Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, has announced the release of its highly rated 2025 Master Blend Edition, which was recently named World’s Best Bourbon by America’s top bartenders at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards. The collectible release commemorates the brand’s eighth anniversary with a historic expansion and an exclusive twist.
For the first time ever, the award-winning Master Blend Edition—long revered as one of the most exclusive expressions in the Uncle Nearest portfolio—will be available beyond the distillery gates. A total of 8,888 bottles will be released, symbolizing eight years of honoring the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller. This is one of few limited releases coming from Uncle Nearest this year.
With every blend of Uncle Nearest, fifth-generation Nearest Green descendant and four-time Master Blender of the Year Victoria Eady Butler selects a barrel she believes to be the most spectacular of the batch and sets it aside. Those exceptional barrels have been blended together to create our most perfect expression yet: a bold, cask-strength whiskey layered with rich notes of caramelized sugar, dark fruit, and warm baking spice.
To date, Master Blend Edition has earned more than 270 awards, including 46 Double Golds, 106 Golds, and 32 Best in Class honors. In 2025 alone, it was named World’s Best Bourbon, Best Whisky, Best Tennessee Whiskey, and Spirit of the Year at the Bartender Spirits Awards. It also received top honors at the SIP Awards—winning both Consumer Choice and Innovation awards in back-to-back years—and was recognized as Best Bottled and Blended Tennessee Whiskey at the ADI International Spirits Awards.
“This Master Blend is a celebration not just of the past eight years, but of everything that lies ahead,” says Victoria Eady Butler. “It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and I can’t wait for more people to finally experience it.”
Adding to the collector appeal, a limited number of bottles will include a surprise: a signature from Butler herself—an Easter Egg tucked within this historic release.
Previously only available at the Nearest Green Distillery in Tennessee, the 2025 Master Blend Edition is rolling out nationwide in 32 markets, with a suggested retail price of $149. The limited edition has already sold out in the presale phase on ReserveBar.com. For a full list of retailers carrying the Master Blend Edition, visit the “Find” section on the Uncle Nearest website.
“It takes a truly special occasion—like our 8th anniversary—to justify releasing our most beloved bottle from Nearest Green Distillery into the market,” says Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest. “The Master Blend Edition flies off our shelves every week for good reason. It has earned more golds, double golds, and ‘Best in Class’ honors than nearly any other expression we’ve ever created. It’s the crème de la crème of Uncle Nearest.”