Jim Beam

Infobox Beverage
name=


type=Bourbon whiskey
proof=80 and 86
manufacturer=Fortune Brands
origin=Flagicon|USA Clermont, Kentucky USA
introduced=1795
discontinued=
related=
variants=

Jim Beam is the world's top selling brand of bourbon whiskey. [ [http://www.beveragenet.net/cheers/1998/0998/998burbn.asp Beveragenet Reference] URL last accessed April 11, 2008.] Since 1795, seven generations of family distillers have produced whiskey in the state of Kentucky. With facilities in Clermont, Boston and Frankfort, Jim Beam is situated on the Western edge of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience America’s Native Spirit. From 1933 forward the brand would bear the name “Jim Beam” after Colonel James B. Beam, responsible for rebuilding the business following 13 years of Prohibition. While Jim Beam’s roots are found in the United States, it is also enjoyed globally in such countries as Australia, China, Germany and the United Kingdom. Also included under the Jim Beam label are several other varieties of bourbon and whiskey, as well as a number of food products that include the bourbon as an ingredient. The resurgence of cocktail culture has given rise to hundreds of spirited ways to enjoy whiskey in food and drink recipes. Although the Beam / Noe family is still very much involved, Jim Beam Bourbon is owned by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, which is in turn owned by holding company Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO), both headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, in Deerfield, IL.

History

During the late 1700’s a group of immigrants from Germany came to America who would leave a lasting impression on the American spirits business. Members of the Boehm family, eventually changing the spelling to “Beam,” settled in the lush bluegrass hills of Kentucky. Johannes "Jacob" Beam (1770-1834) found the land rich for farming and began experimenting with the corn and grains that grew on his farm, blending them with the clear spring water that flowed nearby. The mix was run through a still and aged in barrels, producing a liquid that came to become known as bourbon, possibly named after Bourbon County, Kentucky. 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 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. Colonel James B. Beam (1864-1947) managed the family business before and after Prohibition, rebuilding the distillery in 1933 in Clermont, Kentucky, near his Bardstown home. From this point forward, the bourbon would be called “Jim Beam Bourbon” after the Colonel. T. Jeremiah Beam (1899-1977) started working at the Clear Springs distillery in 1913, later earning the title of Master Distiller and overseeing operations at the new Clermont facility. Jeremiah opened a second distillery near Boston, Kentucky, in 1954. Booker Noe (1929-2004) [ [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E1DB103CF934A15751C0A9629C8B63 F. Booker Noe II, 74, Master Bourbon Distiller - New York Times ] ] was the Master Distiller Emeritus at the Jim Beam Distillery for more than 40 years, working closely with retired Master Distiller Jerry Dalton (1998-2007). In 1987 Booker introduced his own namesake bourbon, Booker’s®, the world’s first uncut, straight-from-the-barrel bourbon, and the first of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection®. Frederick Booker Noe III (1957-Present) became the seventh generation Beam family distiller in 2007 and regularly travels the world to educate consumers on America’s Native Spirit. September, 2007, was declared “National Bourbon Heritage Month” by an Act of Congress, further recognizing bourbon as the only spirit that is uniquely American. [ [http://www.americasnativespirit.com On August 3, 2007, Congress declared September, 2007, "National Bourbon Heritage Month"] ] [ [http://www.spiritjournal.com/bookcnr.htm F. Paul Pacult's "AMERICAN STILL LIFE: The Jim Beam Story and the Making of the World's #1 Bourbon"] ]

Distillers

There have been seven generations of distillers from the Beam family. Retired Master Distiller Jerry Dalton (1998-2007) was the first non-Beam to be Master Distiller at the company.

Types of Bourbon

Several types of Jim Beam, also commonly known as Beam, are available [ [http://www.jimbeam.com/ourbourbon.aspx Listing of Jim Beam products available in the United States] ]
* Jim Beam® White label (Aged 4 years, 80 proof) Sold in Australia as 37.5% alcohol (75 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 (Aged 8 years, 86 proof)
* Jim Beam® Yellow label (Rye whiskey, aged 4 years, 80 proof)
* Jim Beam® and Cola (contains bourbon aged 4 years, 10 proof)
* Jim Beam® and Ginger Ale (contains bourbon aged 4 years, 10 proof)

[http://www.smallbatch.com The Small Batch Bourbon Collection®]
* Booker’s®: aged 7 years, 120-127 proof (60-63.5% ABV)
* Baker’s®: aged 7 years, 107 proof (53.5% ABV)
* Basil Hayden’s®: aged 8 years, 80 proof (40% ABV)
* Knob Creek®: aged 9 years, 100 proof (50% ABV)

Many products are available in all 50 states (see the Jim Beam [http://www.jimbeam.com/productlocator.aspx online product locator] ). Global distribution varies by country.

On February 14, 2005, Jim Beam put its 10 millionth barrel into the rack for aging. On February 4, 2008, the 11 millionth barrel was laid to rest [ [http://beamglobal.com/cs/news/news_detail?pressrelease.id=258 "Jim Beam Bourbon Celebrates Eleven Millionth Barrel"] ] .

The Jim Beam distillery is part of the American Whiskey Trail.

Process

In order to be called America’s Native Spirit [ [http://www.americasnativespirit.com As America's only indigenous spirit, bourbon was recognized in 1964 by an act of Congress] ] , a designation given to bourbon in 1964, distillers must follow government standards for production. By law, bourbon must be: produced in the United States; made of a grain mix of at least 51%, but not more than 79% corn; distilled at less than 160 proof (80% ABV); free of any additives (except water to reduce proof where necessary); aged in new, charred white oak barrels; and aged for a minimum of 2 years (to be called a “straight bourbon”). [ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourbon_whiskey Wikipedia Entry for "Bourbon Whiskey"] ]

Jim Beam starts with sweet water filtered naturally by the limestone shelf found in Central Kentucky. A special strain of jug yeast used since the end of Prohibition is added to a tank with the grains to create what’s called a “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 – a cornerstone 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 again added. The yeast is fed by the sugars in the mash, producing heat, carbon dioxide and most importantly, alcohol. Called “distiller’s beer,” the mix looks, smells and tastes like a rich, light beer. The beer travels 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 brand 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, Kentucky’s climate expands and contracts the barrel wood, allowing bourbon to seep into the barrel. And the caramelized sugars from the gator-charred oak flavor and color the bourbon. A fair portion of the 53 gallons of bourbon escapes the barrel through evaporation, or stays trapped in the wood of the barrel. [Jim Beam Bourbon-Making Process, documented by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, September 2008] This is known by distillers as “the Angel's Share.” Jim Beam ages for at least four years, or twice as long at the government requires. At the end of the aging period the amber liquid is bottled, packaged and sent to one of its many outlets around the world in compliance with the three-tier distribution system.

Visiting the Distillery

Jim Beam’s Clermont distillery allows bourbon enthusiasts a view into how America’s Native Spirit is produced. Visitors are welcomed by friendly staff and given the opportunity to tour the plant grounds, a working rackhouse and cooperage. Tours of the plant itself are currently not available to consumers. The American Outpost celebrates “America’s First Family of Bourbon [ [http://www.spiritjournal.com/bookcnr.htm F. Paul Pacult's "AMERICAN STILL LIFE: The Jim Beam Story and the Making of the World's #1 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, now welcomes adults of legal purchase age to enjoy a free sampling of Jim Beam products. The distillery is located about 30 minutes South of Louisville in Clermont, Kentucky. Admission is free and the facility is open Monday-Saturday 9:00AM-4:30PM ET and Sunday 1:00-4:00PM ET, closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Sundays in January and February. Whiskey sales or sampling are not permitted on Sundays [ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_county See the Wikipedia entry for Kentucky's "Dry Counties"] ] .

American Outpost, 149 Happy Hollow Rd., Shepherdsville, KY 40165, [phone].

Food and Licensed Merchandise

On July 26, 2004, THANASI Foods 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 [http://www.vitafoodproducts.com/category.asp_Q_brandID_E_2/ 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. [Active Licensing and Partnership Agreements, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, September 2008]

Advertising/Sponsorship

As a global brand with strong ties to the American pioneering spirit, Jim Beam has for centuries appealed to adults of legal purchase age with advertising and promotional efforts. Jim Beam has across geographies been featured in print, on air, in movies, at event sponsorship and most recently online. 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 [ [http://www.fortunebrands.com/news/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=172549&ReleaseType=Corporate Jim Beam® Bourbon Captures 210 Years of Authenticity in First-Ever National TV Ad Campaign] ] . 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 [ [http://www.thestuffinside.com/press #1 Bourbon Maker Puts Marketing Firepower Behind Those Who Demonstrate True Character] ] . Jim Beam chose an unsigned hip-hop band, a comedy troupe, an emerging photographer, a tattoo artist, Operation Homefront, 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 the “Here’s to The Stuff Inside” campaign [ [http://www.thestuffinside.com/press Jim Beam's Social Media Press Release] ] . Recognizing that interested bloggers approach topical news stories very differently from traditional public relations, the online newsroom places all campaign information and assets in one place. It is possible that this was the first effort of its kind in the beverage alcohol industry.

In 1994 the duo of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry won Jim Beam’s national Talent Contest. Today, the GRAMMY®-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.” [ [http://montgomerygentry.musiccitynetworks.com/ Montgomery Gentry Official Website] ]

Global Markets

Outside the United States, Beam Global Spirits & Wine has a sales and distribution alliance with [http://www.edringtongroup.com/ The Edrington Group] . Increased investment in emerging markets around the world such as India, China and Russia has fueled strong growth for the Jim Beam brand globally. Jim Beam is currently the best-selling spirit of any kind in Australia, the world’s second largest bourbon market. The brand also has a significant presence in the Global Travel Retail and Duty Free categories.

Motor Racing

Since 2004 Jim Beam has been one of the primary sponsors for NASCAR® racer Robby Gordon. Robby Gordon drives the number 7 Jim Beam Dodge Charger 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 is the first American to win a stage in the Dakar Rally in 2005 [ [http://www.robbygordon.com Robby Gordon Motorsports Official Website] ] . Steven Johnson and Will Davison 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.

Popular Culture

Jim Beam is highly prevalent in sports, film, TV, and music. It is a major sponsor of the lower grade, (Australian) New South Wales Rugby League competition played in Sydney, New South Wales, The NSWRL Jim Beam Cup, as well as the main sponsor of Turkish Dakar Team in 2008. Jim Beam was also shown in the John Wayne film, "The Green Berets". According to the book "Heavier Than Heaven" by Charles R. Cross, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was drunk on half a bottle of Jim Beam during the shooting of the video for Smells Like Teen Spirit. The beverage is referenced as "Jimmy Beam" in the song "I Drink Alone" by George Thorogood, and referenced as "Ol' Jimmy Beam" in the song "Coattails of a Dead Man" by Primus. Jim Beam was heavily featured on the TV show Titus whenever hard liquor was shown, and is mentioned by Adam Sandler in the comedy sketch "The Goat" on the CD "What the Hell Happened to Me?" as old man's drink of choice and also in "The Goat Song" from the CD "What's Your Name?". Jim Beam is also referenced in the They Might Be Giants Song They'll need a Crane in which the girl finds Jim Beam handsomer than lad (her husband).In his song 'Family Tradition', Hank Williams, Jr. proclaims 'I have loved some women, and I have loved Jim Beam. But they both tried to kill me in 1973'. [Jim Beam + ice + water] is favourite cocktail of Phil Connors (Bill Murray) in movie "Groundhog Day" 1993. Jim Beam is common in the movie Kingpin (film), notably at a point where Ishmael wakes up wearing a beer can hat with a 12 oz. can of Coca-cola and a 750 mL bottle of whiskey.

* In the TV series One on One, Arnaz's mother has a drinking problem, and whenever it's brought up, it's always said that she drinks Jim Beam.

GG Allin had a bottle of Jim Beam placed beside him in his casket. Jeannie's bottle from the television series "I Dream of Jeannie" was in fact a Jim Beam 1964 Christmas edition decanter decoratively painted in different colors, depending on the series season.

* In an episode of the TV series "Will & Grace", habitually drunk socialite Karen Walker has her maid Rosario Salazar load the minibar at Grace Adler Designs with Johnnie Walker, Jim Beam, and Glenfiddich, much to the dismay of Grace Adler.

* Jim Beam is the drink of choice for Hancock in the film with the same name.

* In the bar scene in the movie The Shining, main character Jack Torrance is served Jim Beam on the rocks by the ghost bartender.

Decanters

Jim Beam stopped producing decanters in 1992. For information about selling or purchasing decanters, contact the Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum, Heartland of Kentucky or Jim Beam Bottle & Specialties Club.

* Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum: 114 North 5th Street, Bardstown, KY 40004, 502-348-2999
* [http://www.decantersandsteins.com Heartland of Kentucky] : P.O. Box 428, 1413 Pine Tavern Road, Lebanon Junction, KY 40150, 502-833-2827
* [http://www.jimbeamclub.com Jim Beam Bottle & Specialties Club] : 519 NE 165th Street #E12, Seattle, WA 98155

References

External links

* [http://www.jimbeam.com Jim Beam official website]
* [http://www.thestuffinside.com Jim Beam Campaign website]
* [http://www.thestuffinside.com/press Social Media Press Release]
* [http://www.alcoholreviews.com/labels/Jim%20Beam.html Videos of the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky at Work]
* [http://www.smallbatch.com The Small Batch Bourbon Collection website]
* [http://www.beamglobal.com Beam Global Spirits & Wine corporate website]
* [http://www.boozebasher.com/2008-01-31/bourbonwhiskey/liquor-review-jim-beam/ Review of Jim Beam]
* [http://www.worldcollectorsnet.com/jimbeam Jim Beam Decanter Collecting History, Features & Message Board]
* [http://www.hiddenhorsham.co.uk/23/prewettsmill.htm Hidden Horsham] Photos and history of Prewetts Mill which now houses the UK headquarters of Beam Global
* [http://www.jimbeam.com.au Jim Beam Australia website]
* [http://www.vitafoodproducts.com Vita Specialty Foods]
* [http://www.jimbeamsnacks.com Thanasi Foods]
* [http://www.jimbeamham.com Top Shelf Gourmet]
* [http://www.jimbeamgameroom.com Brandmark Products]
* [http://www.zippo.com Zippo]