James Beauregard "Jim" Beam was the fourth-generation bourbon distiller and the most recognized member of the Beam family. Using the Beam signature mash bill and knowledge passed down through generations since the family began distilling in 1795, he rebuilt the distillery after Prohibition and grew the family business into the leading bourbon producer in the world. A straightforward, plain-speaking son of Kentucky, he was passionate about two things: family and bourbon whiskey, and his family and bourbon live on to this day.