Uncle Nearest Faces Second Chapter 11 Filing Amid Asset Sale Plans

The whiskey brand Uncle Nearest, known for its 159-year legacy honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel, is facing severe financial difficulties and considering a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The company has been under receivership following a lawsuit alleging default on over $108 million in loans, and it is now preparing to sell non-core assets such as French vineyards and a Cognac château to stabilize operations. Despite these challenges, the core brand remains viable and continues to attract interest from potential investors. The receivership has helped repair creditor relationships and secure short-term funding, while operational roles remain with existing employees. This financial restructuring marks a pivotal moment for the brand, which has navigated historical hardships but now confronts modern economic pressures including increased costs and shifting market dynamics. The brand's leadership aims to preserve its heritage while adapting through asset sales and potential reorganization to ensure future sustainability.