Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, reaffirmed her vision for the brand to evolve beyond a mere label, aiming to establish the first spirits conglomerate in America led by a woman or person of color. Despite initial skepticism, Weaver’s ambition is becoming a reality, evidenced by the recent acquisition of Square One Spirits and the historic Cognac estate Domaine Saint Martin last October, with plans for a Cognac brand launch this year.
Square One Spirits, founded in 2004 by Allison Evanow, has been acquired by Uncle Nearest, marking a significant expansion for the company. Square One Spirits boasts a legacy as the first producer dedicated to crafting exclusively USDA-certified organic spirits, accumulating lifetime sales surpassing US$22 million.
Evanow expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, citing the need for greater support to meet escalating demands while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality organic ingredients and distinctive flavor profiles. She anticipates Uncle Nearest’s backing will provide the necessary resources for Square One Spirits to realize its full potential while preserving its independent ethos and exceptional quality.
Weaver underscored the strategic significance of entering the vodka market, emphasizing consumer demand for transparent and culturally connected brands. The acquisition not only broadens Uncle Nearest’s portfolio but also reflects its responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.
While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Uncle Nearest’s trajectory, solidifying its position as a key player in the spirits industry and advancing Weaver’s pioneering vision for inclusivity and innovation.
