Deerfield-based Beam sold for $16 billion [Jim Beam, Maker's Mark]

AP via Chicago Sun-Times ^ | Jan. 13, 2014

[1rudeboy]

DEERFIELD — Beam, the maker of Jim Beam and Marker’s Mark alcohol brands, has agreed to be acquired by Japan’s Suntory Holdings Ltd. for approximately $13.62 billion.

Shares of the spirits maker jumped in Monday premarket trading.

Suntory has a portfolio of spirits, with whiskies including Yamazaki and Hakushu as well as Midori liqueur and other beverages. It already distributes Beam’s products in Japan. Beam distributes Suntory’s products in Singapore and other Asian markets.

Suntory President and Chairman Nobutada Saji said in a statement that the acquisition will help Suntory further its global growth.

The combined company is expected to have annual sales of spirits products of more than $4.3 billion.

[NewsJunqui]

Speaking of Bourbon:
http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2014/01/best-affordable-bourbon-under-twenty-old-fitzgerald-beam-evan-williams-barton-heaven-hill-cheap-whiskey.html?ref=title

[Drew68]

Nope. It was Makers Mark. The tour guide and I were joking about it when I was bringing some out of state friends through.

You're right. I remember now.

[factoryrat]

I’ve drank plenty of whiskey in my time, and jim beam is not on my list of favorites. The moonshine made by the locals down their is better, although JB does make good paint stripper and carburetor cleaner. Why the Japanese take a liking to that swill is beyond me, but to each their own I suppose. Maybe when they move the operation to china, the quality will improve.

[GOYAKLA]

All Beam recipes remain the same.
Everyone should try Suntory Bourbon!
If ones purse cannot afford the tariff , find a FRiend, who can! :^}
They age in barrels made from three different woods; American white oak, European holm oak and Japanese water oak.

http://www.suntory.com/factory/yamazaki/kodawari/index.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/review-suntory-yamazaki-whisky-is-the-best-the-world
All Good Bourbons/ to your tastes
@
http://www.bluekitchen.net/bourbongallery.html

[Charles Martel]

Gonna try the 12y.o. next.

Dickel 12 is probably the best Tennessee Whiskey on the market, and a heck of a bargain at current prices.

[SVTCobra03]

Red label Maker’s Mark over spring water ice cubes ... if you like the flavor of bourbon, it cannot be beaten.

Obviously you haven't tasted Bookers or Pappy Van Winkle.

[GOYAKLA]

I usually check here first and then test/taste myself.
Wild Turkey, was not on their lists;Best or Worst.

http://www.bluekitchen.net/bourbongallery.html

Everyones palette is different. I have about Six that I enjoy, for different reasons.
Basil Hayden and Pappy Van Winkle. If I every hit the lottery I want a couple of bottles of 23 Y/O Pappy.
Link to prices:
http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/old+rip+van+winkel+distil+pappy+winkles+fmly+rsrv+23+straight+bourbon+whisky+kentucky+usa/0

[Charles Martel]

Why the Japanese take a liking to that swill is beyond me, but to each their own I suppose.

It's a major incongruity, given the quality of Japan's domestic single-malt whiskeys. Different target demographics, I guess.

[petro45acp]

mmmmmmmmmmm Buffalo Trace!!!

Blantons, Sazerac, Peychaud bitters, Eagle rare, Rain vodka, and the regular Rye/ten year/bourbon, Buffalo Trace. They also did Pappy Van Winkle!

Take the hardhat (no hats involved), worth the time!!!!

KYPD

[petro45acp]

Wild Turkey is real deal. Might not be everyon’s cuppa, but it is authentic.

KYPD

[kosciusko51]

What are your thoughts on the Woodford Reserve?

[petro45acp]

Believe 80 proof (40% by volume) is the minimum for bottling. Distilled to 160 proof and into the barrel no more than 125 proof.

Cheers!
KYPD

Proof your whiskey with gunpowder!

[WayneS]

I like it.

Not as much as Rare Breed & Knob Creek, but I like it.

[petro45acp]

For it to be bourbon, it has to be made stateside and to spec. To be called Kentucky straight bourbon........Hit that bourbon trail!

Cheers,
KYPD

[WayneS]

I have a bottle of Buffalo Trace sitting on top of my liquor locker right now.

[Rockingham]

We have reason to hope that will be so due to Suntory’s long history of purchasing and running foreign subsidiaries. If nothing else, Suntory has probably learned not to tamper with successful products.

[VanShuyten]

Ripper: Mandrake. Mandrake, have you never wondered why I drink only distilled water, or rainwater, and only pure-grain alcohol?
Mandrake: Well, it did occur to me, Jack, yes.
Ripper: Have you ever heard of a thing called fluoridation. Fluoridation of water?
Mandrake: Uh? Yes, I-I have heard of that, Jack, yes. Yes.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

Be precise..Single malt is NOT the same thing as “scotch”

I prefer single malts; most of them are better aged, but there are some good blends too. I keep a bottle of Ballentine's handy and take a shot every evening just before going to bed. It helps me sleep. I wouldn't want to use an expensive single malt for that purpose only.

[ken5050]

No argument there..and unlike Ambien..Ballantine's won't give you a coronary..

Sleep well, my FRiend..

[TomServo]

Too much work...just everclear and grape kool aid..:-)