JAMES B. BEAM INSTITUTE FOR KENTUCKY SPIRITS |

James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference - 2021

Join us for the second annual James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference, which will take place as a virtual event on Mar 10-12, 2021.

More information.

Announcing the New Peer-Reviewed “Journal of Distilling Science”

A Peer-Reviewed Science Journal published by Artisan Spirit Magazine in cooperation with The Society of Distilling Scientists and Technologists.

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Educational Videos

Take a look at our collection of educational videos regarding Warehouse Best Practices, Distillery Basics and Boiler Basics.

Watch the videos.

Distilling Lexington

This student-authored publication was produced by the WRD 225 class in Fall 2020. If you were wondering about how to create your own infinity bottle or what the best bourbon ice cream is, here's your chance to find out!

Check out the first issue here.

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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Hand Sanitizer Production How-to

James B. Beam Institute is providing sanitizer to health care workers and instruction to spirits industry on process.

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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.

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.

News Archive

James B Beam Institute

James B Beam Institute University of Kentucky

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.

Responsible Consumption Commitment

UK and Jim Beam are dedicated to the responsible consumption of alcohol and together will develop and expand successful alcohol awareness programs, including programming already funded by Beam Suntory. For more information on the University of Kentucky’s student well-being programs and services, visit WellKentucky and the Student Wellness Center . To learn more about how alcohol affects you as an individual, and how to make the right choices for yourself and those around you, visit Drink Smart.

Partnership

Formed in 2019, the partnership between the University of Kentucky and Jim Beam® was created with the goal of facilitating the growth of Kentucky’s spirits industry. With the goal of supporting the development of Kentucky’s workforce, promoting Kentucky as the production and innovation capital of the bourbon industry, and building effective alcohol awareness initiatives, this partnership will promote the welfare, prosperity and sustainability of Kentucky’s spirits industry for generations to come.