Jim Beam Fills 14 Million Barrels Since Prohibition

Jim Beam, the world’s top-selling bourbon brand, passed a substantial milestone yesterday when it filled it’s 14 millionth barrel of bourbon since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. This record-setting barrel became the center of a ceremonial event, and was filled by the hands of seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe and Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin (R) at the Beam Distillery in Clermont, KY.

“History is what you make it,” said Noe. “And, here at Jim Beam, we’re proud to make it one barrel at a time. This milestone is cause for celebration both for our employees and bourbon fans around the globe. Fourteen million is a big number, and it says a lot about the success of our whiskey and the growing passion for bourbon around the world.”

The 14 million mark was achieved just two years after the filling of Jim Beam’s 13 millionth barrel, a fact that points directly to the scale of the ongoing bourbon boom. Two million Beam barrels are currently maturing in rickhouses across the state of Kentucky, and there are now more bourbon barrels than people residing in the Commonwealth.

“Kentucky bourbon has become not only an American icon, but an international symbol of our proud heritage and craftsmanship,” said Governor Bevin. “I’m pleased to toast Jim Beam’s impressive milestone, rich history and spirited future.”

According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, bourbon is now a $3 billion state industry, providing more than 15,000 jobs and generating more than $166 million in tax revenues annually. Over the past five years, the bourbon industry has grown 35 percent.