Over the past few years, Tennessee Brew Works has made it a point to recognize the history of Nashville through many of their craft beer releases, showcasing state parks, legendary local athletes and even the American chestnut tree. Another point of emphasis has been continuing collaborations with Black-owned breweries and distilleries, and their latest release, Queen’s Legacy, is a shining example of TBW founder Christian Spears and his staff’s commitment to sharing the spotlight.
Queen’s Legacy is a Caribbean-style stout beer, brewed in collaboration with Chicago-based Turner Häus Brewery, and finished in barrels that previously aged Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which are both Black-owned businesses in the industry. This is the second release of the seasonal special, a 7.6 percent ABV beer that pays tribute to "Nearest" Green, the world's first-known African American master distiller who legendarily taught Jack Daniel how to work a still, as well as the contributions of his great-great-granddaughter Victoria Eady Butler, who is the master blender at Uncle Nearest.
While I haven’t sampled this year’s edition of Queen’s Legacy, I do remember that last year’s was a lovely combination of the coffee and malty attributes of the stout combined with vanilla and chocolate notes drawn from the Uncle Nearest barrels. If you (or I) want to check out this year’s interaction, we’ll have to wait until Saturday, Oct. 21, when representatives of all three companies involved in the creation of the beer will welcome fans to a shindig at the Bedford Nashville at 4319 Sidco Drive, near 100 Oaks.
The event will run from 6 until 9 p.m. and promises samples of cocktails made with Uncle Nearest and pours of beers from both breweries, along with small bites to nosh on. Butler, Spears and Steve Turner, the co-founder of Turner Häus Brewery, will be on hand to discuss their collaboration, and a DJ will provide the background music for what should be a festive party.
Tickets are just $30 and are available at the event website.
