Jim Beam, the world’s largest producer of the popular Kentucky bourbon whiskey brand, will halt operations at its main distillery in the new year.
Contrary to popular belief, the brand itself is not shutting down, but let’s talk a look at what’s actually going on:
Why is Jim Beam shutting down operations in 2026?
On Monday, company officials for the James B. Beam Distilling Co. said that distillation at the flagship Clermont, Kentucky, location would officially pause starting in January and to “take the opportunity to invest in site enhancements,” according to USA Today’s The Louisville Courier Journal.
“We are always assessing production levels to best meet consumer demand and recently met with our team to discuss our volumes for 2026,” company officials said in a statement to the outlet.
The Fred B. Noe craft distillery in Clermont will remain open in 2026, and operations will also continue at the Booker Noe distillery in Boston, Kentucky.
Will other locations remain open?
Officials confirmed that the James B. Beam visitor center and The Kitchen Table, a restaurant at the Clermont location, will also remain open to visitors, WLKY reported.
There’s no confirmation on whether the company will reopen after site enhancements. However, officials said the Cleremont location will continue bottling and warehousing its products.
Suntory Global Spirits, formerly Beam Suntory, is the “world’s most admired premium spirits company,” known for crafting high-quality products and delivering “brilliant experiences” worldwide. The first Jim Beam product was produced 230 years ago, according to its website.
“We’ve been crafting iconic brands since 1795, when Jacob Beam produced the first barrel of Jim Beam. We’re proud to be part of Suntory Group, where in 1899, founder Shinjiro Torii created the first whisky tailored to Japanese palates,” the site states.