Cited in April 2002 in the Shuttle Sheet as "the world's greatest wine and spirits (and everything else with an alcoholic content) critic," F. PAUL PACULT is recognized the world over as the most accomplished and respected authority on beverage alcohol today. Pacult's writing credits include the New York Times Magazine, Sky, Wine Enthusiast, Playboy, Whisky Magazine, Decanter, Wine & Spirits magazine, Men's Journal, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Con-noisseur, Cheers, and Spirits & Cocktails Magazine. In 2001, Pacult was the recipient of the Award of Excellence from the Academy of Wine Communication.

Foreword vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xv

Part One: The Foundations

1 Jacob Beam and Surviving in a Harsh Land 3

2 David Beam and Pre-Civil War Kentucky 37

3 David M. Beam and the Debris of War 59

Part Two: The Dynasty

4 Jim Beam and the Making of a Bourbon Whiskey Brand 85

5 T. Jeremiah and Carl Beam: Jim Beam Bourbon Steps onto the World Stage 115

6 Booker Noe: Big Man, Small Batch 141

7 Other Beams: Behind Every Good Bourbon Whiskey 169

8 Finding a Crown for the Jewel 189

Appendix A Tasting Notes on Jim Beam Bourbons 209

Appendix B The Jim Beam Bourbon Timeline 221

Bibliography 229

Index 233