Episode 46 – The Science and History of Whiskey, with Sailor Guevara from Uncle Nearest

Length: 57:22

You’ve probably heard of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, but did you know that brand wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Nearest Green, the first Black master distiller on record? In this episode we talk to Sailor Guevara, brand ambassador for Uncle Nearest Whiskey all about the science and history of whiskey. It’s also a story of slavery, emancipation, family connections, the legacy of traditions brought from Africa with enslaved people, a very determined woman from LA, and the push to encourage diversity in the distilling industry.

Learn more about whiskey with Sailor Guevara, including food pairings and cocktail demonstrations

The Gastropod episode that inspired this interview: The Secret History of the Slave Behind Jack Daniel’s Whiskey

Thanks to Graham Tully for sound production.

As always, a final thanks to Jonathan Coulton for the use of his song Mandelbrot Set as our theme music.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider supporting our work!