Uncle Nearest Leaders Sue Farm Credit Over Alleged Smear Campaign

On March 17, 2026, the founders, chief executive, and largest shareholder of Uncle Nearest filed suit in the New York Supreme Court. The defendant is Farm Credit Mid‑America. The complaint accuses the lender of circulating false statements about the whiskey company.

Allegations in the complaint

Plaintiffs say the lender spread claims of missing inventory. They also say the bank alleged financial misconduct, negative cash flow, and insolvency. The suit alleges those assertions contradicted documents the lender already held.

The complaint further claims the statements aimed to protect the lender’s bankers. It says the campaign deflected scrutiny from failures in the administration of a credit facility. National and industry outlets later repeated the contested assertions.

Legal team and response

Chehardy Sherman Williams represents Uncle Nearest. James Williams leads the litigation. James L. Walker Jr. serves as New York counsel.

CEO Fawn Weaver criticized the lender’s conduct. She said the accusations harmed the brand’s credibility. The company plans to seek accountability through the courts.

Credit facility dispute and Chapter 11 filing

The lawsuit centers on a credit facility with a stated principal of about $102,521,326. Uncle Nearest disputes that stated balance. The dispute concerns how the facility was administered.

On the same day as the filing, Uncle Nearest moved for Chapter 11 protection. That step ended the court‑appointed receivership. The company said the filing will let it pursue claims and counterclaims.

Court papers list roughly $13,188,927 in unsecured obligations. Enterprise assets are estimated near $529 million. Operations at Nearest Green Distillery and national distribution will continue during reorganization.

Purpose of the bankruptcy filing

The Chapter 11 filing aims to protect creditors and shareholders. It allows the company to continue normal business. It also provides a forum to resolve disputes with the lender.

Brand profile and business metrics

Uncle Nearest is a fast‑growing American whiskey brand. It rose into Nielsen’s Top 20 super‑premium American whiskey brands within five years. The brand claims the most awards for bourbon and American whiskey from 2019 through 2025.

• Nearest Green Distillery spans 458 acres in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
• The distillery draws more than 200,000 visitors annually.
• It ranks seventh in global distillery visitation, out of about 4,000.
• The brand is available in all 50 states and 12 countries.
• It has placement in over 50,000 retail and hospitality locations.

Ownership and legacy

Grant Sidney, Inc. is the investment holding company for the founder. Fawn Weaver wholly owns Grant Sidney. The company is the largest shareholder of Uncle Nearest.

Victoria Eady Butler is a fifth‑generation descendant of Nearest Green. She serves as master blender and highlighted the brand’s historical mission. The company said it will not let obstacles derail that mission.

This report was prepared for Filmogaz.com. The matter will proceed through New York courts as the parties litigate claims and counterclaims.