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Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: The American Dream exemplified

For Andy and Charlie Nelson, a small town in Tennessee became their destiny in 2006. When they mentioned their family’s historic whiskey business in a butcher shop on Distillery Road, they were referred to the local historian. He proudly presented them with two perfectly preserved bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, made by their great-great-great-grandfather Charles. Having found out that he was one of the most successful whiskey distillers in America before Prohibition, they decided to revive the family business.

The brothers have always had a lot in common. Both studied humanities, are history buffs, true Southern gentlemen and proud of their family roots. When they set out to revive the distillery, which had been founded around 1800, they embarked on a great journey not just to make and sell whiskey, but to rebuild a company that had helped to popularise the term Tennessee whiskey in America and Europe. By researching, sourcing capital and producing brands in small quantities according to original recipes, they are prime examples of the ‘American Dream’.

If you like stories about sunken ships, lost gold, a woman who ran a distillery before women were allowed to vote and the rebirth of a business, you would be in your element on a tour of the company. From Tennessee whiskey made according to the original recipe to new creations such as high-rye bourbons, the portfolio is constantly growing, but always based on their great tradition.

Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey – Hand Made Sour Mash won gold at the World Spirits Award.

Blue Liquors – Blue Mauritius Gold

The name brings luxury to mind, as it actually refers to the legendary postage stamp which was issued in the British Crown Colony in 1847. It took 165 years for Blue Mauritius Rum to come on the market – yet rum production in the island kingdom in the middle of the Indian Ocean actually goes back even further. The first sugar cane plantations had already been set up by the French East India Company in the 18th century. Nearly 90 percent of the farmland of Mauritius is used for the cultivation of sugar cane.

Blue Mauritius Rum is produced using a basis of local sugar cane molasses, which is fermented for 36 hours before distillation. The alcohol obtained is reduced to 60 percent by volume and then stored in South African port wine barrels. Processing and blending is carried out in small quantities, filled in small batches, in striking, square bottles made of heavy French glass. A wooden stopper, with a seal in the form of an old coin and a suede strap and, of course, the ‘stamp-blue’ label round off the elegant outfit. A velvet-covered gift box is also available in this royal colour.

At the World Spirits Award, Blue Mauritius Gold received a gold medal.