1884 references the final year Nathan “Nearest” Green, the former slave now known as the first African-American distiller, made whiskey before retiring. A nose of blossom honey, fresh cherries, banana cream pie, licorice, and spice is followed by a palate that’s delicate and creamy, with notes of vanilla frosting, orange, peanuts, marshmallow, and light pepper spice. Tobacco leaf on the finish, with cherry, oak, and understated spice. A sturdy, finessed exemplar of Tennessee style.

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Winter 2019)