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Seeking an American dream and a fresh start in Nashville, Charles Nelson opened a grocery store that flourished from his three best-selling products: coffee, meat, and whiskey. This eventually led to his focusing only on his whiskey business, the demand for which was far exceeding the supply. He bought the distillery that was making his whiskey in Greenbrier, TN, and a patent for improved distillation. Throughout this success, he began to make a name for Tennessee whiskey and a household name for himself, as well. Belle Meade Bourbon was one of about 30 different labels that Charles Nelson produced in the late 1800's. Unlike most of his other products, it was produced in conjunction with a third party, Nashville's Sperry Wade & Company, who had contracted Nelson's Green Brier Distillery to sell bourbon, rye, corn, and Tennessee whiskies bearing the Belle Meade brand. Belle Meade Bourbon was the toast of the town when it hit the market in 1878 and became known as a great value and top-quality product. Long after prohibition's end, Charlie and Andy Nelson dedicated their lives to bringing back the family business and resurrecting the once-great Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. This was no small feat for two recent college grads who spent years being told no by potential investors, but that didn't stop the tenacious Nelsons.