is all about community, history, and good ole Southern hospitality,” Keith shared. “I love the people in our community and the way in which folks are coming together to be forces for good. The thoughtful approach to economic growth and prosperity while maintaining a special identity inspires me greatly.“
There’s much to be celebrated here and many with whom to celebrate. Nearest Green Distillery and Humble Baron honor and celebrate our various cultures and connections.
“There is a vibrant and diverse community in Shelbyville, and we created Humble Baron to be a place where everyone has a seat at the table. We’re proud to be a cornerstone of the community — a haven that embraces and unites people from all walks of life,” Keith said.
Locally, we have another longstanding story and icon, The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (TWHNC). Where better to combine forces?
Keith said, “In 2023, we had the honor of being the official spirit sponsor, adding some flavor to the festivities with a delightful cocktail crafted by our master mixologist, DeAndre Jackson, which paid homage to Fawn’s horse, Toppy! We even rolled out the Nearest Green Distillery trolley to ferry folks from the event to our property to enjoy cocktails at Humble Baron and be able to purchase a limited-edition bottle we made to honor The Celebration.”
The Weavers’ investment in our area’s future extends beyond the grounds of Nearest Green Distillery. It reaches forward, enriching and empowering the lives of others.
“At Nearest Green Distillery and Humble Baron, we celebrate Tennessee whiskey’s rich history, proudly spot- lighting Black-owned spirits and paying homage to the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller,” he said. “We’re committed to diversity and to honoring the over-looked contributions of Black artisans in the spirits industry. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our distillery become a gathering place where people from all walks of life can come together, share stories, and enjoy exceptional spirits.”
Other projects promise to honor and improve the lives of area residents and Shelbyville visitors.
Keith added, “We take immense pride in being a member of the Shelbyville community, and our commitment to giving back is unwavering. As we continue to grow, we’re dedicated to expanding our offerings with exciting future hospitality projects that will further shape this area as a destination. In addition to future ventures in the area, we’re also excited to embark on a multitude of community-led initiatives, including commemorating our nation’s fallen troops with Honor Day and our continued involvement in The Celebration.”
For these reasons, you can fill your calendar with a tasting and tour at the distillery and expect a variety of events at Humble Baron celebrating this season’s holidays. Enjoy outdoor movie nights under the stars from June through August and special programming during the TWHNC. There’s an ever-evolving variety of events and entertainment at Humble Baron, so check for updates often.
“I want to ensure that people know the deep pride we feel in representing Shelbyville, our profound admiration and respect for the local community, and our unwavering focus on not only strengthening the bonds within the community but also showcasing to the world the incredible essence of Shelbyville,” expressed Keith.
All of this and more grew from a story’s spark. And there are more chapters to come. “It brings me joy to bring world-class experiences, such as Humble Baron, ‘The World’s Longest Bar,’ and, of course, Nearest Green Distillery, the seventh most visited distillery in the world, to our community.” GN
