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Jim Beam is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon (American whiskey) in the world, and sales are on the rise. The drink meets all the requirements for real bourbon: produced in Kentucky, the raw material is mainly corn (51%), aged for at least 4 years in American oak barrels charred inside, which gives a noticeable caramel flavor.
The quality of the spring water used, which undergoes natural filtration, also plays an important role, since the distillery is located on a limestone layer. Other secret ingredients to the brand’s success: a ancestral grain blend recipe, a special strain of yeast that has been in use for over 75 years, and endless dedication.
History of Jim Beam Whiskey
Hereditary bourbon producers have been leading their history since the 1788th century, when a family of emigrants from Germany settled in the New World and changed their surname from Boehm to Beam. In 7, the founder of the distillery, Jacob Beam, purchased land in Kentucky and started producing whiskey. He sold his first barrel of whiskey XNUMX years later, giving the drink the name Old Jake Beam Sour Mash. The business started was then continued by the son and grandson.
The name by which the company’s products are known today is given in honor of Jacob’s great-grandson, Jim (James) Beam, who took over the family business in 1892.
In 1934, having survived the Prohibition era, Jim, already with his son, resumed whiskey production, rebuilding the distillery in record time. In 1987, Jim Beam bought national brands including Old Crow, Bourbon de Luxe, Old Taylor, Old Grand-Dad and Sunny Brook. For a while, Jim Beam was part of the Fortune Brands holding company.
In 2014, the company was acquired by Suntory Holdings Ltd, a Japanese group of brewers and distillers known for pioneering whiskey production in Japan.
To date, production is led by a master distiller, as well as a global brand ambassador, Frederick Booker No III, a representative of the seventh generation of a glorious dynasty of distillers. Seven generations, over 200 years of work, countless challenges and one goal: to make the best bourbon in the world, all this is Jim Beam whiskey.
Awards
The year 2016 was especially rich in awards: Beam Suntory received many medals at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), which sets the benchmark for quality in alcohol. The most prestigious nominations were won by Jim Beam Black Bourbon and Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, who received the Bourbon Trophy and Worldwide Whiskey Trophy in their respective categories.
- 2012 – two gold medals (Devil’s Cut and Jim Beam Black) at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition;
- 2013 – 4 gold medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition;
- 2015 – gold medal (Jim Beam Bonded) at the International Wine & Spirit Competition;
- 2015 – Gold Outstanding (Jim Beam Signature Craft Soft Red Wheat) на International Wine & Spirit Competition;
- 2016 – two gold medals (Jim Beam Black and Knob Creek Rye Whiskey) at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Interesting Facts
- Jim Beam distilleries produce two-thirds of all bourbon in Kentucky.
- Every year, more than 80000 tourists visit the brand’s factory with excursions.
- In 2005, Frederic Booker filled the ten millionth cask of Jim Beam at the Claremont Distillery.
- In contrast to the traditional “angels’ share” – that part of the alcohol that evaporates from the barrel through the microscopic pores of the tree, Jim Beam invented a technology for extracting bourbon that has been absorbed into the walls of the barrels during the long-term aging of the drink. The name of this whiskey was appropriate – Devil’s Cut (“share of the devil”).
- The face of the Jim Beam brand is Hollywood star Mila Kunis, a big fan of quality bourbon, who with great enthusiasm took up the organization of a large-scale advertising campaign.
- For fans of this brand of bourbon, Zippo produces lighters with the inscription Jim Beam.
Types of Whiskey Jim Beam
Jim Beam White label, 40 %
The classic bourbon of the brand, which is its pride and glory. Produced according to the recipe of the founder Jacob Beam, which is confirmed by the inscription “original” on the label. Aged in new barrels for 4 years. Elegant, smooth, refined taste. This drink is versatile: good on its own, in combination with cola, and as a base for cocktails.
Jim Beam Signature Craft, 12 Y.O, 43%
An exclusive American whiskey with a light character. One of the brand’s finest products: 12 years of barrel aging is just the right amount of time to fully develop the taste of an excellent bourbon, seasoned with just the right amount of oak notes. Produced in limited editions, the bottle is decorated with the author’s signature of the master who created the drink. Awarded a gold medal at the Wine & Spirits Competition 2013.
Intense honey aroma, with hints of vanilla, caramel, prunes, spices, there are bright woody notes. The taste is sweet, soft, rounded, there are notes of baked apple, caramel, spices, there is a slight tannin, the influence of an oak barrel is felt. There are spices in the warm aftertaste – vanilla, a little cloves. This is a pleasant, light and unobtrusive bourbon that is good in its pure form and does not require gastronomic additions (appetizers).
Jim Beam Black, 43%
Premium bourbon aged for 6 years. Additional years of maturation impart a pronounced aroma with warm caramel and oak notes. On the palate there are hints of vanilla, citrus, fresh pastries and honey. It is equally good in its pure form, with ice, as a component of a cocktail.
Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, 45%
Strong bourbon with a bright, rich taste, created on the basis of 6-year-old spirits. It is produced according to a patented technology, which involves the extraction of liquid from the walls of oak barrels. The name plays on the concept of “angels’ share” – the part of alcohol that inevitably evaporates during the aging process. Logically, aged whiskey, “extracted” from the pores of a tree, can be considered the devil’s share. Great drink for a Halloween party. Awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015.
The aroma is complex, with motifs of caramel, vanilla, cherry, chocolate. The taste is expressive, harmoniously combining masculinity and ease of drinking. Good for short drinks, also suitable for making fancy cocktails.
Jim Beam Red Stag Black Cherry, 40%
A drink that harmoniously combines the taste of 4-year-old bourbon and black cherry liqueur. A bouquet with a pronounced fruity aroma, the taste is a sweet mix of notes of corn, berries warmed by the sun, peach, caramel. Spices and a hint of oak are felt in the warm aftertaste. A light, non-alcoholic drink, which was highly appreciated by the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity.
Jim Beam Honey, 35%
The brand’s experiment on the popular topic of using various whiskey additives. In this case, the union turned out to be surprisingly harmonious: 4-year-old bourbon got along well with natural honey. The drink turned out to be moderately sweet, with a distinct honey aroma, notes of caramel, vanilla, oak on the palate. Good on its own or paired with ginger ale, apple juice or soda.
Jim Beam Apple, 35%
The most “summer” drink of the line is the perfect balance of premium apple liqueur and classic Jim Beam White label 4-year-old bourbon. The taste and smell clearly give out the presence of an apple in the composition, shades of caramel and vanilla are added to the pleasant sourness. The manufacturer recommends the simplest drink-based cocktail: add tonic and a thin slice of fresh apple to the glass.
Jim Beam Double Oak, 43%
Like all of the brand’s bourbons, Double Oak is aged in oak barrels charred from the inside. The difference is that this procedure is repeated twice: the aged drink is poured into a fresh barrel for final maturation. Double exposure provides rich color, intense aroma and smooth taste of bourbon. The bouquet is dominated by notes of wood, spices, cloves. The finish is of medium duration: on the decline of the oak wave, berry sweetness comes.
