Jim Beam Distillery
Brands and Producers Distillery Jim Beam
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Jim Beam Distillery

JIM BEAM DISTILLERY: AMERICA’S MOST FAMOUS BOURBON DYNASTY

History

The history of Jim Beam is, in many ways, the history of American bourbon itself.
The Beam family began distilling in 1795, when Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of “Old Jake Beam Sour Mash.” Kentucky was still a frontier, bourbon was in its infancy, and the Beam family quickly became one of the region’s most respected whiskey makers.

For over 230 years, spanning seven generations, Jim Beam has endured wars, Prohibition, economic hardship, and seismic industry change — emerging each time stronger, bigger, and more influential.

During Prohibition, the distillery was forced to close. But in 1933, immediately after repeal, James B. Beam (known as “Jim”) rebuilt the entire distillery in just 120 days, securing the family’s legacy and giving the brand the name it carries today.

By the late 20th century, Master Distiller Booker Noe (grandson of Jim Beam) revolutionised bourbon again with the creation of the Small Batch Collection — Knob Creek, Booker’s, Basil Hayden’s, and Baker’s — igniting the premium bourbon movement.

Today, Jim Beam is produced in Clermont, Kentucky, and remains one of the top-selling bourbons in the world, an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship and tradition.

Distilling Process

Jim Beam uses a classic Kentucky mash bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, fermented with the original family yeast strain preserved since pre-Prohibition.
The whiskey is distilled at relatively low proof to retain character, then aged in new, #4 char American oak barrels, stored across vast multi-level rickhouses that deliver Beam’s signature balance of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak.

What Makes Jim Beam Unique and Revered

Jim Beam is renowned for:

  • Unbroken family lineage — seven generations of Beams and Noes have shaped its flavour.

  • A yeast strain protected for over a century.

  • A perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and oak.

  • Being both accessible (White Label) and premium (Single Barrel, Devil’s Cut, Small Batch Collection).

Jim Beam is where heritage meets innovation, making it the backbone of the modern bourbon renaissance.

Master Distiller & Team

 Jim Beam’s legacy is carried by Master Distiller Fred Noe and his son Freddie Noe, direct descendants of the Beam lineage.
Their craftsmanship guides not only classic Jim Beam bourbon but also innovations like Little Book, Knob Creek limited editions, and rare, experimental barrel selections.

Signature Whiskeys

  • Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon – smooth, classic, authentic.

  • Jim Beam Black Extra Aged – deeper, richer, oak-forward.

  • Jim Beam Single Barrel – hand-selected for exceptional flavour.

  • Booker’s – barrel-proof, uncut, legendary small-batch bourbon.

  • Knob Creek – premium, full-flavoured, and deeply matured.

Awards & Recognition

  • Global Icon of Whisky – Distiller of the Year
  • Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
  • World’s Best Bourbon – World Whiskies Awards, Bookers
  • World’s Best Bourbon – World Whiskies Awards, Knob

Jim Beam consistently earns global acclaim for its quality, heritage, and influence.

For the Bourbon Brothers Collection

Jim Beam is the foundation of Kentucky bourbon — historic, iconic, and consistently brilliant. From Beam White Label to Booker’s and Knob Creek, every bottle carries the legacy of America’s most important whiskey family.


→ Shop Jim Beam & Small Batch Collection at Bourbon Brother

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