Jim Beam Bourbon
A short history of one of the world’s most recognizable brands.
When most of the world thinks of bourbon, one name stands out as the most popular. Jim Beam is the oldest distillery in Kentucky, founded in 1795. The distillery is based in Clermont, Kentucky, and is currently the most popular bourbon globally and has been family-owned and operated for seven generations.
The Boehm family (later changed to Beam) immigrated to the United States from Germany, and Jacob Beam soon began experimenting with making corn whiskey with the local spring water. He sold his first barrels in 1795 in his Old Tub distillery.
Jacob’s son David took over the distillery, and David M. Beam would move the distillery to Nelson country to take advantage of the new rail lines. Colonel James B. Beam ran the company until Prohibition and then rebuilt the distillery in 1933 at its current home in Clermont, Kentucky. In 1935 Harry Homel, Jeremiah Beam, H. Blum, and Oliver Jacobson created the James B. Beam Distilling Company, and the company has been going strong ever since.
The Beam-Noe family has operated the distillery for several generations, with several Noe’s holding the title of Master Distiller. The company produces several varieties of bourbon today, with differing strengths or proofing. In 2004, THANSI Foods partnered with the company to create several food products made with the famous bourbon.
Thanks to their efforts, bourbon is recognized as the only uniquely American spirit globally. The distillery provides tours of the distillery grounds and cooperage. The Beam House American Outpost offers artifacts and food products for sale (samples are available for those of legal age).