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{{short description|American brand of bourbon whiskey}}
{{Use American English|date = October 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = October 2019}}
{{Infobox beverage
{{Infobox beverage
|name= Jim Beam
|name = Jim Beam
|image= [[File:Jim Beam logo.jpg|200px]]
|image = Jim_Beam_Logo_2023.jpg
|image_size = 210px
|caption=
|caption = Logo as of 2023
|type=[[Bourbon whiskey]]
|type = [[Bourbon whiskey]]
|proof=80 and 86
|proof = 80
|manufacturer=[[Beam Suntory]]
|manufacturer = [[Suntory Global Spirits]]<br>([[trade name|d/b/a]] James B. Beam Distilling Co.)
|origin=USA
|origin = United States
|introduced=1795
|introduced = {{ubl|1795 "Old Jake Beam Sour Mash"|1880, "Old Tub"|1943, "Jim Beam"}}
|discontinued=
|discontinued =
|related= (see [[#Related|below]] for list)
|related =
|variants= White label, Green label, Black label; (see [[#Variants|below]] for complete list)
|website = {{URL|jimbeam.com}}
}}
}}
'''Jim Beam''' is brand of [[bourbon whiskey]] produced in [[Clermont, Kentucky]] by [[Beam Suntory]]. It was one of the best selling brands of bourbon in the world in 2008.<ref>[http://www.beveragenet.net/cheers/1998/0998/998burbn.asp Beveragenet Reference] URL last accessed April 11, 2008.{{Dead link|date=February 2011}}</ref> Since 1795 (interrupted by [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]]), seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the company that produces the brand, which was given the name "Jim Beam" in 1933 in honor of James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended. The Jim Beam Bourbon brand is now owned and produced by [[Beam Suntory]], which is a subsidiary of [[Suntory Holdings]] of [[Osaka, Japan]].
'''Jim Beam''' is an American brand of [[bourbon whiskey]] produced in [[Clermont, Kentucky]], by [[Suntory Global Spirits]]. It is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon in the world. Since 1795 (interrupted by [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]]), seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the company that produces the brand. The brand name became "Jim Beam" in 1943 in honor of James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended. Previously produced by the Beam family and later owned by the [[American Brands|Fortune Brands]] holding company, the brand was purchased by [[Suntory|Suntory Holdings]] in 2014.


==History==
==History==
During the late 18th century, members of the Böhm family, who eventually changed the spelling of their surname to "Beam", emigrated from [[Germany]] and settled in [[Kentucky]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hilger|first=Rainer|chapter-url=http://www.wp-verlag.de/media/files/jim_beam_allgemein.pdf|chapter=Jim Beam Distillery - Allgemeines|title=Ein Führer zu den Distilleries in Kentucky|trans-title=Kentucky Distillery Tour Guide |publisher=Pfaffenweiler WP-Verl|year=2004|pages=15–18|isbn=3-00-014226-6|language=de}}</ref> Johannes "Jacob" Beam (1760–1834) was a farmer who began producing whiskey in the style that became [[bourbon whiskey|bourbon]]. Jacob Beam sold his first barrels of corn whiskey around 1795,<ref name=slideshow/> then called Old Jake Beam Sour Mash.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Beam's son David Beam (1802–1854) took on his father's responsibilities in 1820 at age 18, expanding distribution of the family's bourbon during a time of [[Industrial Revolution in the United States|Industrial Revolution]]. David M. Beam (1833–1913) in 1854 moved the distillery to [[Nelson County, Kentucky|Nelson County]] to capitalize on the growing network of railroad lines connecting states.{{clarify|reason=What was the relationship between the two Davids?|date=June 2018}} Until 1880, customers would bring their own jugs to the distillery to fill them with whiskey. In 1880, the company started bottling the product and selling it nationally under the brand name "Old Tub".<ref name= BeamsHistory>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimbeam.com/en-us/make-history/beams-history|title=Beam's History|website=jimbeam.com|publisher=Beam Suntory|access-date=2019-07-09|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160401211249/http://www.jimbeam.com/en-us/make-history/beams-history|archive-date=2016-04-01}}</ref> James Beauregard Beam (1864–1947) managed the family business before and after [[Prohibition in the United States|Prohibition]], rebuilding the distillery in 1933–1934 in [[Clermont, Kentucky]], near his [[Bardstown, Kentucky|Bardstown]] home.
During the late 18th century, members of the Böhm family, who eventually changed the spelling of their surname to "Beam", emigrated from Germany and settled in [[Kentucky]].<ref>[http://www.wp-verlag.de/kdtg/jim_beam_allgemein.pdf The History of the Böhm/Beam family (in German)]</ref>


In 1943, the brand name was changed from "Old Tub" to "Jim Beam",<ref name=BeamsHistory/> after James Beauregard Beam, and some of the bottle labels bear the statement, "None Genuine Without My Signature" with the signature James B. Beam.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}} In 1945, the company was purchased by Harry Blum, a Chicago spirits merchant.<ref name=slideshow>{{cite web| url= https://www.beamsuntory.com/about/history|title=Alcohol History: Whiskey and other Liquor History|type=Slide show |publisher=Beam Suntory|access-date= August 5, 2017|archive-date=July 7, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170707133045/http://www.beamsuntory.com/about/history}}</ref> The Beam company was purchased by [[Fortune Brands (1969–2011)|American Brands]] in 1968.<ref name=slideshow/> T. Jeremiah Beam (1899–1977) started working at the Clear Springs distillery in 1913, later becoming the master distiller and overseeing operations at the new Clermont facility. Jeremiah Beam eventually gained full ownership and opened a second distillery near [[Boston, Kentucky]], in 1954. Jeremiah later teamed up with childhood friend Jimberlain Joseph Quinn, to expand the enterprise.{{clarify|reason=Is this paragraph about a separate company from the James B. Beam Distilling Company?|date=June 2018}}
Johannes "Reginald" Beam (1770–1834) was a farmer who began producing whiskey in the style that became known as [[bourbon whiskey|bourbon]]. Jacob Beam sold his first barrels of corn whiskey around 1795. The whiskey was first called Old Jake Beam, and the distillery was known as Old Tub.{{citation needed|date=October 2011}}


Booker Noe (Frederick Booker Noe II, 1929–2004),<ref>{{cite news| url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E1DB103CF934A15751C0A9629C8B63 | work=[[The New York Times]] | first=Frank J. | last=Prial |author-link=Frank J. Prial| title=F. Booker Noe II, 74, Master Bourbon Distiller | date=February 27, 2004|access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref> grandson of Jim Beam, was the Master Distiller at the Jim Beam Distillery for more than 40 years, working closely with Master Distiller Jerry Dalton. In 1987 Booker introduced his namesake bourbon, [[Booker's]], the company's first uncut, [[barrel proof|straight-from-the-barrel]] bourbon,{{citation needed|date=November 2012}} and the first of the company's "[[Small batch|Small Batch]] Bourbon Collection". Fred Noe (Frederick Booker Noe III, 1957–) became the seventh generation Beam family distiller in 2007 and regularly travels for promotional purposes.
David Beam (1802–1854) took on his father's responsibilities in 1820 at the age of 18, expanding distribution of the family's bourbon during a time of industrial revolution. David M. Beam (1833–1913) in 1854 moved the distillery to [[Nelson County, Kentucky|Nelson County]] to capitalize on the growing network of railroad lines connecting states. James Beauregard Beam (1864–1947) managed the family business before and after Prohibition, rebuilding the distillery in 1933 in [[Clermont, Kentucky]], near his [[Bardstown, Kentucky|Bardstown]] home. James B. Beam Distilling Company was founded in 1935 by Harry L. Homel, Oliver Jacobson, H. Blum and Jerimiah Beam. From this point forward, the bourbon would be called "Jim Beam Bourbon" after James Beauregard Beam, and some of the bottle labels bear the statement, "None Genuine Without My Signature" with the signature James B. Beam.{{citation needed|date=November 2012}} T. Jeremiah Beam (1899–1977) started working at the Clear Springs distillery in 1913, later becoming the master distiller and overseeing operations at the new Clermont facility. Jeremiah Beam eventually gained full ownership and opened a second distillery near [[Boston, Kentucky]], in 1954. Jeremiah later teamed up with childhood friend Jimberlain Joseph Quinn, to expand the enterprise.


In 1987, Jim Beam purchased National Distillers, acquiring brands including [[Old Crow]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whiskeywise.com/Old-Crow-Whiskey.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070108123206/http://www.whiskeywise.com/Old-Crow-Whiskey.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 8, 2007 |title=Old Crow Whiskey, a fine Bourbon |work=whiskeywise.com |access-date=March 26, 2011 }}</ref> Bourbon de Luxe, [[Old Taylor]], [[Old Grand-Dad]], and Sunny Brook.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bottlebooks.com/American%20Medicinal%20Spirits%20Company/national_distillers_products.htm |title=National Distillers Products |website=bottlebooks.com |publisher=Digger Odell Publications| access-date= March 26, 2011}}</ref> Old Taylor was subsequently sold to the [[Sazerac Company]]. Jim Beam was part of the [[holding company]] formerly known as [[Fortune Brands (1969–2011)|Fortune Brands]] that was dismantled in 2011. Other parts of the remaining company were spun off as an [[initial public offering|IPO]] on the [[New York Stock Exchange|NYSE]] on the same day, as [[Fortune Brands Home & Security]], and the liquor division of the holding company was renamed Beam, Inc. on October 4, 2011. In 2014 Beam Inc. was purchased by [[Suntory|Suntory Holdings Ltd.]], a Japanese food and beverage group.<ref>[https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304547704579563590503205778 Suntory Still has M&A Thirst], ''The Wall Street Journal'', May 15, 2014.</ref> The combined company was known as Beam Suntory until May 2024, when it was re-branded as Suntory Global Spirits.
Booker Noe (1929–2004),<ref>{{cite news| url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E1DB103CF934A15751C0A9629C8B63 | work=The New York Times | first=Frank J. | last=Prial | title=F. Booker Noe II, 74, Master Bourbon Distiller | date=February 27, 2004}}</ref> birth name Frederick Booker Noe II, grandson of Jim Beam, was the Master Distiller at the Jim Beam Distillery for more than 40 years, working closely with Master Distiller Jerry Dalton (1998–2007). In 1987 Booker introduced his own namesake bourbon, [[Booker's]], the company's first uncut, [[barrel proof|straight-from-the-barrel]] bourbon,{{citation needed|date=November 2012}} and the first of the company's "[[Small batch|Small Batch]] Bourbon Collection".


On August 4, 2003, a fire destroyed a Jim Beam aging warehouse in Bardstown, Kentucky. It held 15,000 barrels ({{cvt|795000|usgal|L|disp=or}}){{refn|group=note|name=barrelsize|A typical bourbon barrel contains about {{cvt|53|USgal|L|disp=or}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/05/us/bourbon-warehouse-collapse/index.html|title=2 weeks ago, half a bourbon warehouse collapsed. Now, the other half is down|first1= Ayana |last1= Archie| first2=Emily |last2= Smith|work=CNN.com |date=July 5, 2018}}</ref>}} of bourbon. Flames rose more than 100 feet from the structure. Burning bourbon spilled from the warehouse into a nearby creek. An estimated 19,000 fish died of the bourbon in the creek and a river.<ref name="Jim Beam Fire">{{cite news|title=Jim Beam will pay state for fish killed after fire| url= http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/09/10/loc_kyfishkill10.html |agency=[[Associated Press]]| work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]|date=10 September 2003|archive-url= https://archive.today/20140407162839/http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/09/10/loc_kyfishkill10.html|archive-date=2014-04-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last= Verzoni |first= Angelo |url= http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nfpa/journal_20180304/index.php?startid=Cover3#/46|title=Small Scale, High Proof|magazine= NFPA Journal |date=March–April 2018|volume=112|number=2|publisher=[[National Fire Protection Association]] |pages=44–49|access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref> On July 3, 2019, another warehouse caught ablaze which destroyed around 45,000 barrels ({{cvt|2385000|usgal|L|disp=or}}){{refn|group=note|name=barrelsize}} of bourbon.<ref name="Murphy 2019">{{cite web | last=Murphy | first=Paul P. | title=A Jim Beam warehouse filled with 45,000 barrels of bourbon still burning | publisher= | website= CNN.com| date=July 3, 2019 | url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/03/us/jim-beam-warehouse-fire-kentucky-trnd/index.html | access-date=July 6, 2019}}</ref> The fire led to the spillage of bourbon into the [[Kentucky River]] and Glenns Creek.<ref name="Tobin 2019">{{cite news| last=Tobin | first=Benjamin | title=Jim Beam fire: Kentucky bourbon expert estimates $50 million lost |work=[[The Courier-Journal]] | date=July 5, 2019 | url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/2019/07/05/jim-beam-fire-kentucky-bourbon-expert-estimates-50-million-lost/1657690001/ | access-date=July 6, 2019}}</ref> Learning from the 2003 fire it was decided not to use water, letting it burn itself out to reduce runoff into the ecosystem. The [[Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet]] (KEEC) released a statement via their official [[Facebook]] page stating the alcohol plume had reached {{cvt|23|mi}} between [[Owenton, Kentucky|Owenton]] and [[Carrollton, Kentucky|Carrollton]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Falconer|first=Rebecca |url=https://www.axios.com/jim-beam-fire-kentucky-river-full-of-dead-fish-5dd0ff42-0d8d-4664-90da-b96af3404c01.html|title=Dead fish litter Kentucky River after Jim Beam fire|website=[[Axios (website)|Axios]]|date=July 8, 2019|access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref> The KEEC along with local and federal agencies used [[aeration]] to increase the oxygen levels in the water to prevent additional fish kill.
Fred Noe (1957–present), birth name Frederick Booker Noe III, became the seventh generation Beam family distiller in 2007 and regularly travels for promotional purposes.


In 2017, White Coffee Corp partnered with Jim Beam and a line of bourbon flavored coffees was created.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 16, 2017 |title=White Coffee partners with Jim Beam Bourbon for new coffees |url=https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/90234-white-coffee-partners-with-jim-beam-bourbon-for-new-coffees |access-date=2024-07-20 |work=BevIndustry |language=en}}</ref>
In 1987, Jim Beam purchased National Brands, acquiring brands including [[Old Crow]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whiskeywise.com/Old-Crow-Whiskey.html |title=Old Crow Whiskey, a fine Bourbon |work=whiskeywise.com |accessdate=March 26, 2011}}</ref> Bourbon de Luxe, [[Old Taylor]], [[Old Grand-Dad]], and Sunny Brook.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bottlebooks.com/American%20Medicinal%20Spirits%20Company/national_distillers_products.htm |title=National Distillers Products |publisher=bottlebooks.com |accessdate=March 26, 2011}}</ref> Old Taylor was subsequently sold to the [[Sazerac Company]].


==Distillers==
The Beam family has also played a major role in the history of the [[Heaven Hill|Heaven Hill Distillery]]. All of the Master Distillers at Heaven Hill since its founding have been members of the Beam family. The original Master Distiller at Heaven Hill was Joseph L. Beam, Jim Beam's first cousin. He was followed by his son, Harry, who was followed by Earl Beam, the son of Jim Beam's brother, Park. Earl Beam was then succeeded by the current Heaven Hill Master Distillers, Parker Beam and his son, Craig Beam.
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2024}}
* Freddie Noe (1988–present)
* Fred Noe (1957–present)
* Jerry Dalton (1998–2007)
* Fred Booker Noe II (1929–2004)
* T. Jeremiah Beam (1899–1977)
* James B. Beam (1864–1947)
* David M. Beam (1833–1913)
* David Beam (1802–1854)
* Jacob Beam (1760–1834)


==Distilleries==
For some period of time, Jim Beam was part of the [[holding company]] formerly known as [[Fortune Brands]] that was dismantled in 2011. Other parts of the remaining company were spun off as an IPO on the NYSE on the same day, as [[Fortune Brands Home & Security]], and the liquor division of the holding company was renamed Beam, Inc. on October 4, 2011.

In January 2014, it was announced that Jim Beam would be purchased by [[Suntory]] Holdings Ltd., a Japanese group of brewers & distillers known for producing Japan's first whiskey. Suntory agreed to acquire Jim Beam, [[Maker's Mark]], [[Teacher's Highland Cream]] and [[Laphroaig distillery]] Scotch whiskies for approximately $13.62 billion and also take on Beam's debt. This deal is the biggest Suntory has ever agreed to and will elevate them to the third largest maker of distilled drinks in the world.<ref name="bbc suntory">{{cite news|title=Japan's Suntory buys Jim Beam drinks group in $16bn deal|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25712766|accessdate=13 January 2014|newspaper=BBC News Business|date=13 January 2014}}</ref><ref name="Cane Suntory">{{cite news|last=Cane|first=Jeffery|title=Suntory of Japan to Buy Maker of Jim Beam for $13.6 Billion|url=http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/13/suntory-of-japan-to-buy-maker-of-jim-beam-for-13-6-billion/?_r=0|accessdate=13 January 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=13 January 2014}}</ref> The combined company is expected to have annual sales of spirits products of more than $4.3 billion. Suntory will pay $83.50 per share, a 25 percent premium to Beam's Friday closing price of $66.97. The companies put the deal's value at about $16 billion, including debt. According to press releases regarding the deal, the Illinois-based Jim Beam will continue to be managed by its current leadership. Beam and Suntory unanimously approved the transaction; however, the deal needs to be approved by Beam Inc. stockholders.<ref name="Suntory Buying Beam">{{cite news|title=SUNTORY BUYING SPIRITS MAKER BEAM FOR $13.62B|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BEAM_ACQUISITION?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-01-13-07-19-30|accessdate=13 January 2014|newspaper=The Associated Press|date=13 January 2014}}</ref> If approved by its shareholders, the deal is expected to close by June 30, 2014.<ref name="Cane Suntory"/> Jim Beam and Suntory have a previous partnership where they would freely distribute each other's brands in different markets.<ref name="bbc suntory"/>

On August 4, 2003, a fire destroyed a Jim Beam aging warehouse in Bardstown, Kentucky. It held about 19,000 barrels of bourbon. Flames rose more than 100 feet from the burning structure. Burning bourbon spilled from the warehouse and set a nearby creek on fire. An estimated 19,000 fish died of the bourbon in the creek and a river.<ref name="Jim Beam Fire">{{cite news|title=Jim Beam will pay state for fish killed after fire|url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/09/10/loc_kyfishkill10.html |newspaper=The Associated Press|date=10 September 2003}}</ref>

==Distillers==
In the history of the brand now known as Jim Beam, there have been seven generations of distillers from the Beam (and Noe) family. Retired Master Distiller Jerry Dalton (1998–2007) was the first non-Beam to be Master Distiller at the company, and his successor was a member of the family.


* James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, KY
{{anchor|Variants}}
* Jim Beam Booker Noe Plant in Boston, KY
* Jim Beam Old Grand Dad Plant in Frankfort, KY
* Fred B Noe Distillery in Clermont, KY


==Products==
==Products==
[[File:Jim Beam White.jpg|thumb|right|125px|Jim Beam White Label, Beam's high-volume label.]]
[[File:Jim Beam White.jpg|thumb|right|upright=.57|Jim Beam White Label, Beam's high-volume label]]
[[File:Jim Beam Black. Double Served. .jpg|thumb|upright=.57|A 375 mL can of Jim Beam Black mixed with Cola. Double served. 6.9% ALC/VOL]]
Several varieties bearing the Jim Beam name are available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jimbeam.com/kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-history |title=Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Liquor Drinks&#124; Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey |publisher=Jimbeam.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-24}}</ref>
[[File:Jim Beam Red Stag.jpg|right|thumb|upright=.57|Red Stag black cherry bourbon liqueur]]
Several varieties bearing the Jim Beam name are available.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jimbeam.com/kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-history |title=Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Liquor Drinks |website=jimbeam.com |access-date=2015-12-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029021139/http://www.jimbeam.com/kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey-history |archive-date=2012-10-29}}</ref>


;Straight Bourbon whiskey:
===Straight bourbon whiskey===
* Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – The flagship Jim Beam bourbon, aged for four years in new [[Charring|charred]] [[oak (wine)|oak]] barrels and bottled at 40% [[alcohol by volume]] (80 proof).
* Jim Beam White (white label) – aged 4 years, 80 proof, the flagship whiskey
* Jim Beam Choice (green label) – aged 5 years, 80 proof, charcoal filtered
* Jim Beam Black – Jim Beam aged for seven years and bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof).
* Jim Beam Devil's Cut – aged 6 years, uses extracted bourbon reclaimed from the walls of the cask after pouring, 90 proof
* Jim Beam Devil's Cut – Original Jim Beam blended with bourbon extracted from the cask's wood after emptying. Bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof).
* Jim Beam Seven Year (white label, red cap) – aged 7 years, 80 proof
* Jim Beam Double Oak – Jim Beam bourbon aged in two separate barrels. Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof).
* Jim Beam Black (black label) – aged 8 years (aged 6 years in export markets), 86 proof
* Jim Beam Single Barrel – Bourbon aged in a single barrel and bottled at 47.5% alcohol by volume (95 proof).
* Jim Beam Sunshine Blend – A blend of original Jim Beam and bourbon made with brown rice, aged for four years. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
* Jim Beam Bonded (metallic gold label) – aged 4 years, 100 proof, [[bottled in bond]]
* Jim Beam Winter Reserve – Jim Beam aged for six years and finished in two toasted barrels. Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof).


;Signature Craft whiskey:
===Straight rye whiskey===
* Jim Beam Rye – [[Rye whiskey]], bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
* Jim Beam Harvest Collection (not yet released) – Six Bourbons aged 11 years or more, each made particular grains including [[triticale]], [[rye]], [[six-row barley]], [[soft red wheat]], [[brown rice]], and [[rolled oats]], planned for release 2014–2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2014/07/26/jim-beam-harvest-bourbon-collection-review/ |title=Jim Beam Harvest Bourbon Collection; |publisher=BourbonBlog.com |date= |accessdate=2014-07-26}}</ref>
* Jim Beam Signature Craft bourbon whiskey – aged 12 years, 86 proof<ref name=Signature>{{cite web | url=http://www.jimbeam.com/signature-craft | title=Jim Beam Signature Craft | accessdate=March 19, 2014}}</ref>
* Jim Beam Signature Craft whiskey finished with Rare Spanish Brandy – no age statement, 86 proof (the first of a planned rotating series of limited-edition releases<ref name=Signature/>)
*Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask Bourbon – Bourbon aged at least 5 years and finished in a variety of quarter-size casks, aged at least 4 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2014/05/28/jim-beam-signature-craft-quarter-cask-bourbon/ |title=Jim Beam Signature Craft Quarter Cask Bourbon; |publisher=BourbonBlog.com |date= |accessdate=2014-05-28}}</ref>


===Small batch bourbon===
;Straight rye whiskey:
Beam's "[[Small batch whiskey|Small Batch]] Bourbon Collection" consists of several bourbons where the Beam name appears on the labels and marketing materials but is less prominent.
* [[Jim Beam Rye]] (dark green label) – [[Rye whiskey]], aged 4 years, 90 proof
* [[Booker's]]: aged 6+ years, 120–129.2 proof (60–64.60% [[alcohol by volume|ABV]])
* [[Baker's Bourbon|Baker's]]: aged 7 years, 107 proof (53.5% ABV)
* [[Basil Hayden's]]: aged 6 to 8 years, 80 proof (40% ABV); uses the [[Old Grand-Dad]] "high-rye" [[mash bill]].
* [[Knob Creek (bourbon)|Knob Creek]]: aged 9 years, 100 proof (50% ABV), with a 9-year, 120-proof (60% ABV) [[single-barrel]] expression, and a 100 proof (50% ABV) rye whiskey.


Several of these offerings have performed quite well at international [[spirits ratings]] competitions. For example, Jim Beam's Black label was awarded a double gold medal at the 2009 [[San Francisco World Spirits Competition]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://sfspiritscomp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2009_SC_updated_brand.pdf |title=2009 Results by Brand|website=sfspiritscomp.com|publisher=San Francisco World Spirits Competition |page=23|access-date=2019-07-09}}</ref> Jim Beam Black also won a Gold Outstanding medal at the 2013 [[International Wine and Spirit Competition]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iwsc.net/searchspirit2013/info/6734|title=Spirit Details: Jim Beam Black Bourbon Whiskey 8YO|website=iwsc.net|publisher=International Wine and Spirit Competition|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013958/http://www.iwsc.net/searchspirit2013/info/6734|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref>
;"White whiskey":
* Jacob's Ghost – 80 proof, aged one year in uncharred barrels and filtered

;Single-barrel bourbon whiskey:
* Jim Beam Single Barrel – no age statement, 95 proof (released March 2014)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-12-23/jim-beams-new-single-barrel-bourbon-is-95-proof-and-kid-rock-likes-it | title=Jim Beam's New Single-Barrel Bourbon Is 95 Proof, and Kid Rock Likes It | publisher=BusinessWeek | work=BusinessWeek.com | date=December 32, 2014 | accessdate=March 20, 2014 | author=Leonard, Devin}}</ref>

;Blended whiskey:
* [[Beam's Eight Star]] (gold label) – 80 proof, comprising 75% [[neutral spirits]] and 25% [[straight whiskey]] (on a proof gallon basis)

[[File:Jim Beam Red Stag.jpg|right|thumb|125px|Red Stag black cherry bourbon liqueur.]]
;Liqueurs:
* Jim Beam Apple – 70 proof
* Jim Beam Honey – 70 proof
* Jim Beam Maple – 70 proof
* Jim Beam Kentucky Fire – 70 proof<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jimbeam.com/kentucky-fire |title=Kentucky Fire |publisher=Jim Beam |accessdate=December 9, 2014}}</ref>
* "Red Stag by Jim Beam" bourbon liqueurs (for which the Beam name appears on the labels and marketing materials but is not very prominent):
** Black Cherry (white label)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2009/02/27/red-stag-new-black-cherry-infused-bourbon-from-jim-beam/ |title=Red Stag Black Cherry Infused Bourbon; |publisher=BourbonBlog.com |date= |accessdate=2009-02-27}}</ref>
** Hardcore Cider (green label)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2013/08/16/red-stag-hardcore-cider/ |title=Red Stag Hardcore Cider; |publisher=BourbonBlog.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-16}}</ref>
** Spiced with Cinnamon (red label)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bourbonblog.com/blog/2011/12/15/red-stag-new-releases-honey-tea-and-cinnamon-spiced-reviews/ |title=Red Stag Cinnamon Spiced; |publisher=BourbonBlog.com |date= |accessdate=2011-12-15}}</ref>

Several of these offerings have performed quite well at international [[spirits ratings]] competitions. For example, Jim Beam's Black label was awarded a gold medal at the 2012 [[San Francisco World Spirits Competition]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.proof66.com/whiskey/jim-beam-black-bourbon.html |title= Proof66.com Ratings and Review Summary Page for Jim Beam Black |publisher=Proof66.com |accessdate=2012-10-21}}</ref> Jim Beam Black also won a Gold Outstanding medal at the 2013 [[International Wine and Spirit Competition]].<ref>[http://www.iwsc.net/searchspirit2013/info/6734 Spirit Details: Jim Beam Black Bourbon Whiskey 8YO]</ref>

* The Beam "[[Small batch whiskey|Small Batch]] Bourbon Collection" consists of several bourbons where the Beam name appears on the labels and marketing materials but is less prominent.
** [[Booker's]]: aged 7 years, 120–129.2 proof (60–64.60% [[alcohol by volume|ABV]])
** [[Baker's (bourbon)|Baker's]]: aged 7 years, 107 proof (53.5% ABV)
** [[Basil Hayden's]]: aged 6 and 8 years, 80 proof (40% ABV); uses the [[Old Grand-Dad]] "high-rye" [[mash bill]].
** [[Knob Creek (bourbon)|Knob Creek]]: aged 9 years, 100 proof (50% ABV), with a 9-year, 120 proof (60% ABV) [[single barrel]] expression, and a 100 proof (50% ABV) rye whiskey.


==Process==
==Process==
[[Bourbon whiskey]] distillers must follow government standards for production. By law ({{USCFR|27|5}}), any "[[Straight whiskey|straight]]" bourbon must be: produced in the United States; made of a grain mix of at least 51% [[corn]]; distilled at no higher than 160 proof (80% [[alcohol by volume|ABV]]); free of any additives (except water to reduce proof for aging and bottling); aged in new, charred white oak barrels; entered into the aging barrels at no higher than 125 proof (62.5% ABV), aged for a minimum of 2 years, and bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).
[[Bourbon whiskey]] distillers must follow government standards for production. By law ({{USCFR|27|5}}), any "[[Straight whiskey|straight]]" bourbon must be: produced in the United States; made of a grain mix of at least 51% [[Maize|corn]]; distilled at no higher than 160 proof (80% [[alcohol by volume|ABV]]); free of any additives (except water to reduce proof for aging and bottling); aged in new, charred oak barrels; entered into the aging barrels at no higher than 125 proof (62.5% ABV), aged for a minimum of 2 years, and bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).


Jim Beam starts with water filtered naturally by the limestone shelf found in [[Central Kentucky]]. A strain of yeast used since the end of Prohibition is added to a tank with the grains to create what is known as "dona yeast", used later in the fermentation process. [[Hammer mill]]s grind the mix of corn, rye and barley malt to break it down for easier cooking. The mix is then moved into a large [[mashing|mash]] cooker where water and set back are added. The "set back" is a portion of the old mash from the previous distillation—the key step of the [[sour mash]] process, ensuring consistency from batch to batch.
Jim Beam starts with water filtered naturally by the limestone shelf found in Central Kentucky. A strain of yeast used since the end of Prohibition is added to a tank with the grains to create what is known as "dona yeast", used later in the fermentation process. [[Hammermill]]s grind the mix of corn, rye and barley malt to break it down for easier cooking. The mix is then moved into a large [[mashing|mash]] cooker where water and set back are added. The "set back" is a portion of the old mash from the previous distillation—the key step of the [[sour mash]] process, ensuring consistency from batch to batch. The distillery produces two different whiskeys based on two different mash bills, each used depending on the product line.<ref name=Waymack>{{cite book |last1=Waymack |first1=Mark H. |first2=James F. |last2=Harris |date=1995 |title=The Book of Classic American Whiskeys |url=https://openlibrary.org/books/OL784496M/The_book_of_classic_American_whiskeys |isbn=0812693051 |page=113|publisher=Open Court |ol=784496M }}</ref>


From the cooker, the mash heads to the fermenter where it is cooled to 60–70&nbsp;°F and yeast is added again. The yeast is fed by the sugars in the mash, producing heat, carbon dioxide and alcohol. Called "distiller's beer" or "wash", the resulting liquid (after filtering to remove solids) looks, smells and tastes like (and essentially is) a form of beer. The wash is pumped into a [[column still]] where it is heated to over 200&nbsp;°F, causing the alcohol to turn to a vapor. As the vapor cools and falls it turns to a liquid called "low wine", which measures 125 proof or 62.5% alcohol.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} A second distillation in a [[pot still]] heats and condenses the liquid into "high wine", which reaches 135 proof (67.5% alcohol).{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}
From the cooker, the mash heads to the fermenter where it is cooled to {{cvt|60|-|70|F}} and yeast is added again. The yeast is fed by the sugars in the mash, producing heat, carbon dioxide and alcohol. Called "distiller's beer" or "wash", the resulting liquid (after filtering to remove solids) looks, smells and tastes like (and essentially is) a form of beer. The wash is pumped into a [[column still]] where it is heated to over {{cvt|200|F}}, causing the alcohol to turn to a vapor.


The high wine is moved to new, charred American oak barrels, each of which hold about 53 gallons of liquid. A "[[bung]]" is used to seal the barrels before moving them to nearby hilltop rackhouses where they will age up to nine years. As the seasons change, natural weather variations expand and contract the barrel wood, allowing bourbon to seep into the barrel, and the caramelized sugars from the charred oak flavor and color the bourbon. A significant portion (known as the "[[angel's share]]") of the 53 gallons of bourbon escapes the barrel through evaporation, or stays trapped in the wood of the barrel.<ref>Jim Beam Bourbon-Making Process, documented by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, September 2008{{vague|date=February 2011}}</ref> Jim Beam ages for at least four years, or twice as long as the government requires for a "straight" bourbon. At the end of the aging period the amber liquid is filtered, bottled, packaged and sent to one of many distributors around the world using the [[Three-tier (alcohol distribution)|three-tier distribution system]].{{citation needed|date=January 2014}}
The high wine at about 125 proof is moved to new charred American oak barrels,<ref name=Waymack /> each of which hold about {{convert|53|USgal|L}} of liquid. A "[[bung]]" is used to seal the barrels before moving them to nearby hilltop rackhouses where they will age up to nine years. As the seasons change, natural weather variations expand and contract the barrel wood, allowing bourbon to seep into the barrel, and the caramelized sugars from the charred oak flavor and color the bourbon. A significant portion (known as the "[[angel's share]]") of the bourbon escapes the barrel through evaporation, or stays trapped in the wood of the barrel.<ref>Jim Beam Bourbon-Making Process, documented by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, September 2008</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=February 2011}} Jim Beam ages for at least four years, or twice as long as the government requires for a "straight" bourbon. Aging for at least four years also allows the distillery to legally dispense with an age statement on the bottle.


==Global markets==
==Food and merchandise==
Jim Beam is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon in the world.<ref name="Carlton 2017 p. 189">{{cite book | last=Carlton | first=C.H. | title=Barrel Strength Bourbon: The Explosive Growth of America's Whiskey | publisher=Clerisy Press | year=2017 | isbn=978-1-57860-576-7 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RflBDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT189 | access-date=August 7, 2021 | page=189}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Riell|first=Howard |url=http://www.beveragenet.net/cheers/1998/0998/998burbn.asp|title=Spirit of America - More about Bourbon |work=Cheers|date=September 1998|publisher=Beveragenet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501085333/http://www.beveragenet.net/cheers/1998/0998/998burbn.asp |archive-date=May 1, 2006 }}</ref> Outside the United States, Beam Global Spirits & Wine has had a sales and distribution alliance with [[Edrington (spirits company)|The Edrington Group]] since 2009.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Beam Global Spirits & Wine and The Edrington Group Launch International Sales and Distribution Alliance |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090331006961/en/Beam-Global-Spirits-amp-Wine-Edrington-Group|publisher=[[Business Wire]]|access-date=April 12, 2016|date=April 1, 2009}}</ref>
On July 26, 2004, [[THANASI Foods]] announced the release of Jim Beam Soaked Sunflower Seeds, a snack product soaked in Jim Beam and available in 3 flavors; Original, Barbeque<!--That's how they spell it-->, and Jalapeño. On October 18, 2004, the company announced the addition of Jim Beam Soaked Beef Jerky to the range. Jim Beam has a licensing agreement with Vita Food Products to manufacture and sell Jim Beam BBQ Sauces, Marinades, Mustards, Steak Sauces, Hot Sauce, Wing Sauce, Pancake Syrup and Glazes. Vita Specialty Foods also produces a range of Jim Beam hot smoked and fresh, marinated salmon. Top Shelf Gourmet specializes in Jim Beam bourbon-infused fresh pork and poultry products, including Jim Beam Bourbon Barrel Ham, Pulled Pork, and Pulled Chicken.


==See also==
Brandmark Products produces a full range of Jim Beam branded billiard and home recreation products. Zippo produces a range of Jim Beam branded pocket and multi-purpose lighters. [[Bradley Smoker]] produces a line of Jim Beam branded smokers and smoking briquettes made from Jim Beam Barrels. Silver Buffalo designs Jim Beam wall art, dartboards and accessories for home recreational use. Concept One develops Jim Beam headwear. Headline Entertainment develops Jim Beam T-shirts and outerwear. Sherwood Brands produces a full line of Jim Beam gift sets.<ref>Active Licensing and Partnership Agreements, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, September 2008{{vague|date=February 2011}}</ref>
{{portal|Liquor|Drink}}
* [[Jack Daniel's]], an American Tennessee whiskey
* [[List of historic whisky distilleries]]
* [[Maker's Mark]], a premium sister brand of bourbon produced by Beam Suntory
* [[Robby Gordon Motorsports]], a racing team sponsored by Jim Beam from 2005 to 2009
* [[2016 Jim Beam strike]]


==Global markets==
==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|group=note}}
Outside the United States, Beam Global Spirits & Wine has a sales and distribution alliance with [[The Edrington Group]].<ref>[http://www.edringtongroup.com/ The Edrington Group] (accessed February 2011)</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Jack Daniel's]]
* [[Evan Williams (whiskey)|Evan Williams]]
* [[Maker's Mark]]
* [[Early Times]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.jimbeam.com Jim Beam] official website


{{Suntory}}
{{Alcoholic drinks}}
{{KYBourbonTrail}}
{{KYBourbonTrail}}


[[Category:Suntory brands]]
[[Category:Beam Suntory]]
[[Category:Bourbon whiskey]]
[[Category:Bourbon whiskey]]
[[Category:Brand name alcohol products]]
[[Category:Distilleries in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Distilleries in Kentucky]]
[[Category:Beam Suntory]]
[[Category:American brands]]
[[Category:Whisky brands]]
[[Category:Bullitt County, Kentucky]]
[[Category:1795 introductions]]
[[Category:1795 introductions]]
[[Category:Bullitt County, Kentucky]]
[[Category:Kentucky cuisine]]
[[Category:Kentucky cuisine]]
[[Category:American brands]]

Latest revision as of 03:31, 17 November 2024

Jim Beam
Logo as of 2023
TypeBourbon whiskey
ManufacturerSuntory Global Spirits
(d/b/a James B. Beam Distilling Co.)
Country of origin United States
Introduced
  • 1795 "Old Jake Beam Sour Mash"
  • 1880, "Old Tub"
  • 1943, "Jim Beam"
Proof (US)80
Websitejimbeam.com

Jim Beam is an American brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky, by Suntory Global Spirits. It is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon in the world. Since 1795 (interrupted by Prohibition), seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the company that produces the brand. The brand name became "Jim Beam" in 1943 in honor of James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended. Previously produced by the Beam family and later owned by the Fortune Brands holding company, the brand was purchased by Suntory Holdings in 2014.

History

[edit]

During the late 18th century, members of the Böhm family, who eventually changed the spelling of their surname to "Beam", emigrated from Germany and settled in Kentucky.[1] Johannes "Jacob" Beam (1760–1834) was a farmer who began producing whiskey in the style that became bourbon. Jacob Beam sold his first barrels of corn whiskey around 1795,[2] then called Old Jake Beam Sour Mash.[citation needed] Beam's son David Beam (1802–1854) took on his father's responsibilities in 1820 at age 18, expanding distribution of the family's bourbon during a time of Industrial Revolution. David M. Beam (1833–1913) in 1854 moved the distillery to Nelson County to capitalize on the growing network of railroad lines connecting states.[clarification needed] Until 1880, customers would bring their own jugs to the distillery to fill them with whiskey. In 1880, the company started bottling the product and selling it nationally under the brand name "Old Tub".[3] James Beauregard Beam (1864–1947) managed the family business before and after Prohibition, rebuilding the distillery in 1933–1934 in Clermont, Kentucky, near his Bardstown home.

In 1943, the brand name was changed from "Old Tub" to "Jim Beam",[3] after James Beauregard Beam, and some of the bottle labels bear the statement, "None Genuine Without My Signature" with the signature James B. Beam.[citation needed] In 1945, the company was purchased by Harry Blum, a Chicago spirits merchant.[2] The Beam company was purchased by American Brands in 1968.[2] T. Jeremiah Beam (1899–1977) started working at the Clear Springs distillery in 1913, later becoming the master distiller and overseeing operations at the new Clermont facility. Jeremiah Beam eventually gained full ownership and opened a second distillery near Boston, Kentucky, in 1954. Jeremiah later teamed up with childhood friend Jimberlain Joseph Quinn, to expand the enterprise.[clarification needed]

Booker Noe (Frederick Booker Noe II, 1929–2004),[4] grandson of Jim Beam, was the Master Distiller at the Jim Beam Distillery for more than 40 years, working closely with Master Distiller Jerry Dalton. In 1987 Booker introduced his namesake bourbon, Booker's, the company's first uncut, straight-from-the-barrel bourbon,[citation needed] and the first of the company's "Small Batch Bourbon Collection". Fred Noe (Frederick Booker Noe III, 1957–) became the seventh generation Beam family distiller in 2007 and regularly travels for promotional purposes.

In 1987, Jim Beam purchased National Distillers, acquiring brands including Old Crow,[5] Bourbon de Luxe, Old Taylor, Old Grand-Dad, and Sunny Brook.[6] Old Taylor was subsequently sold to the Sazerac Company. Jim Beam was part of the holding company formerly known as Fortune Brands that was dismantled in 2011. Other parts of the remaining company were spun off as an IPO on the NYSE on the same day, as Fortune Brands Home & Security, and the liquor division of the holding company was renamed Beam, Inc. on October 4, 2011. In 2014 Beam Inc. was purchased by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese food and beverage group.[7] The combined company was known as Beam Suntory until May 2024, when it was re-branded as Suntory Global Spirits.

On August 4, 2003, a fire destroyed a Jim Beam aging warehouse in Bardstown, Kentucky. It held 15,000 barrels (795,000 US gal or 3,010,000 L)[note 1] of bourbon. Flames rose more than 100 feet from the structure. Burning bourbon spilled from the warehouse into a nearby creek. An estimated 19,000 fish died of the bourbon in the creek and a river.[9][10] On July 3, 2019, another warehouse caught ablaze which destroyed around 45,000 barrels (2,385,000 US gal or 9,030,000 L)[note 1] of bourbon.[11] The fire led to the spillage of bourbon into the Kentucky River and Glenns Creek.[12] Learning from the 2003 fire it was decided not to use water, letting it burn itself out to reduce runoff into the ecosystem. The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (KEEC) released a statement via their official Facebook page stating the alcohol plume had reached 23 mi (37 km) between Owenton and Carrollton.[13] The KEEC along with local and federal agencies used aeration to increase the oxygen levels in the water to prevent additional fish kill.

In 2017, White Coffee Corp partnered with Jim Beam and a line of bourbon flavored coffees was created.[14]

Distillers

[edit]
  • Freddie Noe (1988–present)
  • Fred Noe (1957–present)
  • Jerry Dalton (1998–2007)
  • Fred Booker Noe II (1929–2004)
  • T. Jeremiah Beam (1899–1977)
  • James B. Beam (1864–1947)
  • David M. Beam (1833–1913)
  • David Beam (1802–1854)
  • Jacob Beam (1760–1834)

Distilleries

[edit]
  • James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, KY
  • Jim Beam Booker Noe Plant in Boston, KY
  • Jim Beam Old Grand Dad Plant in Frankfort, KY
  • Fred B Noe Distillery in Clermont, KY

Products

[edit]
Jim Beam White Label, Beam's high-volume label
A 375 mL can of Jim Beam Black mixed with Cola. Double served. 6.9% ALC/VOL
Red Stag black cherry bourbon liqueur

Several varieties bearing the Jim Beam name are available.[15]

Straight bourbon whiskey

[edit]
  • Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – The flagship Jim Beam bourbon, aged for four years in new charred oak barrels and bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
  • Jim Beam Black – Jim Beam aged for seven years and bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof).
  • Jim Beam Devil's Cut – Original Jim Beam blended with bourbon extracted from the cask's wood after emptying. Bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof).
  • Jim Beam Double Oak – Jim Beam bourbon aged in two separate barrels. Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof).
  • Jim Beam Single Barrel – Bourbon aged in a single barrel and bottled at 47.5% alcohol by volume (95 proof).
  • Jim Beam Sunshine Blend – A blend of original Jim Beam and bourbon made with brown rice, aged for four years. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
  • Jim Beam Winter Reserve – Jim Beam aged for six years and finished in two toasted barrels. Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof).

Straight rye whiskey

[edit]
  • Jim Beam Rye – Rye whiskey, bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).

Small batch bourbon

[edit]

Beam's "Small Batch Bourbon Collection" consists of several bourbons where the Beam name appears on the labels and marketing materials but is less prominent.

Several of these offerings have performed quite well at international spirits ratings competitions. For example, Jim Beam's Black label was awarded a double gold medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.[16] Jim Beam Black also won a Gold Outstanding medal at the 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition.[17]

Process

[edit]

Bourbon whiskey distillers must follow government standards for production. By law (27 CFR 5), any "straight" bourbon must be: produced in the United States; made of a grain mix of at least 51% corn; distilled at no higher than 160 proof (80% ABV); free of any additives (except water to reduce proof for aging and bottling); aged in new, charred oak barrels; entered into the aging barrels at no higher than 125 proof (62.5% ABV), aged for a minimum of 2 years, and bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% ABV).

Jim Beam starts with water filtered naturally by the limestone shelf found in Central Kentucky. A strain of yeast used since the end of Prohibition is added to a tank with the grains to create what is known as "dona yeast", used later in the fermentation process. Hammermills grind the mix of corn, rye and barley malt to break it down for easier cooking. The mix is then moved into a large mash cooker where water and set back are added. The "set back" is a portion of the old mash from the previous distillation—the key step of the sour mash process, ensuring consistency from batch to batch. The distillery produces two different whiskeys based on two different mash bills, each used depending on the product line.[18]

From the cooker, the mash heads to the fermenter where it is cooled to 60–70 °F (16–21 °C) and yeast is added again. The yeast is fed by the sugars in the mash, producing heat, carbon dioxide and alcohol. Called "distiller's beer" or "wash", the resulting liquid (after filtering to remove solids) looks, smells and tastes like (and essentially is) a form of beer. The wash is pumped into a column still where it is heated to over 200 °F (93 °C), causing the alcohol to turn to a vapor.

The high wine at about 125 proof is moved to new charred American oak barrels,[18] each of which hold about 53 US gallons (200 L) of liquid. A "bung" is used to seal the barrels before moving them to nearby hilltop rackhouses where they will age up to nine years. As the seasons change, natural weather variations expand and contract the barrel wood, allowing bourbon to seep into the barrel, and the caramelized sugars from the charred oak flavor and color the bourbon. A significant portion (known as the "angel's share") of the bourbon escapes the barrel through evaporation, or stays trapped in the wood of the barrel.[19][full citation needed] Jim Beam ages for at least four years, or twice as long as the government requires for a "straight" bourbon. Aging for at least four years also allows the distillery to legally dispense with an age statement on the bottle.

Global markets

[edit]

Jim Beam is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon in the world.[20][21] Outside the United States, Beam Global Spirits & Wine has had a sales and distribution alliance with The Edrington Group since 2009.[22]

See also

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b A typical bourbon barrel contains about 53 US gal or 200 L.[8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hilger, Rainer (2004). "Jim Beam Distillery - Allgemeines" (PDF). Ein Führer zu den Distilleries in Kentucky [Kentucky Distillery Tour Guide] (in German). Pfaffenweiler WP-Verl. pp. 15–18. ISBN 3-00-014226-6.
  2. ^ a b c "Alcohol History: Whiskey and other Liquor History" (Slide show). Beam Suntory. Archived from the original on July 7, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Beam's History". jimbeam.com. Beam Suntory. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  4. ^ Prial, Frank J. (February 27, 2004). "F. Booker Noe II, 74, Master Bourbon Distiller". The New York Times. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "Old Crow Whiskey, a fine Bourbon". whiskeywise.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2007. Retrieved March 26, 2011.
  6. ^ "National Distillers Products". bottlebooks.com. Digger Odell Publications. Retrieved March 26, 2011.
  7. ^ Suntory Still has M&A Thirst, The Wall Street Journal, May 15, 2014.
  8. ^ Archie, Ayana; Smith, Emily (July 5, 2018). "2 weeks ago, half a bourbon warehouse collapsed. Now, the other half is down". CNN.com.
  9. ^ "Jim Beam will pay state for fish killed after fire". The Cincinnati Enquirer. Associated Press. September 10, 2003. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014.
  10. ^ Verzoni, Angelo (March–April 2018). "Small Scale, High Proof". NFPA Journal. Vol. 112, no. 2. National Fire Protection Association. pp. 44–49. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  11. ^ Murphy, Paul P. (July 3, 2019). "A Jim Beam warehouse filled with 45,000 barrels of bourbon still burning". CNN.com. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  12. ^ Tobin, Benjamin (July 5, 2019). "Jim Beam fire: Kentucky bourbon expert estimates $50 million lost". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  13. ^ Falconer, Rebecca (July 8, 2019). "Dead fish litter Kentucky River after Jim Beam fire". Axios. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  14. ^ "White Coffee partners with Jim Beam Bourbon for new coffees". BevIndustry. May 16, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  15. ^ "Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Liquor Drinks". jimbeam.com. Archived from the original on October 29, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2015.
  16. ^ "2009 Results by Brand" (PDF). sfspiritscomp.com. San Francisco World Spirits Competition. p. 23. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  17. ^ "Spirit Details: Jim Beam Black Bourbon Whiskey 8YO". iwsc.net. International Wine and Spirit Competition. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013.
  18. ^ a b Waymack, Mark H.; Harris, James F. (1995). The Book of Classic American Whiskeys. Open Court. p. 113. ISBN 0812693051. OL 784496M.
  19. ^ Jim Beam Bourbon-Making Process, documented by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, September 2008
  20. ^ Carlton, C.H. (2017). Barrel Strength Bourbon: The Explosive Growth of America's Whiskey. Clerisy Press. p. 189. ISBN 978-1-57860-576-7. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  21. ^ Riell, Howard (September 1998). "Spirit of America - More about Bourbon". Cheers. Beveragenet. Archived from the original on May 1, 2006.
  22. ^ "Beam Global Spirits & Wine and The Edrington Group Launch International Sales and Distribution Alliance" (Press release). Business Wire. April 1, 2009. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
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