History of Jim Beam Bourbon
Provided by James B. Beam Distilling Company |
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The birth of bourbon. Settlers in Kentucky distill corn whiskey and age it in charred oak barrels to give it's rich, smoky flavor and distinctive amber color. |
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Jacob Beam, farmer and grain-mill operator, sells his first barrel of "Old Jake Beam Sour Mash." Friends and family call it a "fine dram." |
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Jacob's son, David Beam, takes over as Master Distiller. He produces the family's increasingly famous bourbon whiskey for 30 years. |
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The opening of the Erie Canal. Shipping goods is easier and more accessible than ever. |
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David Beam retires, leaving his son, David M. Beam, grandson of Jacob, in charge. |
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The national pace of business jumps yet again as six Eastern railroads, including the Baltimore & Ohio and the Pennsylvania, punch through the Appalachian Mountains. |
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David M. Beam moves the distillery to Nelson County, Kentucky, to be near a railroad. |
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James Beauregard Beam, the third son of David M., becomes the new head of the family business. He is a straightforward man who prefers simple to fancy, and he insists on being called "Jim." |
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Prohibition begins. Jim Beam leaves the distilling business to grow citrus in Florida, then takes up coal mining and later runs a limestone quarry. Prohibition marks the only time from 1795 to the present day that the Beams do not distill whiskey.
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Prohibition is repealed. |
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Jim Beam, who is now 70, rebuilds the family's distillery, by hand, in just 120 days.
Jim Beam is so dedicated to protecting the family recipe that he seals a portion of the yeast culture in a jar and takes it home with him every weekend. Just in case.
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Jim Beam's son, T. Jeremiah Beam, becomes president and treasurer of the James B. Beam Distilling Company. |
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Jim Beam's grandson, F. Booker Noe, Jr. is brought into the business at age 21. Booker is the great-great-great grandson of Jacob Beam. |
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The company opens a second distillery near Boston, Kentucky. |
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Booker Noe is named Master Distiller Emeritus. He's one of at least 30 master distillers and distillers descended from Jacob Beam who have worked in the American distilling industry. |
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Congress declares bourbon to be the "official native spirit" of the United States. |
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The company fills its 9-millionth barrel. |
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Jim Beam Black® Bourbon is given the highest rating of any North American whiskey in a professional tasting by the Beverage Testing Institute. Beverage Testing Institute - Professional Tasting - Chicago, Illinois 2003 |
