Slave taught Jack to make whiskey

DISTILLERS Nearest’s son George with Jack Daniels AFTER more than 150 years without recognition, a former black slave is finally being credited as the master distiller for iconic whiskey brand Jack Daniel’s.

Founded in the tiny Tennessee city of Lynchburg in 1866, the Old No.7 has grown to be one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. Now executives have finally acknowledged Nearest Green as the man who taught Jack how to make the sour mash spirit.

Author Fawn Weaver, who compelled the distillery to alter the official history on its website, said: “When Jack was alive... there was no question that Nearest was making the whiskey.”