Kentucky’s history is long and fascinating and some stories and businesses from the Bluegrass date back just as far or even further. Kentucky became a state in 1792 and at that time, believe it or not, our well-known bourbon industry was already in the works. In fact, by 1795 one company officially began selling its creations and it is now known as the oldest business in Kentucky. Of course, we are talking about Jim Beam, which is not only the oldest business in the state, but is also most likely the most recognizable brand of bourbon in the world.

You can find bottles of Jim Beam on your liquor store shelf, served up in your favorite cocktail, or of course along the Bourbon Trail.
Facebook/Jim Beam
But you may not realize that Jim Beam began way back in 1795 when Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of Old Jake Beam Sour Mash. The Beam family story actually goes back even further than that, meaning bourbon may actually be older than the commonwealth of Kentucky.
The Beam family was actually originally the Boehm family, who arrived in America in 1740.
Facebook/Jim Beam American Stillhouse
They eventually Americanized their name to Beam and made their way to Kentucky, which at the time was a part of Virginia.
The story from that point on is a true American dream come to life as Jim Beam began to grow.
Facebook/Jim Beam American Stillhouse
Jim Beam has always been a local favorite, even 200 years ago, and it's had thousands of competitors throughout the decades.

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The entire history of Jim Beam is fascinating and we highly recommend you read through the timeline on the website linked below.
Facebook/Jim Beam
The business was passed through 7 generations, each one creating new innovations and beverages that the local community and the rest of the world have embraced.
Along with celebrating its 225th year in 2020, Jim Beam also presented its 16 millionth barrel.
Facebook/Jim Beam American Stillhouse
That is a number that is difficult to comprehend and puts a true perspective on the impact Jim Beam has had on the distilling world.
You may wonder how a business can stick around for over 200 years and remain applicable and desirable.
Facebook/Jim Beam American Stillhouse
Jim Beam would likely credit its success to innovation and always looking ahead, while relying on what has always worked in the past. This is a common theme in the distilling world that fans and consumers seem to appreciate.
Not many companies in this country get to celebrate a 225th birthday and it only makes sense that the oldest business in Kentucky comes from the bourbon industry.
Facebook/Jim Beam
The next time you pour a glass or hit up the Bourbon Trail, cheers to the long history of Jim Beam and to the future and prosperity of local distilleries in Kentucky.

Jim Beam is extremely well known throughout the Bluegrass State, but it’s also very likely the most recognizable brand of bourbon in the world. And as the oldest business in Kentucky at 225 years old, we can expect to see many more years, decades, and even centuries of bourbon making ahead of us. Is Jim Beam your favorite brand of bourbon in the Bluegrass? What other older businesses in Kentucky do you love? Let us know in the comments!

For more information on Jim Beam and to learn all about its long history, visit its website and follow along on Facebook.

And for another historic place in the Bluegrass, check out the oldest church in Kentucky that also dates back to the late 1700s.

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Featured Addresses
James B. Beam Distilling Co., 568 Happy Hollow Rd, Clermont, KY 40110, USA