Jim Beam Bourbon produces 11 millionth barrel

Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc., a global leader in premium spirits, and Jim Beam Bourbon, the world’s No. 1-selling bourbon, celebrated a historic milestone with the filling of the 11 millionth barrel of Jim Beam. February 1, 2008 marked the first time Jim Beam has filled one million barrels in less than three years, offering further evidence of the sustained growth in international and domestic demand for “America’s Native Spirit.”

2007 brought growth and momentum for Jim Beam in key markets around the world, and revenue grew at a double-digit rate with worldwide consumption surpassing six million cases in the last 12 months. The United States remains the world’s largest market for Jim Beam followed by Australia and Germany.

“We are proud to celebrate this important company milestone,” said Jeff Conder, vice president, North American operations for Beam Global Spirits & Wine. "We quite literally pay tribute to our brand messaging ‘The Stuff Inside Matters Most.’ Not only have we filled another million barrels, but we’ve done so in the shortest amount of time our company has ever seen – two years, 11 months and three weeks. The demand for bourbon continues to grow and we are prepared and proud to accommodate this trend among consumers seeking the authenticity represented by Jim Beam.”

Employees gathered for a ceremony to honor the landmark achievement at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Ky., where the barrel was sealed and transported to the warehouse. It will be stored next to the eight, nine and 10 millionth barrels where it will age for four years in a new charred oak barrel to develop the distinct color and taste that has been replicated for more than 213 years.

Facts about Jim Beam Bourbon:

·         One million barrels can fill 28.3 million cases of Jim Beam.

·         Eleven million barrels will yield a total of 311 million cases and fill more than 3.7 billion 750-milliliter bottles of Jim Beam Bourbon.

·         On average, the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Ky., fills 700 barrels a day (1,000 barrels is the current single-day record).

·         As the only indigenous spirit in the United States, bourbon whiskey was recognized in 1964 by an act of Congress when it declared bourbon “America’s Native Spirit.”

·         The U.S. Senate declared, by unanimous vote, September 2007 as “National Bourbon Heritage Month.”