Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver has spoken out publicly for the first time since a court gag order was lifted, addressing rumors and speculation that have swirled around the award-winning whiskey brand in recent months.
In a video posted to her Instagram account (@fawn.weaver), Weaver declared that the gag order is “off” and committed to “separating fact from fiction” about Uncle Nearest’s financial health and future.
“Many of our core consumers abandoned Uncle Nearest based on unconfirmed rumors and tabloid headlines. That could have killed us,” Weaver explained. “But because our supporters initiated Operation ClearTheShelves, we replaced that business with stronger sales from our biggest supporters.”
A gag order was issued by a judge on Aug. 11, 2025, at the request of Uncle Nearest lender Farm Credit Mid-America, requiring all parties in a lawsuit against Uncle Nearest, Inc. to refrain from making any public statements—oral or written, including on social media or to the press—about the legal proceedings, collateral, or other related matters, until the court rules on the motion for a receiver.
This order was put in place as the judge considered appointing a receiver for the troubled whiskey company due to a default on over $108 million in loans.
According to Weaver, despite headlines suggesting otherwise, Uncle Nearest remains financially solid. The brand reportedly holds over $200 million in assets, compared to $102 million in debt, which Weaver noted is well within healthy operational range.
“Every number above the $102 you’ve heard mentioned—bank fees, penalties, charges the law allows—money we never borrowed, never touched, never used,” she clarified.
Weaver pointed to Nielsen data showing Uncle Nearest up 13.4% year-over-year, even as the broader American whiskey market has declined 3.7%. Last month, Uncle Nearest reached its highest Nielsen ranking to date at #26, despite much of its distribution happening outside Nielsen-tracked retailers.
Weaver also declared Uncle Nearest’s continued commitment to the descendants of Nathan “Nearest” Green, the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey.
The company has fully funded tuition, books, and tutors for Green’s descendants since its founding, with one family member now pursuing a doctorate degree.
She also reminded supporters that bankruptcy or liquidation is not on the table, directly pushing back against media speculation.
“The fundamentals of Uncle Nearest remain strong. Our business continues to grow. Our distributors and consumers remain ten toes down,” Weaver said.
Weaver closed her message by thanking distributors, regulators, evangelists, and everyday customers who rallied behind the brand when false headlines threatened its reputation.
“You are Uncle Nearest. We all are Uncle Nearest,” she affirmed.
The brand, which has been named the World’s Most Awarded Bourbon from 2019 through 2024, is expected to hold that title again in 2025. Weaver, who calls herself “The People’s CEO”, invited supporters to continue visiting the Nearest Green Distillery in Tennessee.
