Soon To Be Big In Japan, Jim Beam's Roots To Stay In Kentucky - Polidicks

[URL="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/01/15/262537454/soon-to-be-big-in-japan-jim-beams-roots-to-stay-in-kentucky"]NPR Link[/URL] [quote=NPR]In a $16 billion deal this week, Japanese beverage giant Suntory announced it plans to purchase Beam Inc., the maker of Jim Beam bourbon and the owner of other popular bourbon brands like Maker's Mark. Those and most other bourbons are made in Kentucky, and the deal has some hoping the drink's growth in the global market won't come at the expense of its uniquely Kentucky heritage. For more than a century, Suntory has been in the beer and spirits industry in Japan, but what many Americans think of when they hear the name is the scene from the 2003 film Lost in Translation, in which Bill Murray plays an actor who goes to Tokyo to shoot a whiskey commercial. "For relaxing times, make it Suntory time," Murray's character says coolly into the camera. If the deal is approved by shareholders as expected, the name Suntory is likely to become more familiar in the U.S. in the months ahead. The popularity of bourbon has exploded in recent years, especially in Japan and other Asian markets. The Kentucky Distillers Association calls the Suntory purchase of Beam exciting news, and evidence that the bourbon renaissance is strong. Carla Carlton agrees, and believes any qualms about the new owners will be put to rest.[/quote]

While that's good for them [and interesting that there's a market for it in Japan], I've never been a big fan of their stuff.

I live in Kentucky, I wonder if this means they'll be expanding out here.

Never liked the taste of Jim beam whiskeys, and I love rye.

I'm not a Burboun person, gin is my poison. Just interesting to see Western alcohols taking a strong footing in Asian nations.

[QUOTE=innerfire34;43546173]I live in Kentucky, I wonder if this means they'll be expanding out here.[/QUOTE] I live in kentucky as well, up on louisville.

Isn't the counties that produce Jim Bean, Jack Daniels, etc. dry anyways?

I'm from Kentucky, and Jim Beam is good stuff. I was worried when I saw this at first but if they maintain its cultural links and don't mess with it too much, but instead give it a larger market and maybe introduce some new unique drinks, then why not.

[QUOTE=dedo678;43546184]Never liked the taste of Jim beam whiskeys, and I love rye.[/QUOTE] You're in luck because Jim Beam isn't rye. [editline]15th January 2014[/editline] If it was it couldn't be called bourbon.

Damn I hate Jim Beam whiskey. It tastes so bad. Maker's Mark is decent and is the best Kentucky whiskey I have tasted, but it is still no way near Irish or Scottish whisky.

are we sure the asians can handle alcohol that is not distilled from rice?

Yes because whisky is extremely popular in Japan right now. China is also developing a taste for wine.

[QUOTE=darkedone02;43546413]I live in kentucky as well, up on louisville.[/QUOTE] Me too, currently getting a stronger wifi signal from rubbing two deer antlers and a coat hanger together than from Time Warner's service. I actually live right by the Jim Bean, Four Roses, and other smaller distilleries. They bring a lot of jobs to the area, Jim Bean's complex is massive and out front they have this huge office building so this is good stuff.

[QUOTE=Sableye;43548505]are we sure the asians can handle alcohol that is not distilled from rice?[/QUOTE] Believe me; I know 5' foot tall Japanese women who drink like freakin' tanks (hard spirits, not awamori or sake either).

[QUOTE=JCDentonUNATCO;43550151]Me too, currently getting a stronger wifi signal from rubbing two deer antlers and a coat hanger together than from Time Warner's service. I actually live right by the Jim Bean, Four Roses, and other smaller distilleries. They bring a lot of jobs to the area, Jim Bean's complex is massive and out front they have this huge office building so this is good stuff.[/QUOTE] I also live in Kentucky, down in Nicholasville. Getting a solid 50mbps connection, TWC's pretty alright here.

OH FUCK YES IT'S SUNTORY TIME!

Suntory makes this plum sake shit, that is cheap as hell, tastes beyond delicious, and it comes in a giant bottle. I'm ok with this

[QUOTE=Swilly;43546216]I'm not a Burboun person, gin is my poison. Just interesting to see Western alcohols taking a strong footing in Asian nations.[/QUOTE] Always thought gin was a drink for old women. My grandmother and all her friends drink it, lmao.