Beam Suntory is investing $60million to re-establish the James B. Beam Distilling Co in Kentucky.
The James B. Beam Distilling Co was Jim Beam’s name immediately following Prohibition and will serve as the name of Beam Suntory’s operations in Kentucky’s Clermont going forward.
“Beam Suntory is excited to honor our roots by investing in the James B. Beam Distilling Co., and setting ourselves up for a bright future in Kentucky and around the world,” said Albert Baladi, President & CEO, Beam Suntory.
“With nearly 225 years behind us, we are proud of our history of entrepreneurialism, craftsmanship and innovation. As the world leader in bourbon, we are thrilled to be laying the foundation for the next 225 years.”
Last week the company broke ground on the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery, which will be the home of future innovation and provide opportunities for education and hospitality.
The Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery, named for 7th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe, will serve as the home for small-batch bourbons like Booker’s and Baker’s, the next-generation brand Little Book, created by 8th generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe, and serve as a functional production facility to explore new fermentation and distillation techniques. It will be located on the James B. Beam Distilling Co. site.
“At Beam Suntory, we like to say that we’re all One Big Family, and what we’re beginning here today reinforces our leadership in bourbon, and sets us up for the future,” said Freddie Noe. “Now I can’t think of anyone who’s set up the future of bourbon any better than my dad, so I can hardly begin to express my pride in naming this new distillery after him.”
As part of its tourism investment, Beam Suntory will elevate its visitor experience in Clermont and give consumers more reasons to visit, including behind-the-scenes tour across the family of brands from Jim Beam to Basil Hayden’s to Legent, a tasting room, and even customisable experiences.
The announcement follows 45,000 barrels of Jim Beam being destroyed in a warehouse fire earlier this month.
