Newly opened Humble Baron in Shelbyville, Tennessee is meant to be a gathering place where the establishment’s motto, “everyone has a seat at the table,” rings true. The venue is located at Nearest Green Distillery, which is named after the Black Master Distiller Nathan "Nearest" Green, a former slave who taught Jack Daniel distilling in the 1800s. Nearest Green Distillery also produce's the namesake's Uncle Nearest Whiskey. Situated on 323 acres of property, Humble Baron is making a name for itself among music lovers and whiskey aficionados alike.
“Humble Baron offers the many people who come to visit Middle Tennessee a new type of experience,” says Humble Baron General Manager Dari Ruff. “Keith Weaver, the inspiration for Humble Baron [and Co-Founder and Board Member of Uncle Nearest], is a music lover and entertainment executive, so he wanted to add a live music element that could showcase local and national performers to the distillery grounds, and Humble Baron was born.”
Named for Keith’s nickname from his wife Fawn, Humble Baron reflects his personality and leadership qualities. Humble Baron will be home to the world’s longest bar at 518 feet long, and it will showcase incredible drinks, elevated comfort food, and exceptional live music. In fact, the expansive property has the capacity to host more than 15,000 guests for live music events.
While the premises may be large, Humble Baron is approachable and inclusive. As Ruff explains, the focal point of the venue is the 518-foot showpiece bar, which features 17 stations and 202 bar seats, as well as cabaret seating encouraging all visitors to pull up a seat and enjoy. The bar was designed as three connected horseshoes, which pay homage to Shelbyville, home to many walking horse farms.
“The Humble Baron bar is meant to be a place where guests can grab a seat and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat while catching a live show,” Ruff says. “It's a place for guests to engage in conversation and connect with those around them, which is part of the reason we wanted it to be the world’s longest bar. We wanted to offer as many opportunities as possible for our visitors and our community to engage with one another.”
“The 500-person capacity space will also feature a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor stage where artists will be able to perform,” Ruff says. “With elevated, rustic elements and wood tones, Humble Baron is an inviting space for visitors to enjoy a stand-out cocktail and catch a live performance.”
“Humble Baron reflects my varied music tastes and will bring all types of people, with all interests and backgrounds,” Weaver says.
Although the enormous bar is awe-inspiring and the array of music talent is inviting, Weaver, Ruff, and the entire Humble Baron team hope their unique menu offerings also entice customers to come back for more.
The menu at Humble Baron is familiar yet elevated, featuring classic items with a unique twist.
“For our culinary offerings, we worked with critically acclaimed Chef G. Garvin who worked to create signature dishes like Nashville Hot Shrimp and Grits and Snow Crab claws sauteed in brown butter and sage,” Ruff says. “Our executive chef, Jay Craddick, will bring the culinary vision to life every day for our guests.”
Craddick boasts more than 18 years of experience and has a passion for Southern cuisine, which he will share with Humble Baron’s guests.
For Humble Baron’s beverage offerings, renowned cocktail institution Death & Co. advised on the bar’s offerings, with Black-owned spirits taking center stage. As Ruff explains, guests will enjoy signature libations like the "Queen's Gambit," featuring Sorel Liqueur, Hella Cocktail Co. Apple Blossom Bitters, local premium Tennessee whiskey, pineapple gomme, and lemon juice, and the "Dear Fawn," which is a spin on an espresso martini, swapping vodka for Uncle Nearest Whiskey, which was developed by a former slave, Nathan “Nearest” Green. In addition to Uncle Nearest, Humble Baron is pouring additional Black-owned spirits including Sorel Liqueur, Equiano Rum, and they are using bitters and sodas from Hella Cocktail Co.
“In curating our spirits list, we wanted to elevate and spotlight other Black-owned brands, putting them front and center on our menu,” Ruff says.
Although brand new, Humble Baron is touted to be an exciting new addition to the Nearest Green Distillery experience, enabling guests to linger longer on the storied property and enjoy an elevated meal and some amazing music.
“It’s also a place for people to discover something new in middle Tennessee,” Ruff says. “We want it to be both an everyday watering hole for locals, and a destination for visitors. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
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