41: Building a Billion-Dollar Brand with Fawn Weaver of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey - Business of Drinks

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s not just about sipping whiskey but about legacy, innovation, and breaking barriers in the beverage industry. We’re thrilled to welcome Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Fawn Weaver is no ordinary founder. She’s a trailblazer who’s not only resurrecting the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African-American master distiller, but she’s also shaking up the whiskey world in a big way. Under her leadership, Uncle Nearest has become a symbol of quality and inclusivity, earning accolades and a devoted fanbase. And it’s officially hit unicorn status with a valuation topping $1 billion.  Uncle Nearest is also the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history, the best-selling Black American-founded spirit brand of all time, and the most award-winning Bourbon every year from 2019 to 2023. It has earned more than 1,200 awards and was named "World’s Best" two years in a row. This is a tale you need to hear to believe. Fawn's story is a masterclass in how vision, determination, and authentic storytelling can disrupt even a centuries-old industry like American whiskey.  We discuss: The No. 1 most important skill for a drinks brand founder to nail How Fawn navigated the roadblocks she faced as a Black woman founder in whiskey How Uncle Nearest raised $225 million in funding from private investors How to build a mission-driven brand – and the advantages of doing so Fawn’s iconoclastic approach to brand storytelling And much, much more! And don't miss Last Call, where Caroline (Gen Z), Scott (Millennial), and Erica (Gen X) discuss how they navigate ordering wine for a group. Stay tuned for our next episode dropping on Nov. 13.  For the latest updates, follow us: Business of Drinks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-of-drinks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizofdrinks/ Erica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks, and one of the drinks industry’s most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks, and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies. https://www.instagram.com/ericaduecy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-duecy-4a35844/ Scott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks, and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. He currently serves as North America Search Manager at Distill Ventures. He was formerly the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-m-rosenbaum/ Caroline Lamb, contributor:  Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-bork-lamb/ If you like what you heard, help us spread the word! Follow Business of Drinks wherever you’re listening, and rate and review our episodes. It really does help us find new listeners. Thank you!

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