Jim Beam Bourbon Celebrates Historic Milestone

Feb. 14, 2005 – America’s official native spirit – bourbon –commemorated an historic milestone today when Frederick Booker Noe III – great-grandson of the legendary Jim Beam – officially sealed the ten millionth barrel of Jim Beam bourbon. A ceremony to honor the landmark achievement, took place at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Ky., where the barrel was seen for the last time until 2009. Immediately following the ceremony, the ten millionth barrel was transported to a rack house, where it will be stored and aged for four years.

“When Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of whiskey in 1795, he had no way of knowing that generations of Beams would follow in his footsteps and the day would come when his great-great-great-great grandson would fill the ten millionth barrel of Jim Beam bourbon,” said Tom Flocco, president and chief executive officer, Jim Beam Brands Worldwide, Inc. “It’s a proud moment for all of us at Jim Beam Brands.”

“This is a momentous event for the company and, from a personal standpoint, it’s also one for my family,” said Noe, bourbon ambassador, Jim Beam Brands Co. “I’m proud to continue my family’s bourbon-making legacy today and to share this milestone with history fans and bourbon enthusiasts around the world.”

At 210 years old, Jim Beam has spanned seven generations of family members all inspired by the original family recipe.

Fun facts Surrounding Jim Beam Bourbon:

• The ten millionth barrel, which only includes production since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, is equivalent to 3.25 billion (750ml) bottles of Jim Beam bourbon, or 73 billion drinks.
• On average, the Jim Beam Distillery fills 700 barrels a day (1,000 is the current record). Each of these barrels is aged in a rack house for a minimum of four years – and it’s during these four years that the “high wine” contained in each barrel develops its true bourbon characteristics in both color and taste - the ten millionth barrel will also receive this same treatment and will be stored until 2009.
• In 1964, Congress declared bourbon a “distinctive product of the United States” and it was recognized as “ America’s native spirit.”
• For a spirit to be called “bourbon,” it must be made from a mash mixture of at least 51 percent corn and aged a minimum of two years in a new, charred oak barrel.
• Bourbon has been the preferred drink of presidents (Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson), famous writers (Mark Twain) and countless other politicians, performers and notable citizens.

Additional information about the history and heritage of Jim Beam bourbon can be found at www.jimbeam.com.

SOURCE Jim Beam Brands Co.