Jim Beam to pause production at main Kentucky distillery in 2026

[riversedge]

Source: Courier Journal



Krista Johnson Leo Bertucci

Dec. 21, 2025, 2:42 p.m. ET

The maker of the popular Kentucky bourbon brand Jim Beam will pause operations at its main distillery for an indefinite period beginning in January 2026, company officials told The Courier Journal Dec. 21.

The distillery on the James B. Beam campus in Clermont will remain closed while officials with Beam Suntory "take the opportunity to invest in site enhancements," an official statement read.

“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 provided to The Courier Journal.


The company's Fred B. Noe craft distillery, also located in Clermont, will remain open in 2026.

Read more: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2025/12/21/jim-beam-to-pause-production-at-main-kentucky-distillery-in-2026/87860590007/

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‪@NewsJennifer (Jennifer Schulze)‬
‪@newsjennifer.bsky.social‬
· 23h
It’s impossible to overstate what a big deal this is for this legendary Kentucky brand. The last time Jim Beam closed down like this was during Prohibition. Trump’s tariffs & fight with Canada are surely to blame.

www.kentucky.com/news/busines...

It’s impossible to overstate what a big deal this is for this legendary Kentucky brand. The last time Jim Beam closed down like this was during Prohibition. Trump’s tariffs & fight with Canada are surely to blame.

www.kentucky.com/news/busines...

— @NewsJennifer (Jennifer Schulze) (@newsjennifer.bsky.social) 2025-12-20T23:54:03.653Z

[twodogsbarking]

1. Shine will still be available from a car trunk.

[markodochartaigh]

2. Any word how this will affect Whisky Pete Hagueseth

over at the Department of War?

[riversedge]

3. Sorry, but I do not know what brand Whiskey Pete drinks.

[markodochartaigh]

7. I had heard that

Whisky Pete had used Col. James Beam and Gen. Johnny Walker as his references on his job application.

[dem4decades]

9. I heard they prepped him.

[R Merm]

14. I see him as a Rebel Yell type of guy

[Bayard]

4. No kidding....

That's suprising. We just drove past Clermont yesterday on the way home from the family xmas. My crazy ex-BIL used to work there.

[Eugene]

5. so much winning...

Thank you, MF47.

[mdbl]

6. Seems they aren't doing to well under Don Dump's policies

Good thing Kentucky voted for him.

[PatrickforB]

8. Trump won KY with 64.5% of the vote. They HAVE the government they deserve. Sorry to say it, but people really

MUST STOP WATCHING FOX and listening to AM hate-talk radio. Because people on those venues get paid really well to LIE.

[dem4decades]

10. I hope this is related to Trump's policies, they can go out of business for all i care.

As long as Kirkland doesn't stop the production of vodka we should be alright.

[RazorbackExpat]

11. Canadians have practically stopped buying American distilled products

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/canada-stuck-with-millions-in-unsold-us-alcohol/

[cstanleytech]

13. I feel sorry for anyone there that didn't ever support Trump that lost their jobs.

The ones that did of do support him can kiss my ass though.