Jim Beam

When it comes to world-renowned bourbon whiskey, the name Jim Beam is undoubtedly well-known. This esteemed American bourbon brand was founded in Clermont, Kentucky, in 1795 (approximately 229 years ago). Currently, it operates under Beam Suntory, a subsidiary of Suntory, the venerable Japanese whisky company. Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to delve into the story behind Jim Beam's enduring success.

The Beam Family's Origins in Kentucky

The story of Jim Beam traces back to the late 18th century, specifically 1788, when Johannes Jacob Beam and his German family settled in Kentucky. This fertile land, with its pure water sources, was ideally suited for cultivating corn, the primary ingredient in bourbon production.

However, even before Jim Beam's inception, bourbon production had already begun in Kentucky in the 17th century, pioneered by Scottish and Irish settlers in Bourbon County.

The Distinction Between Bourbon and Whiskey

Bourbon production shares similarities with whiskey, but specific regulations set it apart

• Main Ingredients: Most whiskeys are primarily made from rye and barley. Bourbon, however, must contain at least 51% corn. This requirement arose because, during that era, traditional whiskey grains like rye and barley were scarce in America, prompting producers to turn to corn, a staple crop in the U.S. The remaining percentage can consist of rye or barley, added for desired richness.
• Production and Aging Process: To be classified as bourbon, every bottle must undergo at least two distillations and be aged for a minimum of two years in new, charred American white oak barrels. This aging process is another key differentiator between bourbon and whiskey, as whiskeys typically require at least three years of aging.

Jacob Beam: Pioneering Old Jake Beam (1st Generation)

In 1795, Jacob Beam recognized the potential of bourbon. He began distilling bourbon on his farm, combining family techniques with local bourbon production methods. He ultimately created a smooth and mellow bourbon, which he named Old Jake Beam.

Jacob started selling his bourbon to neighbors in the vicinity, and soon after, his bourbon quickly gained popularity throughout Kentucky.

Business Expansion (2nd and 3rd Generations)

Later, in 1820, David Beam, Jacob's tenth son, at just 18 years old and already an expert distiller, took over the business. David decided to expand the distillery and increase production capacity, further enhancing the popularity of Old Jake Beam.

Thirty-four years later, in 1854, David M. Beam, David's son, inherited the business as the third generation. Under David M.'s leadership, the brand underwent a rebranding, changing the bourbon's name to Beam's Old Tub. He also introduced glass bottles and relocated the distillery to Nelson County, closer to the railroad, to facilitate faster and wider distribution of his bourbon.

James "Jim" Beauregard Beam: Rescuing the Brand After Prohibition (4th Generation)

In 1894, James Beauregard Beam, affectionately known to his family as Jim Beam, David M.'s youngest son, took over the business as the fourth generation. However, twenty-six years later, fate took a drastic turn when the Prohibition law was enforced in America in 1920. Their bourbon distillery was forced to close, and the Beam family had to abandon everything they had built. Jim Beam had to find work to support his family during the economic downturn.

Nevertheless, Jim Beam persevered. He awaited the day the law would change, and in 1933, Prohibition was finally repealed. At 69 years old, Jim Beam started anew, building a distillery in just 120 days to revive his family's business.

Jim Beam officially established the James B. Beam Distilling Company and renamed the bourbon Jim Beam after himself, the name we know today. After its relaunch, Jim Beam's reputation spread rapidly due to increasing demand for spirits. People loved the taste of Jim Beam, finding it smooth, mellow, and easy to drink.

The Golden Age and Innovation (5th and 6th Generations)

In 1935, T. Jeremiah Beam, Jim Beam's son, took over the business as the fifth generation. Under his guidance, the company expanded its distribution, and by 1950, he had transformed Jim Beam into a globally renowned bourbon brand.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the Beam family continued to innovate and expand. In 1964, the company launched Jim Beam Black Label, a premium bourbon aged for eight years in new, charred oak barrels. It boasts a rich, mellow, and smooth taste with aromatic notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla.

In 1988, Frederick Booker Noe II, Jim Beam's grandson-in-law, introduced a special premium bourbon collection called Booker's Bourbon. This bourbon is unique from others as it is aged for 6-8 years in new oak barrels, is uncut (not diluted with water), and unfiltered. Consequently, this bourbon possesses an intense flavor and aroma derived directly from the oak barrels.

In addition to those mentioned, Jim Beam offers several other expressions, including Jim Beam White, Jim Beam Double Oak, and Jim Beam Honey, each with its distinct taste and character.

Under Beam Suntory and the Future of Jim Beam

In 2014, Suntory, the venerable Japanese whisky company, acquired Jim Beam and established Beam Suntory to manage the business. Today, Beam Suntory stands as one of the world's leading spirits companies, with Jim Beam serving as its flagship bourbon brand.

Despite Suntory's acquisition, the Beam family continues to operate as distillers in the 7th generation, led by Frederick Booker Noe IV, son of Frederick Booker Noe III. Currently, Jim Beam remains one of the top bourbon brands globally, available in over 200 countries, a testament to its long-standing legacy of quality.

Jim Beam is more than just a drink; it's a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and a family legacy passed down through generations, creating a bourbon cherished by drinkers worldwide.