Whisky Names Explained: The Legend Behind the Name Jim Beam

When you think of bourbon, the name Jim Beam quickly comes to mind. The name is one of the most well-known symbols of American whiskey. But who or what is Jim Beam actually? Behind this name lies a centuries-old family story full of tradition, perseverance, and craftsmanship.

This week, we dive into the history books for a unique whiskey name. In this Whisky Names Explained, we tell you more about the origin of Jim Beam whiskey and where the name actually comes from.

The globally famous beverage is originally made in the United States, but the story has roots in Germany. Jacob Beam was originally a German who emigrated to the United States.

He started his own company in 1795, where he sold corn whiskey, aka bourbon. Bourbon was still a relatively new product at that time where 51% corn was the basis for the recipe. The whiskey was already aged then in American oak barrels that were charred and the trade was thriving.

The name of the whiskey Jacob sold was derived from his own: Old Jake Beam Sour Mash Whiskey.

During the Prohibition era, alcohol was banished from public view. For many distilleries, this was a deadly blow, including the Beam family's distillery. The doors closed.

After Prohibition, in 1933, James B. Beam decided to breathe new life into the business. He built a new distillery and named it after his grandfather Jim (this was his nickname). The whiskey would from then on be known as Jim Beam.

The whiskey name that you so often see on the shelves today thus has a history that's centuries old.