Nearest Green Distillery recently announced the launch of The Fifty-Six Society, an exclusive membership club that offers participants a variety of premium perks.

The club will include rare bottlings, early access to new releases, curated in-person experiences and a lot more. One of the top features is members will receive four bottles of rare whiskey, including one blend the membership will collaborate on with Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler. 

The Fifty-Six Society, named after the year it is believed that Nearest Green perfected his Lincoln County Process of whiskey-making, offers members curated tastings with Eady, exclusive educational opportunities, barrel picks, and pop-up events.

When the club was announced, memberships quickly sold out, according to Susan Nogues, General Manager and Director of Retail & Guest Experience at Nearest Green Distillery.

“We had interest from over 3,000 people within the five-week application period, which honestly blew us away,” Nogues said. “Then once enrollment opened, all available spots were filled in just under two weeks. It’s a real reminder of how passionate and loyal our whiskey family is.”    

Membership opportunities will open up once per year, she noted, but membership will remain limited – for a purpose: “We’re committed to keeping this experience elevated and personal, so any growth will be thoughtful and intentional.”

Nogues said The Fifty-Six Society was meant to be intimate, in part to differentiate it from other distillery memberships.

“What sets this apart is the immersive nature of the experience and the legacy it honors,” she said. “This isn’t just about access to rare bottles — this is about immersing themselves in the Uncle Nearest story. From blending sessions with our Master Blender … to surprise tastings and intimate events at the distillery, this program invites members to connect deeply with the legacy of Nearest Green and others who are part of this community.”

Other benefits include free tour tickets for members when they visit Nearest Green Distillery, exclusive pours and discounts such as 20% off merchandise in the welcome center.

“My favorite part of this program is, without a doubt, the community we’re building,” Nogues said. “Our members are already passionate about the brand and whiskey in general, so getting to create something that speaks directly to them — and eventually with their input and involvement — is incredibly rewarding. 

“There’s something really special about watching that sense of connection grow, not just between us and the members, but among the members themselves. It’s more than just a program — it’s becoming a shared space for people who genuinely care about what we’re doing.”

The concept has been a long time in development, she said, with the final result being a culmination of shared creativity within the distillery.

“We’ve been brainstorming and developing ideas for the membership for nearly two years,” Nogues said, “so we were extremely excited to officially start bringing the concept to life late last summer.”

-Kevin Gibson

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