Jim Beam Halts Clermont Distillation in 2026
Jim Beam has announced that it will halt distillation operations at its Clermont facility in Kentucky for the entire year of 2026. Production will transition to the Booker Noe plant located in Boston, Kentucky. This change aims to facilitate necessary upgrades at the Clermont distillery while ensuring that customer demand is met.
Clermont Facility and Production Shift
Despite the pause in distillation, Jim Beam will continue bottling and warehousing operations at the Clermont site. Both the visitor center and The Kitchen Table restaurant will remain open to the public. Notably, the expansive 420-acre Clermont campus also produces several popular bourbon brands, including Knob Creek, Baker’s, Booker’s, and Basil Hayden’s.
Industry Implications
- The shift reflects broader trends in bourbon production across Kentucky.
- The state is currently facing a record 16.1 million barrels aging, according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
- Distillation will still occur at the Fred B. Noe craft distillery in Clermont and at the larger Booker Noe facility in Boston.
Employment Status
As the production operations shift, no layoffs have been announced, ensuring job security for employees involved in the distillation process.
This strategic decision underscores Jim Beam’s commitment to maintaining quality and meeting market needs while upgrading its facilities for future production demands.
