Welcome to the James B. Beam Distilling Co., home of the world's best-selling bourbon, Jim Beam! Since 1795, seven generations of the Beam family have been producing some of the finest bourbons in the world. For over two centuries, Jim Beam has been crafting unique and flavorful bourbons that delight and satisfy whiskey drinkers around the globe.
Jim Beam bears the name of its founder, James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business from scratch after Prohibition ended in 1933. A testament to his hard work and dedication is that today, Jim Beam is still owned by his descendants through their company, Suntory Holdings. This Japanese company also owns Maker's Mark, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden—all are celebrated for their quality and craftsmanship.
At James B. Beam Distilling Co., visitors can tour our facility and learn about our production process from fermentation to bottling as well as get a hands-on experience with our distillation equipment. This journey begins with a visit to our historic visitor center located at Clermont in Kentucky where you will be welcomed by a staff member eager to answer all your questions about bourbon production and the history behind it. From there we will take you into one of our state-of-the-art warehouses where you will be able to try samples of Jim Beam White Label, Black Label and Red Stag straight from the barrel!
To complete your tour you can sample some delicious food at our restaurant or purchase souvenirs from our gift shop before leaving. We also offer guided tours every half hour starting at 12:30 PM until 3 PM for just $10 per person; these tours provide an even more comprehensive understanding of how we make America's favorite spirit here at James B. Beam Distilling Co.
So come on down and join us for an unforgettable experience at James B. Beam Distilling Co.—where you can learn about bourbon production firsthand while exploring history in a truly unique way!
Is Jim Beam the Same as James B Beam?
James B. Beam and Jim Beam are one and the same. James B. Beam was a Kentucky distiller who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended in the 1930s. To honor him, the brand name was changed to Jim Beam in 1943. Subsequently, it was owned by Fortune Brands before being purchased by Suntory Holdings in 2014. In essence, James B. Beam and Jim Beam are identical, but represent two different eras of ownership of the same company.
Is Jim Beam Owned by a Japanese Company?
Yes, Jim Beam is now owed by a Japanese company, Suntory. Suntory purchased Jim Beam from Beam Suntory Inc. in 2014 for $16 billion. This acquisition included many other brands of whiskey, including Maker's Mark, Knob Creek and Basil Hayden. The purchase of the Beam family's iconic distillery brings the heritage brand into the portfolio of one of the world's largest beverage companies.
Does the Beam Family Still Own Jim Beam?
Yes, the Beam family still owns Jim Beam. The Beam family has been distilling whiskey snce 1795 and has been a part of the Jim Beam brand since its founding in 1795. Today, seven generations of Beam family distillers have kept the tradition alive and the company is still owned by the Beam family. The current master distiller is Fred Noe, a direct descendant of Jacob Beam, the original founder. The Jim Beam brand is one of the most recognizable and popular brands of whiskey in the world, and it's all due to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations of Beams.
Cost of Jim Beam Distillery Tour
The Jim Beam distillery tour is $10 per person. The tour runs every half hour, starting at 12:30 p.m. and ending at 3 p.m. During the tour you will get to explore the facilities and learn about the history of Jim Beam and the distilling process. You'll also get to taste some of their signature products!
The Meaning Behind the ‘B' in James B. Beam
The B in James B. Beam stands for Beauregard, the middle name of the distiller and namesake of Jim Beam Bourbon. James Beauregard Beam was born in Kentucky in 1864 and started his own distilling business in 1935. He named his brand afer himself, and each bottle features the statement “None Genuine Without My Signature” with his signature, James B. Beam, printed on it.
Estimating the Age of a Bottle of Jim Beam
The age of your bottle of Jim Beam can be determined by looking for the 2-digit molding on the bottom of the bottle. This will usually tell you within a year or two when the whiskey was bottled. If the lettering is difficult to make out, you may need to look up when certain bottles were produced to help make an educated guess.
The Origin of the Name ‘Jim Beam'
Jim Beam is named after Colonel James B. Beam, who founded the first bourbon distillery in 1795. Colonel Beam was a family man and a successful entrepreneur who dedicated his life to perfecting his craft. In 1935, his son T. Jeremiah re-founded the distillery as the Jim B. Beam Distilling Company and decided to honor his father by naming the bourbon after him. Over the years, Jim Beam has become one of the world's best-selling bourbons and a symbol of American tradition, thanks in large part to Colonel James B. Beam's hard work and dedication to creating quality spirits.
Who Is the Owner of the Jim Beam Distillery?
The Jim Beam distillery is currently owned by Beam Suntory, which is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings. The distillery was originally owned by the Beam family from 1795 until the mid-20th century, when it was purchased by American Brands, Inc., fomerly known as American Tobacco Company. In 2005, Fortune Brands purchased Jim Beam Brands Worldwide and acquired 20 brands from Allied Domecq. Fortune Brands then merged with Pernod Ricard in 2011 to form Beam Inc., which was then acquired by Suntory Holdings in 2014. Today, Beam Suntory is one of the world's largest producers of whiskey and owns and operates the Jim Beam distillery.
The Master Distiller at Jim Beam
The Master Distiller at Jim Beam is Freddie Noe, the 7th generation distiller of the Beam Distilling Company. He is the great-grandson of Jim Beam and the son of Fred Noe, who currently holds the position of Beam Ambassador. Freddie was appointed to the role of Master Distiller in 2019 and has been working in varius aspects of whiskey-making since he was a young boy. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of distilling, blending and bottling at the Fred B. Noe Distillery in Clermont, KY. Freddie is passionate about continuing the tradition and legacy that Jim Beam created over 200 years ago and strives to use his experience and knowledge to craft world-class whiskies that honor his family's heritage.
Length of the Jim Beam Tour
The Jim Beam Tour is a 90-minute experience that takes you behind the scenes of our distillery. You will be guided through the craft of making bourbon, wile learning about the 200-year history of the Beam family. At the end of your tour, you will be invited to sample some of our finest bourbons at our American Outpost. So, join us for an unforgettable 90-minute journey through two centuries worth of stories and bourbon-making!
Staying at the Jim Beam Distillery
No, unfrtunately it is not possible to stay at the Jim Beam distillery. However, you can enjoy a historic stay at a house built in 1919 that overlooks Everbach Lake and is just a short drive away from the Jim Beam distillery. During your stay, you can take part in activities including a distillery tour and bourbon tasting to discover how the world's #1 bourbon is crafted. The house sleeps up to six people in three beds and promises an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
The James B. Beam Distilling Co. is a historic bourbon producer with a rich legacy that spans over two centuries. Founded in 1795 by Jacob Beam, the distillery has been passed down seven generations of Beam family distillers and is now owned by Suntory Holdings. The brand name ‘Jim Beam' was adopted in 1943 in honor of James B. Beam who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended. Today, Jim Beam continues to be a much-loved and renowned brand, with its signature bourbon being enjoyed around the world. For thoe wanting to learn more about this iconic brand, guided tours are available every half hour from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m., offering an informative insight into the history and production process behind this beloved brand of bourbon.
