Jim Beam
Encyclopedia
Jim Beam is a brand of bourbon whiskey
produced in Clermont, Kentucky
. It is currently 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, 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 Inc.
(NYSE: BEAM), which is a company formed on October 4, 2011 from part of the holding company formerly known as Fortune Brands
. Beam is headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago
, in Deerfield, Illinois
. The Beam / Noe family that founded the business is still involved in the company. The company produces several varieties of bourbon and other spirit
s, as well as food products that include bourbon as an ingredient.
. Members of the Beam family that have been involved in the history of the Jim Beam brand of whiskey are listed in boldface in this section.
Johannes "Reginald" Beam (1770–1834) was a farmer that began producing whiskey in the style now referred to as 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.
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 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 home. James R. 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. T. Jeremiah Beam (1899–1977) started working at the Clear Springs distillery in 1913, later becoming 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.
Booker Noe (1929–2004), birth name Frederick Booker Noe II, 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, straight-from-the-barrel bourbon, and the first of the company's "Small Batch
Bourbon Collection".
thumb
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 1987, Jim Beam purchased National Brands, acquiring brands including Old Crow
, Bourbon de Luxe, Old Taylor
, Old Grand-Dad
, and Sunny Brook. Old Taylor was subsequently sold to the Sazerac Company
.
Nearly the entire Jim Beam ownership family, including James B. Beam and the most recently deceased owner, Booker Noe II, are buried in Bardstown City Cemetery, Bardstown, KY, just minutes from the offices and distillery.
The Beam family has also played a major role in the history of the 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.
Several of these offerings have performed quite well at international spirit ratings
competitions. For example, Jim Beam's Black label was awarded a Double Gold rating at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Jim Beam company's "Small Batch Bourbon Collection":
Other bourbons associated with Jim Beam through ownership by Fortune Brands:
Also associated with Jim Beam through ownership by Fortune Brands are the straight rye whiskeys:
Jim Beam also produces a blended whiskey:
distillers must follow government standards for production. By law , 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 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).
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 mills 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. "Set back" represents a portion of the old mash from the last distillation—the key step of the sour mash
process, ensuring consistency from batch to batch.
From the cooker, the mash heads to the fermenter where it is cooled to 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 200°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. A second distillation in a pot still
heats and condenses the liquid into "high wine", which reaches 135 proof (67.5% alcohol).
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. 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 in compliance with the three-tier distribution system
.
in Clermont, Kentucky
. Admission is free and the facility is open Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM ET and Sunday 1:00–4:00 PM ET, closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Sundays in January and February.
announced the release of Jim Beam Soaked Sunflower Seeds, a snack product soaked in Jim Beam and available in 3 flavors; Original, Barbeque, and Jalapeño. The products were released in August 2004. 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. 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 smoking briquettes made from actual Jim Beam Barrels, and Jim Beam branded smokers. 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.
, Robby Gordon
a NASCAR driver, a firefighters' fund, a country band and Chicago's Wrigley Field
to help illustrate acting with character, and not just talking about it. As a part of the national print campaign, Jim Beam was one of the first to integrate 2D tagging into the consumer experience. By using the scanning program on a mobile phone, consumers are able to snap an image of the bar code located in the top corner of the print advertising and go directly to a mobile version of the campaign website with downloadable content.
In June 2008, Jim Beam launched the company's first social media press release in support of its "Here's to The Stuff Inside" campaign.
In 1994 the duo of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry won Jim Beam's national Talent Contest. Today, the Grammy Award
-nominated Montgomery Gentry has performed in front of well over a million fans; visited Kuwait, Iraq and Germany as a part of a USO tour; and produced seven albums, the most recent featuring the #1 Country Single, "Back When I Knew It All".
In 2010, Jim Beam has been focusing its digital marketing
efforts on music and sports by continuing a partnership with musician Kid Rock
and partnering with ESPN
for a series of webisodes called "The Next Round." Kid Rock is also closely associated with the company's Red Stag product.
Jim Beam Black's bottle saw an update in 2010 in an attempt to communicate a more premium feel for the brand and differentiate it from the lower-priced (and higher volume) Jim Beam White brand. Jim Beam Black is focusing their digital marketing efforts around a campaign called "Beamfire," a social media-based promotion that focuses on the 8 year aging of that product. It uses taglines like "Leave the old you behind" and "8 years changes everything."
One of the brand's marketing efforts, launched March 2011, is called "Live Music Series," a series of brand-sponsored concerts headlined by various bands and musicians. Such artists include: Kid Rock
, Bob Schneider
, Cold War Kids
, The Tedeschi Trucks Band
, The Fray
, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals
, The Hold Steady
, Manchester Orchestra
, O.A.R.
and Richard Ashcroft
.
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger promotes Jim Beam in a Mr Universe documentary entitled "The Comeback".
drives the number 7 Jim Beam Toyota Camry as an owner/driver in the NASCAR
Sprint Cup. In addition to being NASCAR's only single-car owner/driver for four consecutive years, Gordon was the first American to win a stage in the Dakar Rally in 2005. Steven Johnson
and James Moffat
drive the number 17 and 18 Dick Johnson Racing
team Ford Falcons in the V8 Supercars championship, which are both sponsored by Jim Beam. Jim Beam used to sponsor the Oran Park
Raceway V8 Supercar round, which was known as the Jim Beam 400. Jim Beam is also the main sponsor of Turkish Dakar Team in 2008.
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
produced in Clermont, Kentucky
Clermont, Kentucky
Clermont is a USGS-designated populated place in Bullitt County, Kentucky, United States, south of Louisville.-History:The area was officially recognized by the USGS on September 20, 1979, during the rapid expansion of Shepherdsville due to the development of Interstate 65. A large portion of...
. It is currently one of the best selling brands of bourbon in the world. Since 1795 (interrupted by Prohibition
Prohibition in the United States
Prohibition in the United States was a national ban on the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol, in place from 1920 to 1933. The ban was mandated by the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, and the Volstead Act set down the rules for enforcing the ban, as well as defining which...
), 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 Inc.
Beam Inc.
Beam Inc. is a spirits company established on October 4, 2011 from the remainder of the Fortune Brands holding company after it sold and spun off various other product lines to form a business focused exclusively on spirits and directly related products...
(NYSE: BEAM), which is a company formed on October 4, 2011 from part of the holding company formerly known as Fortune Brands
Fortune Brands
Fortune Brands was a holding company founded in 1969 as American Brands and later renamed in 1997 and split apart in 2011. The corporate headquarters was in Deerfield, Illinois in the United States. The company historically had a significant diversity of product offerings...
. Beam is headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, in Deerfield, Illinois
Deerfield, Illinois
Deerfield is a village in Lake County, Illinois, United States and is located approximately 25 miles north of Chicago, Illinois. A portion of the village is in Cook County, Illinois, United States...
. The Beam / Noe family that founded the business is still involved in the company. The company produces several varieties of bourbon and other spirit
Spirit
The English word spirit has many differing meanings and connotations, most of them relating to a non-corporeal substance contrasted with the material body.The spirit of a living thing usually refers to or explains its consciousness.The notions of a person's "spirit" and "soul" often also overlap,...
s, as well as food products that include bourbon as an ingredient.
History
During the late 18th century, members of the Boehm family, who eventually changed the spelling of their surname to "Beam", emigrated from Germany and settled in KentuckyKentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. Members of the Beam family that have been involved in the history of the Jim Beam brand of whiskey are listed in boldface in this section.
Johannes "Reginald" Beam (1770–1834) was a farmer that began producing whiskey in the style now referred to as bourbon
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
. 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.
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 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
Clermont, Kentucky
Clermont is a USGS-designated populated place in Bullitt County, Kentucky, United States, south of Louisville.-History:The area was officially recognized by the USGS on September 20, 1979, during the rapid expansion of Shepherdsville due to the development of Interstate 65. A large portion of...
, near his Bardstown home. James R. 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. T. Jeremiah Beam (1899–1977) started working at the Clear Springs distillery in 1913, later becoming 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.
Booker Noe (1929–2004), birth name Frederick Booker Noe II, 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
Booker's
Booker’s bourbon is one of the small batch bourbons produced by the Jim Beam distillery, which is owned by Beam Inc.. Having the highest alcohol content of the brands in the Jim Beam “Small Batch Bourbon Collection”, it is a cask strength bourbon. It was personally selected from barrels by Jim...
, the company's first uncut, straight-from-the-barrel bourbon, and the first of the company's "Small Batch
Small batch
Small batch whiskey is a term usually referring to bourbon or rye whiskey, and denotes a whiskey produced by mixing the contents of a relatively small number of selected barrels....
Bourbon Collection".
thumb
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 1987, Jim Beam purchased National Brands, acquiring brands including Old Crow
Old Crow
Old Crow is a low-priced brand of Kentucky-made straight bourbon whiskey, along with the slightly higher quality, but still inexpensive Old Crow Reserve brand. It is distilled by Beam Inc., which also produces Jim Beam and several other brands of bourbon whiskey...
, Bourbon de Luxe, Old Taylor
Old Taylor
Old Taylor Bourbon is a bourbon whiskey produced in Frankfort, Kentucky by the Sazerac Company. The brand is sold as a straight bourbon.It is sold in glass in 16 oz pint bottles, glass 750ml bottles, glass 1-liter bottles and plastic 1.75L bottles....
, Old Grand-Dad
Old Grand-Dad
Old Grand-Dad is a bourbon whiskey distilled at the Booker Noe Plant in Boston, Kentucky. The company was created by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather Basil Hayden, Sr., a well known distiller during his lifetime who is depicted on the front of each bottle. Today, it is a Beam Inc...
, and Sunny Brook. Old Taylor was subsequently sold to the Sazerac Company
Sazerac Company
The Sazerac Company is a large privately held and family-operated alcoholic beverages company with headquarters in Metairie, Louisiana.It owns and produces a large and diversified portfolio of beverage brands, and it owns and operates a number of distilling companies...
.
Nearly the entire Jim Beam ownership family, including James B. Beam and the most recently deceased owner, Booker Noe II, are buried in Bardstown City Cemetery, Bardstown, KY, just minutes from the offices and distillery.
The Beam family has also played a major role in the history of the Heaven Hill Distillery
Heaven Hill
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., is a private family-owned and operated distillery company headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky that produces and markets the Heaven Hill brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a variety of other distilled spirits. Its current distillery facility, called the...
. 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.
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.Products
Several types of Jim Beam are available- Jim Beam White label (Aged 4 years, 80 proof in most markets—sold in Australia at 74 proof)
- Jim Beam White label (Aged 7 years, 80 proof, "Premium Aged 7 Years Old" across top of label, allegedly unavailable outside of Kentucky, but can be found in many states)
- Jim Beam Green label (Aged 5 years, 80 proof, "Jim Beam Choice" charcoal filtered)
- Jim Beam Black label Domestic (Aged 8 years, 86 proof, "Double Aged")
- Jim Beam Black label International (Aged 6 years, 80 proof, "Triple Aged")
- Jim Beam Yellow labelJim Beam RyeJim Beam Rye is a Rye whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky by Beam Inc. which is headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, in Deerfield, IL.Jim Beam Rye is frequently referred to as Beam Yellow Label. It is America's top selling straight Rye whiskey. It is made with 51% rye grain so it is drier...
(Rye whiskey, aged 4 years, 80 proof) - Jim Beam and Cola (contains bourbon aged 4 years, 10 proof) Sold in Germany as 10.0% alcohol (20 proof)
- Jim Beam and Ginger Ale (contains bourbon aged 4 years, 10 proof)
- Jim Beam Special package for Operation HomefrontOperation HomefrontOperation Homefront is a nonprofit 501 organization that provides emergency assistance for military troops, the families they leave behind, and wounded warriors when they return home. The organization raises funds to provide emergency, financial, and morale assistance to families while troops are...
(Aged 4 years, 80 proof) - Jim Beam Red Stag (Black Cherry Flavored, 80 proof)
- Jim Beam Devil's Cut (Aged 6 years, 90 proof)
Several of these offerings have performed quite well at international spirit ratings
Spirit ratings
With a growing number of microdistilleries and an expanding number of offerings from large corporate entities, a number of institutions have arisen to provide professional evaluations of individual spirits...
competitions. For example, Jim Beam's Black label was awarded a Double Gold rating at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Jim Beam company's "Small Batch Bourbon Collection":
- Booker'sBooker'sBooker’s bourbon is one of the small batch bourbons produced by the Jim Beam distillery, which is owned by Beam Inc.. Having the highest alcohol content of the brands in the Jim Beam “Small Batch Bourbon Collection”, it is a cask strength bourbon. It was personally selected from barrels by Jim...
: aged 7 years, 120–127 proof (60–63.5% ABVAlcohol by volumeAlcohol by volume is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in an alcoholic beverage .The ABV standard is used worldwide....
) - Baker's: aged 7 years, 107 proof (53.5% ABV)
- Basil Hayden'sBasil Hayden'sBasil Hayden's is the lightest bodied bourbon whiskey in the family of Jim Beam small batch bourbons produced by Beam Inc.. It is 80 proof, in contrast with its three sibling brands of higher alcohol concentration ....
: aged 8 years, 80 proof (40% ABV) - Knob CreekKnob Creek (bourbon)Knob Creek is a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced by Beam Inc. at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. It is one of the four Jim Beam small batch bourbon brands targeted for the high-end liquor market...
: aged 9 years, 100 proof (50% ABV)
Other bourbons associated with Jim Beam through ownership by Fortune Brands:
- Old CrowOld CrowOld Crow is a low-priced brand of Kentucky-made straight bourbon whiskey, along with the slightly higher quality, but still inexpensive Old Crow Reserve brand. It is distilled by Beam Inc., which also produces Jim Beam and several other brands of bourbon whiskey...
- Old Grand-DadOld Grand-DadOld Grand-Dad is a bourbon whiskey distilled at the Booker Noe Plant in Boston, Kentucky. The company was created by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather Basil Hayden, Sr., a well known distiller during his lifetime who is depicted on the front of each bottle. Today, it is a Beam Inc...
- Maker's MarkMaker's MarkMaker’s Mark is a small batch bourbon whiskey that is distilled in Loretto, Kentucky by Beam Inc.. It is sold in distinctively squarish bottles, which are sealed with red wax. The distillery offers tours, and is part of the American Whiskey Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.- History...
Also associated with Jim Beam through ownership by Fortune Brands are the straight rye whiskeys:
- Old OverholtOld OverholtOld Overholt is a long produced American rye whiskey distilled by A. Overholt & Co, currently a subsidiary of Beam Inc., at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Old Overholt was originally distilled in Broad Ford, Pennsylvania, 35 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. It is one of the few...
- (ri)1
Jim Beam also produces a blended whiskey:
- Beam's Eight StarBeam's Eight StarBeam's Eight Star is a Blended whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky and Frankfort, Kentucky by The Clear Spring Distilling Company a subsidiary of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, which is in turn owned by the holding company Fortune Brands , headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, in Deerfield,...
Process
Bourbon whiskeyBourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
distillers must follow government standards for production. By law , any "Straight
Straight whiskey
Straight whiskey is whisky created by distilling a fermented cereal grain mash to create a spirit not exceeding 80% alcohol content by volume and then aging the spirit for at least two years at an abv concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the aging process.Filtering and dilution...
" bourbon must be: produced in the United States; made of a grain mix of at least 51% corn
Corn
Corn is the name used in the United States, Canada, and Australia for the grain maize.In much of the English-speaking world, the term "corn" is a generic term for cereal crops, such as* Barley* Oats* Wheat* Rye- Places :...
; distilled at no higher than 160 proof (80% ABV
Alcohol by volume
Alcohol by volume is a standard measure of how much alcohol is contained in an alcoholic beverage .The ABV standard is used worldwide....
); 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).
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 mills 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. "Set back" represents a portion of the old mash from the last distillation—the key step of the sour mash
Sour mash
Sour mash is a process in the distilling industry that uses material from an older batch of mash to start fermentation in the batch currently being made, analogous to the making of sourdough bread. The term sour mash can also be used as the name of the type of mash used in that process, and a...
process, ensuring consistency from batch to batch.
From the cooker, the mash heads to the fermenter where it is cooled to 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
Column still
A column still, also called a continuous still, patent still or Coffey still, is a variety of still consisting of two columns invented in 1826 by Robert Stein, a Clackmannanshire distiller, and it was first used at the Cameron Bridge Grain Distillery in Fife, Scotland. The design was enhanced and...
where it is heated to over 200°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. A second distillation in a pot still
Pot still
A pot still is a type of still used in distilling spirits such as whisky or brandy. Heat is applied directly to the pot containing the wash or wine . This is called a batch distillation ....
heats and condenses the liquid into "high wine", which reaches 135 proof (67.5% alcohol).
The high wine is moved to new, charred American oak barrels, each of which hold about 53 gallons of liquid. A "bung
Bung
A bung is truncated cylindrical or conical closure to seal a container, such as a bottle, tube or barrel. Unlike a lid which encloses a container from the outside without displacing the inner volume, a bung is partially inserted inside the container to act as a seal...
" 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. Jim Beam ages for at least four years, or twice as long as the government requires for a "Straight
Straight whiskey
Straight whiskey is whisky created by distilling a fermented cereal grain mash to create a spirit not exceeding 80% alcohol content by volume and then aging the spirit for at least two years at an abv concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the aging process.Filtering and dilution...
" 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 in compliance with the three-tier distribution system
Three-tier (alcohol distribution)
The three-tier system of alcohol distribution is the system for distributing alcoholic beverages set up in the United States after the repeal of Prohibition. The three tiers are producers, distributors, and retailers. The basic premise of the system is that producers must sell only to...
.
Visiting the distillery
Jim Beam's Clermont distillery site provides visitor tours. Visitors are given the opportunity to tour the plant grounds, a working rackhouse and cooperage. However, tours of the plant itself are currently not available to consumers. The American Outpost celebrates "America's First Family of Bourbon", guiding guests through over 200 years of bourbon-making history and artifacts. Available for purchase are a selection of bourbons and whiskeys hand-signed by seventh generation Beam family distiller, Fred Noe, as well as Jim Beam-themed apparel, food, barware and other merchandise. The T. Jeremiah Beam House, home to three generations of distillers, provides free samples of Jim Beam products. The distillery is located about 30 minutes South of LouisvilleLouisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
in Clermont, Kentucky
Clermont, Kentucky
Clermont is a USGS-designated populated place in Bullitt County, Kentucky, United States, south of Louisville.-History:The area was officially recognized by the USGS on September 20, 1979, during the rapid expansion of Shepherdsville due to the development of Interstate 65. A large portion of...
. Admission is free and the facility is open Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM ET and Sunday 1:00–4:00 PM ET, closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Sundays in January and February.
Food and merchandise
On July 26, 2004, THANASI FoodsThanasi Foods
THANASI Foods is a small manufacturer and distributor of packaged snack foods. Products distributed by THANASI Foods are available in convenience stores, grocery stores, and drug stores in the United States and Canada.-History:...
announced the release of Jim Beam Soaked Sunflower Seeds, a snack product soaked in Jim Beam and available in 3 flavors; Original, Barbeque, and Jalapeño. The products were released in August 2004. 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. 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 smoking briquettes made from actual Jim Beam Barrels, and Jim Beam branded smokers. 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.
Advertising and sponsorship
In 2004 the brand launched "The Stuff Inside Matters Most" campaign in the United States, with messaging around authenticity, American pride and craftsmanship. There was a strong magazine print and cable TV focus to complement in-store activity in major metropolitan areas. June 2008 saw the evolution of the original 2004 campaign idea, turning from craftsmanship and product messaging to celebrating people and activities that embody the core values shared with the brand. "Here's to The Stuff Inside" through print, online and social media outreach seeks to champion those with integrity, character and passion, broadcasting their stories to a larger audience. Jim Beam chose an unsigned hip-hop band, a comedy troupe, an emerging photographer, a tattoo artist, Operation HomefrontOperation Homefront
Operation Homefront is a nonprofit 501 organization that provides emergency assistance for military troops, the families they leave behind, and wounded warriors when they return home. The organization raises funds to provide emergency, financial, and morale assistance to families while troops are...
, Robby Gordon
Robby Gordon
Robert W. "Robby" Gordon is an American racecar driver who currently competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as an owner-driver, driving the No. 7 Speed Energy Dodge Charger for Robby Gordon Motorsports, and also competes part-time in the Nationwide Series...
a NASCAR driver, a firefighters' fund, a country band and Chicago's Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales...
to help illustrate acting with character, and not just talking about it. As a part of the national print campaign, Jim Beam was one of the first to integrate 2D tagging into the consumer experience. By using the scanning program on a mobile phone, consumers are able to snap an image of the bar code located in the top corner of the print advertising and go directly to a mobile version of the campaign website with downloadable content.
In June 2008, Jim Beam launched the company's first social media press release in support of its "Here's to The Stuff Inside" campaign.
In 1994 the duo of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry won Jim Beam's national Talent Contest. Today, the Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-nominated Montgomery Gentry has performed in front of well over a million fans; visited Kuwait, Iraq and Germany as a part of a USO tour; and produced seven albums, the most recent featuring the #1 Country Single, "Back When I Knew It All".
In 2010, Jim Beam has been focusing its digital marketing
Digital marketing
Digital Marketing is the promoting of brands using all forms of digital advertising channels to reach consumers. Digital marketing extends beyond Internet Marketing to include channels that do not require the use of the Internet...
efforts on music and sports by continuing a partnership with musician Kid Rock
Kid Rock
Robert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations...
and partnering with ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
for a series of webisodes called "The Next Round." Kid Rock is also closely associated with the company's Red Stag product.
Jim Beam Black's bottle saw an update in 2010 in an attempt to communicate a more premium feel for the brand and differentiate it from the lower-priced (and higher volume) Jim Beam White brand. Jim Beam Black is focusing their digital marketing efforts around a campaign called "Beamfire," a social media-based promotion that focuses on the 8 year aging of that product. It uses taglines like "Leave the old you behind" and "8 years changes everything."
One of the brand's marketing efforts, launched March 2011, is called "Live Music Series," a series of brand-sponsored concerts headlined by various bands and musicians. Such artists include: Kid Rock
Kid Rock
Robert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations...
, Bob Schneider
Bob Schneider
Bob Schneider is an Austin, Texas-based musician and artist. He currently resides in Bee Cave, Texas.- Early career :...
, Cold War Kids
Cold War Kids
Cold War Kids are an American indie rock band from Long Beach, California. Band members are Nathan Willett , Jonnie Russell , Matt Maust , and Matt Aveiro .-History:...
, The Tedeschi Trucks Band
Tedeschi Trucks Band
The Tedeschi Trucks Band, formerly known as the Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band is a blues rock group based in Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 2010, the band is led by husband-and-wife musicians Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, and primarily features members from their respective solo groups.-...
, The Fray
The Fray
-Literature:*Fray, a phenomenon in Terry Pratchett's The Carpet People*Fray , a comic book series by Joss Whedon**Melaka Fray, titular character of the comic book series-Music:*"Fray", a song from the album 14 Shades of Grey by Staind...
, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is an American rock band from Waitsfield, Vermont.-Career:Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' lead vocalist is multi-instrumentalist Grace Potter, who attended St. Lawrence University for two years before pursuing music professionally...
, The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady is an American indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, formed in 2004. The band consists of Craig Finn , Tad Kubler , Galen Polivka , Bobby Drake , and Steve Selvidge...
, Manchester Orchestra
Manchester orchestra
Manchester Orchestra is an American indie rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2005. The group is currently composed of rhythm guitarist-singer-songwriter Andy Hull, lead guitarist Robert McDowell, keyboardist and percussionist Chris Freeman, bassist Jonathan Corley, and drummer Tim Very...
, O.A.R.
O.A.R.
O.A.R. is an American rock band composed of Marc Roberge , Chris Culos , Richard On , Benj Gershman , and Jerry DePizzo...
and Richard Ashcroft
Richard Ashcroft
Richard Paul Ashcroft is an English singer-songwriter. He was the lead singer and occasional guitarist of alternative rock band The Verve from their formation in 1990 until their split in 1999, and continues as a lead vocalist working with guitars and keyboards...
.
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger promotes Jim Beam in a Mr Universe documentary entitled "The Comeback".
Global markets
Outside the United States, Beam Global Spirits & Wine has a sales and distribution alliance with The Edrington Group.Motor racing
Since 2004 Jim Beam has been one of the primary sponsors for NASCAR racer Robby Gordon. On September 22, 2009, Jim Beam announced that it would not return to NASCAR for the 2010 Season, thus ending its relationship with Robby Gordon Motorsports after 5 years. Robby GordonRobby Gordon
Robert W. "Robby" Gordon is an American racecar driver who currently competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as an owner-driver, driving the No. 7 Speed Energy Dodge Charger for Robby Gordon Motorsports, and also competes part-time in the Nationwide Series...
drives the number 7 Jim Beam Toyota Camry as an owner/driver in the NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Sprint Cup. In addition to being NASCAR's only single-car owner/driver for four consecutive years, Gordon was the first American to win a stage in the Dakar Rally in 2005. Steven Johnson
Steven Johnson (motor racing)
Steven Johnson is an Australian V8 Supercar racing driver. He is the son of former racer and now team-owner Dick Johnson. He has competed full-time for Dick Johnson Racing since 2000...
and James Moffat
James Moffat (racing driver)
James Moffat is an Australian racing driver who currently competes for the Dick Johnson Racing team in the 2011 International V8 Supercars Championship....
drive the number 17 and 18 Dick Johnson Racing
Dick Johnson Racing
Dick Johnson Racing is Australia's oldest operating motor racing team. Founded by Dick Johnson, the team has won seven Australian Touring Car Championship titles and has taken three victories in Australia's hallmark race, the Bathurst 1000...
team Ford Falcons in the V8 Supercars championship, which are both sponsored by Jim Beam. Jim Beam used to sponsor the Oran Park
Oran Park
Oran Park may refer to:*Oran Park, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney in Australia*Oran Park Raceway, a former motor racing circuit in Sydney...
Raceway V8 Supercar round, which was known as the Jim Beam 400. Jim Beam is also the main sponsor of Turkish Dakar Team in 2008.