Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Spirits’ Sector
As chairwoman of the board for the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, Jessica Pendergrass said 2020 was a year that required action and change, not just words, when it came to diversity, equity and inclusion. She is only the third woman chair of the board in its 140 years.
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Vendome Copper and Brass Works Partners with Beam Institute
Vendome Copper and Brass Works recently pledged its support to UK’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits to be part of that mission with the Vendome Copper and Brass Works Distillery Support Fund.
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The James B. Beam Institute Receives Donation of Barrel Storage Equipment
An equipment donation from Koetter Construction will enable the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky to construct a modern barrel-storage system inside the Independent Stave Company – Boswell Family Barrel Warehouse at the institute.
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UK’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits inks powerful partnership with Scotch Whisky Research Institute
The University of Kentucky’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits recently announced a partnership with the Scotch Whisky Research Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland. The partnership will enhance stability in the spirits industry worldwide and allow the institutions to study distilled spirits together.
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Kentucky Distillers’ Association Establishes Scholars Fund With UK’s Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies Program
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is establishing a scholars program to fund scholarships aimed at increasing diversity in the distilled spirits industry. The KDA UK Scholars Program Fund will annually support full tuition for up to four students in the University of Kentucky’s distillation, wine and brewing studies program.
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Independent Stave Company and the Boswell family give donation
Independent Stave Company and the Boswell Family are giving $1 million to the University of Kentucky to further spirits research at the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. The gift will fund a maturation facility that will allow the Beam Institute to experiment with barrel aging spirits produced in its research distillery.
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University of Kentucky and Jim Beam® Partner to Create the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits
Jim Beam® Bourbon will donate $5 million to the University of Kentucky to establish the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. The institute will educate the next generation of distillers through a curriculum that covers the skills needed to succeed in the distilled spirits industry at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels.
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The James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky is the bourbon industry’s research and development vehicle. The Beam Institute offers multidisciplinary research strengths to ensure sustained competitiveness of Kentucky’s spirits industry and its supply chain. A further commitment is to develop the state’s workforce and provide opportunities for economic growth via process efficiency and outreach. In creating exceptional teaching, research and outreach programs, the Beam Institute is a leader for Kentucky’s spirits industry from farm to product.
Mission
The James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits ensures the welfare and prosperity of Kentucky’s spirits industry. Through teaching, research and outreach, the Institute promotes economic sustainability, environmental stewardship and responsible consumption.
Vision
In creating a platform for research, education and outreach, the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits Institute will serve the spirits industry in Kentucky and help grow the state’s economy. Through these actions, the institute intensifies the shared values of the University of Kentucky and Beam Suntory.