Bourbon Maker Jim Beam Halts Production at Main Distillery for a Year

The maker of Jim Beam bourbon said it will halt production at its main distillery in Kentucky throughout next year as it invests in site upgrades, the company told Osmond Chia of BBC News.

Jim Beam is evaluating how to deploy its workforce during the shutdown and is in talks with the workers’ union. (Photo: Jim Beam)

The distillery will remain closed while the company “takes the opportunity to invest in site enhancements.”

A spokesperson said the firm regularly reviews production levels to align with consumer demand and recently met with staff to discuss volumes for 2026.

Kentucky distillers — long known for bourbon production — face uncertainty partly due to US President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Jim Beam is owned by Japan’s Suntory Global Spirits, which employs more than 1,000 people across its Kentucky operations.

The company said its other facilities in the state, including another distillery as well as bottling and warehousing plants, will continue operating next year. Its visitor center will also remain open.

Jim Beam added that it is evaluating how to deploy its workforce during the shutdown and is in talks with the workers’ union.

In October, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association said bourbon inventories in the state reached a record high of more than 16 million barrels. The trade group said state taxes on the barrels cost distillers a “crushing” $75 million (£56 million) this year.