Uncle Nearest teams up with Mangrove UK
American whiskey brand Uncle Nearest has named Mangrove as its distribution partner in the UK, taking over from Rusty Rabbit International.
The partnership between the two companies was due to begin in 2020, however it was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mangrove UK will distribute Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, which will enter the market this spring.
Katharine Jerkens, chief business officer, Uncle Nearest, said: “Uncle Nearest believes London and the UK as a whole is an integral part to our global expansion. I am extremely confident in our choice to move forward with Mangrove.
“They are proven successful leaders in spirits distribution and brand building, and we know that they play a pivotal role in building our brand throughout the United Kingdom.”
Founded by Fawn Weaver in 2017, Uncle Nearest is available in all 50 US states and 12 countries across the world. It claims to be the world’s biggest-selling African-American-owned spirit.
The brand celebrates Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green, a formerly enslaved man who was the first-known African-American master distiller.
Nick Gillett, managing director at Mangrove UK, added: “Whilst the story is fascinating and part of the rich tapestry that makes up the world of spirits, I have no doubt that this liquid is up there with the best.
“I, of course, never had the chance to taste the products that Nearest made, but he would have to have been at his very best to match the current range that has been lovingly blended by Victoria Eady-Butler.
“The team at Uncle Nearest are a pleasure to work with and we look forward to growing the brand and achieving its potential in the UK.”
Uncle Nearest will also launch its 1884 Small Batch Whiskey in the UK, priced at RRP £55 (US$76). It will be available to buy ‘very soon’ from Master of Malt and Amazon.
In July last year, Uncle Nearest purchased 53 acres for US$2.1 million to expand its Tennessee distillery.
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