Whiskey flows through Victoria Eady Butler’s veins as the great-great-granddaughter of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller. As Master Blender for Uncle Nearest, Inc., she leads the blending of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey and the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey portfolio.
Victoria’s expertise has earned her significant accolades, including earning the back-to-back title of Master Blender of the Year by Whisky Magazine, and in 2021 being named Master Blender of the Year by both VinePair and The Spirits Business. She was appointed as Food & Wine’s Drinks Innovator of the Year in 2022, and in 2024 honored as one of Forbes’ "50 Over 50".

Victoria was instrumental in blending the inaugural batch of Uncle Nearest’s 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, launching in July 2019. She officially became Master Blender later that year and has since deepened her knowledge, earning the title of Executive Bourbon Steward from the Stave & Thief Society.