Today marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, a much revered and lauded figure in the American Whiskey industry. Parker passed away on January 9, 2017 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, at age 75.  Beam was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2010 and had been waging a very courageous and public battle with the dreaded disease, raising enormous sums for the ALS Association of Kentucky through his Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund and Heaven Hill’s sales of his signature line of Parker’s Heritage Collection American Whiskeys. Today, Parker’s legacy and traditions live on through the hands and watchful eyes of present VP Operations and Master Distiller Denny Potter, and also through practices at the both Heaven Hill visitor centers.

Since his passing, Parker has been recognized at notable events including the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Hall of Fame Reception, where two Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Awards have been awarded to Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and Maker’s Mark Bill Samuels. Both Parker and Anne Shapira, Harry’s mother, were memorialized at the Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Distillers Association. He was also honored at a special event by the Bourbon Crusaders to raise money for the ALS Association’s Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, among other admiral events.

Today, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family—Linda; Craig and his wife, Nichole; his daughter Leslie Ferrell and son-in-law Phillip, and step daughter Julie Crume Smith and her husband Joe.

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Background

Earl Parker Beam was born into Kentucky Bourbon royalty in 1941—his grandfather, Park Beam, was brother and colleague of James Beauregard “Jim” Beam at the original D.M. Beam & Co., predecessor to Jim Beam Brands.  Parker’s father, also named Earl, was a brother to Carl “Shucks” Beam, Master Distiller at the Jim Beam Brands Company.  Parker’s father Earl left Beam to become Master Distiller at Heaven Hill in 1946, ushering in an era of Bourbon category leadership and critical acclaim under the Beams, first through Earl, then Parker, and then Parker’s son Craig.Parker joined Heaven Hill alongside his father in 1960, where his baptism into the distilling industry began by washing windows and scrubbing lime scale out of the cypress fermenters.  “It wasn’t glamorous,” Parker used to say, “But I learned how everything worked in the distillery, because back then you had to be chief cook and bottle washer.”

Accolades

Parker learned how to culture his family’s 6-generation old proprietary yeast strain under his father’s tutelage, and eventually began to put his own unique fingerprint on Heaven Hill’s American whiskeys—it was under Parker’s supervision that the company raised barreling proof to 125, it was Parker who first created the industry’s first Small Batch Bourbon when Elijah Craig was introduced in 1986, and Parker who oversaw the launch of the company’s Single Barrel Bourbons in 1994.Parker was also one of the most celebrated of distillers—a charter member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, winner of Whisky Advocate Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award, member of Whisky Magazine’s Hall of Fame, and many more honors.  And in 2016, the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Distillers Association, the Kentucky Bourbon industry’s trade association which dates back to 1880, voted unanimously to name the industry’s Lifetime Achievement Award after Parker.

Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund

After being diagnosed with ALS, Parker and his wife Linda met their newest challenge head-on by creating and curating the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund through the ALS Association of Kentucky.  The fund established a research and treatment endowment that has seen millions of dollars generated through contributions, events and on-going sales of Parker’s eponymous line of super-premium American Whiskeys.

Past Statements from Max Shapira, the Kentucky Distillers Association and Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin

“Parker has certainly etched his name, and that of Heaven Hill, deeply in the annals of Kentucky Bourbon history. But he has done so with a humility and grace that will forever be admired.  His dedication to his craft, to his family, to Heaven Hill, and now to battling the scourge that is ALS, will live on far past his time.”– Max Shapira

“Parker Beam wasn’t just a name on a bottle – he was the living embodiment of the whiskey inside: authentic, classic, well-seasoned and distilled from old-fashioned hard work and gentlemanly integrity.  His place in our industry’s rich distilling history is beyond reproach, as few can match his 56 years of passionate service and leadership, charter selection to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and award-winning Bourbon portfolio crafted under his watch as Master Distiller.”– Statement issued by the Kentucky Distillers Association President Eric Gregory

“An award-winner, mentor & innovator of the highest caliber, Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam’s presence will surely be missed.”– Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, in a tweet

Memories from Heaven Hill Employees

“Mine is the story when Parker and I was at San Fran Whiskey Fest…

“I was 23 years old and new to the spirits industry, but extremely excited to dive right in. I had worked for Heaven Hill for a whopping two weeks, yet here I was in New Orleans with experienced veterans and legends like Parker, his son Craig Beam and our director of corporate communications Larry Kass. I remember trying to soak up all of their knowledge, listening in awe when they spoke to consumers and fans and thinking how the whiskey geeks would kill to be in my position.

At dinner one night, I ordered Bernheim on the rocks, knowing that I was in the presence of the people who made it and that I definitely didn’t want to insult them in any way. I didn’t really even like whiskey at that time, but was told I would learn to appreciate it. (Obviously they were right on that one.)

After an awesome trip, we were all ready to head home but our flight was cancelled. Desperate to get home, the decision was made to drive.

Throughout the ten hour drive, I heard stories upon stories about everything you can think of. Having been in the trucking business, the drive clearly did not bother them at all, but they were full of knowledge about where we were and where we were heading. They actually seemed to enjoy it!

At the time, I wasn’t super happy about such a long drive, but looking back I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It was such a great experience to be amongst legends, who didn’t treat me like some young inexperienced kid, but rather took the time to get to know me and share their knowledge about something they were so passionate about: Bourbon. Parker will forever hold a special place in my heart and I’ll do my best to make him proud in this industry and lifestyle he loved so much. “-–Kristen Willinger​

“I have been remembering the times Parker came to San Francisco for Whiskey Fest. I started with HH in 2007 and each fall I had the pleasure of spending a few days with Parker in the San Francisco market. He was always up for anything and always had a great attitude about what I had  planned. Parker worked with me as we visited accounts for barrel tastings or staff trainings or bottle signings at retail stores. He would insist on pulling my heavy liquor bag up and down the steep hills of San Francisco. I loved how Parker would sit back and listen to the bartenders as they tasted our bourbons. He would say ‘do you like it?’ and of course the bartenders would say yes, and explain all the different taste profiles they got. Parker always said ‘good bourbon is good bourbon and if you like it that’s all that matters.’ He kept it simple and to the point. He was always so gracious and kind. At Whiskey Fest he would be so polite and visit with consumers and take photos with them.

Because of Parker my love for whiskey/bourbon grew and I owe the passion I feel for our native spirit to him. I will always remember my time working in the San Francisco market with Parker Beam.”-–Tracy Moore

“Parker Beam has always been such a great role model for me and always happy to answer a question or explain a distilling process. Always encouraging and positive and excited about what we were all doing out in the market. I remember early on being somewhat intimidated by all of the whiskey aficionados’ elaborate, far-fetched descriptions of Bourbon – from Marzipan to Wet Slate to Dried Apricots on an Rainy Summer Day.

During one of my conversations with Parker, I asked him about those descriptions and he said something along the lines of ‘Oh, that’s ridiculous – it’s just good Bourbon’. I figured that if our legendary Master Distiller didn’t need to use all of those flowery descriptions for good whiskey, I didn’t either. From then on, I encouraged people to just enjoy whiskey and stop over-thinking it. It’s great to savor whiskey and share tasting notes but it shouldn’t get in the way of simply enjoying good whiskey for what it is.

When people would ask him what the best way to taste Bourbon was, he’d say ‘You just drink it’. I also remember Parker sharing a story about making rye whiskey. Evidently rye is a very frothy grain during distillation and one time it was frothing over the top of distillation tank. The solution: standing over the tank whipping lard at the froth with paint brushes to keep it down. The way he told the story was classic Parker. He was such a wonderful person & will be missed by so many. Thank you, Parker, for the beautiful whiskey and friendship you gave us. Rest in Peace.”–Andie MacGregor

“I wanted to share a story about Parker that I had in December 2012 at the HHNSM at the Louisville Downtown Marriott that shows what a Great person he was.

I had met Craig a couple times previously, but I wanted to go up to Parker and introduce myself to him and say a ‘quick’ hello, thinking that I would only take a few seconds of his time.

Both Craig and him were having lunch when I approached their table and I said ‘Hi Parker, sorry to interrupt your lunch but I just want to introduce myself.  I recently started working at Heaven Hill and just wanted to say Hello, I am the new guy in charge of Ohio ‘.

When Parker shook my hand, he said, ‘Tom, nice to meet you, but sit down, I have some stories to tell you about Ohio.’   After talking and listening to stories for about 30 minutes, I felt like I had known him my entire life.

Parker was a legend and truly one of the nicest people I have ever met in my lifetime!!

I have a picture with both Parker, Craig and myself from that day that I will treasure forever.

He is one guy I know for sure is in Heaven!!”–Tom Athey

“I have a personal story regarding Parker. My grandparents lived on the same street as Parker’s parents who were good friends in Johnson Acres when he was growing up.  They are currently 91 and 92 years of age so listening to grandmother tell it was funny.

Parker’s mom took him to the dentist to have work done on his teeth.  Once there, he threw the biggest fit in the office. Not being able to settle him down, they left.  When they arrived home, Parker’s mom grabbed a belt (preferred attitude adjuster for the time period), placed it in her purse and proceeded to yell for Parker that they are going back to the dentist.  Back at the office, Parker began to act up again.  Without saying a word, his mom flashed the ‘attitude adjuster’ that was in possession and his procedure went off without a hitch.”–Erin Fauss

Industry and Media Mentions

Maker’s Mark’s Bill Samuels Jr. Bestowed Parker Beam Lifetime Achievement Award [Video]

September 15, 2017

Jim Rutledge: After a long and courageous battle with ALS, Parker Beam passed away Sunday. We all lost a dear friend and Bourbon industry icon and legend.

The Daily Beast: A Final Toast to Legendary Bourbon Master Distiller Parker Beam

By Noah Rothbaum

Stories, anecdotes, and memories of Heaven Hill’s long-serving distiller, Parker Beam.

Tales of the Cocktail: Remembering Parker Beam, Heaven Hill Master Distiller and Bourbon Legend

By Gary Chapman

This week, the spirits world was stunned and saddened to learn that Parker Beam, the beloved long-time master distiller at Heaven Hill, passed away after a hard-fought battle with ALS.

The Spirits Business: Heaven Hill’s Parker Beam Dies

By Annie Hayes

Heaven Hill master distiller emeritus Parker Beam has died at the age of 75 after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A grandnephew of Jim Beam, Parker first joined Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Distilleries in 1960, and was a sixth-generation master distiller.

Whisky Advocate: Parker Beam, Longtime Master Distiller at Heaven Hill, Has Passed Away

By Susannah Skiver Barton

The whiskey world shines a little less brightly today with the death of Parker Beam, who passed away last night. The longtime master distiller at Heaven Hill, an independent, family-owned distilled spirits company based in Bardstown, Kentucky, Parker had been fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) for the last six years—a public battle that brought the entire Kentucky bourbon community out to rally around him and push for a cure.

The Alcohol Professor: Bourbon Loses a Legend

By Amanda Schuster

Parker Beam, who made whiskey at Heaven Hill for more than 50 years, died Sunday at the age of 75.

The Whiskey Wash: Parker Beam Passes Away After Long Battle With ALS

By Margarett Waterbury
Parker told the world he was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2013. Over the past four years, he and his family have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for the treatment of the disease, including partnering with the ALS Association to found the Parker Beam Promise of Hope fund.

The Bourbon Review: Bourbon World Loses Legend Parker Beam 

By Justin Thompson
Sad news today for the entire Bourbon community, as Heaven Hill has reported the passing of Bourbon legend Parker Beam. Parker had worked at Heaven Hill since joining his father, Earl in 1960. He began duties as Master Distiller in 1975. His son Craig followed in his father’s footsteps as well and is currently Co-Master Distiller at the company.

Louisville Business First: Bourbon icon dies after battle with ALS

By David Mann

Parker Beam, master distiller emeritus for Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc., died Sunday in Bardstown after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. He was 75.

BevX: Parker Beam, Bourbon Legend Passes at age 75

By Sean Ludford

It’s with great sadness that I must report that we have lost one of the good ones. Parker Beam, a legend in the Bourbon world and a great man, has passed at the age of 75 after a greater than six year battle with ALS.

Eat, Drink, Talk: Parler Beam, Heaven Hill Master Distiller, Dies After Long Battle With ALS

By Steve Coomes
Heaven Hill Distillery announced today that master distiller emeritus, Parker Beam, died Sunday night after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).