Beam, Straight Up

An insider's look at the Jim Beam brand, from a 7th generation Master Distiller Written by the 7th generation Beam family member and Master Distiller, Frederick Booker Noe III, Beam, Straight Up is the first book to be written by a Beam, the family behind the 217-year whiskey dynasty and makers of one of the world's best-selling bourbons. This book features family history and the evolution of bourbon, including Fred's storied youth "growing up Beam" in Bardstown, Kentucky; his transition from the bottling line to renowned global bourbon ambassador; and his valuable business insights on how to maintain and grow a revered brand. Includes details of Fred Noe's life on the road, spreading the bourbon gospel Describes Fred's journey to becoming the face of one of America's most iconic brands Shares a simple primer on how bourbon is made Offers cocktail and food recipes For anyone wanting a behind the scenes look at Jim Beam, and an understanding of the bourbon industry, Beam, Straight Up will detail the family business, and its role in helping to shape it.

Prologue ix Foreword Kid Rock xi Chapter 1 A Little History 1 Chapter 2 A Kentucky Boyhood 23 Chapter 3 Booker: Yes, Sir. 49 Chapter 4 College Man 71 Chapter 5 Starting Out 87 Chapter 6 The Making of a Bourbon Ambassador 101 Chapter 7 Road Warrior 115 Chapter 8 The World Isn’t As Big As I Thought 129 Chapter 9 Bourbon and Change 143 Chapter 10 The Beam Way: How to Build a Company That Lasts 155 Chapter 11 Home 169 Appendix 177 Cocktails 177 Hangover Cure 182 Cooking with Bourbon 182 Acknowledgments 193 Index 195