James B. Beam Distilling Co. Fills 16 Millionth Barrel Since Prohibition
James B. Beam Distilling Co. Fills 16 Millionth Barrel Since Prohibition
February 17, 2020 (CLERMONT, KY) – The James B. Beam Distilling Co. today celebrated the filling of its 16 millionth barrel of Bourbon since Prohibition and the beginning of a year honoring the brand’s 225th anniversary. The milestone barrel was filled and sealed by family distillers Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller, and his son Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Beam Distiller, in Clermont, Kentucky.
It’s humbling that we get to fill our 16 millionth barrel as we kick off our 225th anniversary. This milestone speaks to our eight-generation commitment to never compromising on quality and always staying true to our roots,” said Fred Noe, 7th Generation Master Distiller, James B. Beam Distilling Co. “Celebrating 225 years and looking back at my family’s story in Kentucky, we’re not raising a glass to our past but for the 225 years to come! I’m looking forward to the next chapter of bringing more people together over great Bourbon for another 225 years.
The Beam family has always been committed to quality; making Bourbon the Beam way, not just quickly; and staying true to its deep roots. This milestone underscores the James B. Beam Distilling Co.’s steadfast commitment to family, leadership and quality. Most recently the company committed to invest more than $60 million in Clermont to build the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery and create a new visitor experience that encompasses the entire family of brands, from Jim Beam to Knob Creek, Booker’s, Baker’s and Basil Hayden’s, to the next generation brands like Little Book and Legent.
“Jim Beam is a Kentucky brand recognized around the world – a key reason Kentucky just became the nation’s leading exporter of whiskey,” said Governor Andy Beshear. “This is an exciting time for Beam and for one of Kentucky’s signature industries. Thank you to the Noe family for inviting me to participate in this historic day and for their commitment to Clermont, to Kentucky and to good Bourbon.”
As part of its focus on the future, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. has established a Natural Water Sanctuary Alliance at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest to protect the pristine limestone water that give its Bourbons their incredible flavor. The company has also donated $5 million to the University of Kentucky to establish the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits to educate the Bourbon industry’s next generation, and research ways to distill more efficiently, and more sustainably.
“This is an incredible time to be in the Bourbon industry, especially given the category’s global growth and continued innovation changing the landscape,” said Malini Patel, Managing Director, James B. Beam Distilling Co. “Since the James B. Beam Distilling Co. makes nearly half of the Bourbon produced in the state of Kentucky, we don’t take our leadership position lightly. People from Tokyo to Frankfurt, from Moscow to Sydney are embracing Bourbon and we’re dedicated to doing our part to continue growing this incredible industry for another 225 years to come.”
There are many ways to experience the James B. Beam Distilling Co. firsthand. Take a tour of the American Stillhouse and see the 16 millionth barrel on display in Warehouse Two. Events, signature cocktails, and tastings are also available at our distillery in Clermont, Kentucky or stop into the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse in Louisville for a tasting or an expertly crafted cocktail.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit https://www.beamsuntory.com and https://www.drinksmart.com.
© 2020 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654