It was just February of 2021 when 7th generation Beam family member Master Distiller Fred Noe along with his son 8th generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe filled and bunged the 16 millionth barrel of Jim Beam bourbon since the family restarted distilling operations after Prohibition. Now, just over 18 months later the father and son team have added another million barrels.
As the pace of production at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Nelson County, Kentucky continues to accelerate in response to the increasing global demand for America’s Native Spirit, this milestone holds the special significance of being achieved against the backdrop of a global pandemic, including related disruptions and implementation of new protocols to protect the health and wellbeing of employees.
“Throughout this pandemic, our incredible teams kept coming in to work every day, to make the bourbon that consumers around the world are going to enjoy in about four years,” said Freddie Noe, 8th Generation Beam Distiller. “They adjusted to new workplace protocols that kept them, their colleagues and our operations safe – and they did this while caring for loved ones at home.”
“We’ve been fortunate to celebrate a lot of milestone fills at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., but this one is very special, and we’re dedicating this barrel to our teams who have distilled, barreled, bottled and shipped our brands day in and day out for our consumers,” Noe added.
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“Congratulations to the James B Beam Distilling Co. on this impressive milestone. Kentucky is bourbon’s birthplace, and it remains an important part of our heritage and economy, providing more than 20,000 quality jobs in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Jim Beam’s 17th million bourbon barrel shows that our spirits industry continues to grow at an incredible rate.”
Fred Noe added, “The passion and dedication of our people who make bourbon the Beam way is unsurpassed. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen just how devoted our people really are. We’re raising a glass to them today. It’s an honor!”
James B. Distilling Co. Barrel Fill Milestones
And if you are keeping track here’s the timeline from the last four millionth barrel celebrations.
- 14 Millionth Barrel – Filled May 2, 2016
- 15 Millionth Barrel Filled March 12, 2018 (679 days later)
- 16 Millionth Barrel Filled February 17, 2020 (707 days later)
- 17 Millionth Barrel Filled August 5, 2021 (535 days later)
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