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“I work with people from all over the world and it’s fascinating to be able to experience firsthand the diversity and culture of my own team.
Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot about my teammates by virtually seeing their lives through our conversations – whether it’s been a meeting with a colleague where their cat is happily plopped in their lap, or a teammate’s partner popping their head into view for a quick ‘hello.’ Connecting personally with my team has deepened my understanding of their cultures and how we work together, contributing to our shared success.
In 2021, I was asked to Co-lead the Culture and Racial Awareness workstream – a natural calling for me as it aligned with my curiosity about other cultures and learning from my colleagues. Our global team collaborated to create a culture map, sharing cultural norms for different nationalities in professional and personal settings, then held learning sessions to introduce each country's cultural norms to an international audience.
I've found it fascinating to discover these nuances, such as spending time talking about personal lives before business discussions in Chinese culture or ensuring a good long catch-up in a more casual environment in Spanish culture. These things might seem small but make a huge difference when it comes to connecting with people and are very insightful when conducting business in local markets. We always want to make sure that our product offerings are resonating locally.
Understanding my team’s culture has also helped me become a more empathetic and effective manager, which is in line with one of our company values of Growing for Good, which means being committed to growing as a company and as an individual, and know I have a better framework for effectively managing each of my team members as they seek to grow their own careers.
My goal is to continue to expand this workstream and my global team’s knowledge around different countries and cultures. We’re currently working on the new culture buddy program and building on the culture map/multicultural mindset by making it a part of the global onboarding. Beam Suntory is truly a global business, which provides incredible opportunities to expand our worldview – and I want to continue to take advantage of that.”
- Mani Shukla, Regional Commercial Marketing Manager, India
Succeeds company veteran Paula Erickson who will retire on April 1
New York, NY – January 17, 2024 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announced that Sarah Langley has been appointed Senior Vice President, Chief People, Culture & Communications Officer, succeeding Paula Erickson, who will retire on April 1, 2024, following a successful 15-year career with the company.
“On behalf of Suntory Holdings CEO Tak Niinami and the Beam Suntory Board of Directors, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Paula for her many contributions to our business as we’ve evolved and grown over the past 15 years. Paula is a generous, passionate and people-centric leader who has had a tremendous impact on this organization, especially as we’ve undergone significant transformation as a company,” said Greg Hughes, President and CEO at Beam Suntory. “I’ve personally appreciated her partnership through the years and especially as I have stepped into the CEO role over the past several months.”
Erickson joined the company in 2008 leading Corporate Communications and Public Relations, and in 2014 following the acquisition by Suntory Holdings, she was tapped to join the executive team as Chief Human Resources Officer. During her tenure, the company experienced tremendous growth, with sales nearly tripled and the company’s talent pool growing from 2,400 to around 6,500 employees across 100 markets. Under Erickson’s leadership, the company has accelerated its diversity, equity and inclusion ambitions, step changed its benefits offerings, achieved “Best Place to Work” rankings around the world, adeptly navigated through the COVID pandemic, and built a best-in-class Global Human Resources and Communications team.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the career journey I’ve had at Beam Suntory and could not have imagined all the accomplishments we would achieve together to grow our business and advance our special culture,” said Erickson. “I’m very thankful to Greg for his leadership and friendship, and I have great confidence in Sarah’s leadership as she takes the reins to lead the people side of our business well into the future.”
With a career spanning 20 years at Suntory, Langley started in 2004 at Frucor, the company’s beverage arm in Oceania, where she ultimately served as Chief People and Communications Officer from 2008 to 2018. She was then promoted to Suntory Holdings Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Global HR, based in Tokyo, where she spearheaded the global talent agenda across Suntory’s companies. Since 2020, Langley has been serving in a hybrid Suntory and Beam Suntory role as Chief Operating Officer, Global People & Culture, and as Beam Suntory’s Vice President HR Asia Pacific, where she has been instrumental in building the company’s talent, capability and engagement in the region.
“Sarah is a strong and experienced leader who is well positioned to lead our People, Culture and Communications function as we position our company for continued growth and further our ambition to be the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company,” Hughes added.
Langley will be responsible for the company’s global talent strategy, compensation and benefits, culture, learning capability and employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, organizational development and corporate communications. She will report directly to Greg Hughes and serve on the company’s executive leadership team.
A native of New Zealand, Langley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Psychology and a Master of Arts in Industrial Psychology from Massey University in Auckland. She started her career in consulting with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and Sheffield Limited in Oceania before joining Frucor. Langley will be based at Beam Suntory’s global headquarters in New York City.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.
For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Contact
Allison McEneaney
Senior Director, Global Corporate Communications at Beam Suntory
allison.mceneaney@beamsuntory.com
New commercial business launched on January 1st, with a full team and a new office in Paris
Paris, France (11 January 2024) – Beam Suntory, a global leader in premium spirits with a portfolio of iconic brands including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Yamazaki®, Hibiki®, Roku™, Bowmore® and Laphroaig®, confirms that Beam Suntory France officially launched on January 1st, 2024. The company is now directly responsible for the marketing and distribution of its portfolio in France.
This follows the company’s previous announcement in September sharing its plans to launch its own commercial entity in the country. The establishment of Beam Suntory France will support the company’s global strategic focus on building its premium portfolio and will strengthen its position in this dynamic European market.
Anne Miller, General Manager of Beam Suntory France, said: “We want to be the leader in premium whisky in France, and we are proud to be able to bring legendary brands like Yamazaki, Hibiki, Laphroaig, Bowmore and Maker’s Mark directly to our customers. We have built a strong, experienced team in Paris, and we are looking forward to building a successful premium business together.
“Paris is a global luxury capital and France is the leading whisky market in Europe. With direct control over our brands in our market, we’ll be able to bring even more value to our customers, operate with greater agility and direct market insights, and ultimately accelerate growth and build brand power in this important market,” Miller added.
In preparation for this month’s launch, Beam Suntory has recruited an experienced team in Paris and built key in-market capabilities. Beam Suntory France now comprises a team of approximately 30 people across Sales, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain. A seasoned management team has been assembled under Anne Miller’s leadership, including Elodie Pomykala (Head of Marketing), Henri Charpentier (Head of Sales), Benoit Vaguer (Head of Supply Chain), and Svetlana Makarova (Head of Finance). Between them, this team brings several decades of experience from across leading global FMCG and premium spirits companies, including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Moët Hennessy, Danone, Unilever, Reckitt and Kellogg’s.
Yuri Grebenkin, President International, Beam Suntory, commented: “The launch of Beam Suntory France represents a significant expansion of Beam Suntory’s footprint in Europe, and is an indication of our long-term confidence in the French market and the potential for our portfolio of premium brands. As Beam Suntory’s global footprint continues to mature and expand, we are excited about the future as we aim to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.”
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.
For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Masato (Masa) Hayashi oversees the Beam Suntory spirits business across Japan, China, Emerging Asia and Oceania, while also leading our global commercial excellence agenda.
Since joining Suntory in 1990, Hayashi has held several high-impact commercial, sales, marketing, strategy and management positions across beer, wine, and spirits. Most recently, he has served as Managing Executive Officer Business Strategy Division of Suntory Spirits Limited, where he developed the mid- and long-term integrated business strategy for the alcohol business in Japan across sectors.
Hayashi is an experienced, strategic leader who understands the challenges and opportunities of this critical region. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Nagoya University. Hayashi – who has a son at university in Japan – will relocate to Singapore from Tokyo with his wife.
New York, NY December 18, 2023 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announced that Jamey Martin has been named the company’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Officer. Martin joins as the company looks to build on its strong foundations and further accelerate its long-term DEI commitments.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion is a foundational imperative in everything we do and key to fostering an inclusive and winning culture, unlocking innovation and harnessing our full potential,” said Greg Hughes, President and CEO at Beam Suntory. “Jamey has deep experience in workplace transformation and driving culture change and will be a great strategic partner to our global teams.”
Martin will be responsible for making an impact across the company’s three-pillar DEI strategy of Workplace, Workforce and Marketplace. She will lead a DEI team that works in close partnership across talent acquisition and management; employee learning and development; and global employee impact groups. Martin will report directly to Paula Erickson, Senior Vice President and Chief People, Culture & Communications Officer, with a dotted line to President & CEO Greg Hughes.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jamey to our Beam Suntory family,” said Erickson. “She is a transformative, high-impact leader with the talents and expertise that will add so much value to our efforts as we further build an inclusive and winning culture where everyone can succeed and Unleash Their Spirit.”
Martin joins Beam Suntory following a successful 15-year career at Mondelēz International, serving as the company’s Sr. Director, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In that role, Martin was credited with leading DEI-focused sponsorship, leadership development and employee training programs for the global organization comprised of 91,000 team members. Martin previously held HR leadership roles of increasing responsibility, providing strategic guidance and support to its commercial, finance, supply chain and manufacturing teams.
"Beam Suntory has an incredible, premium brand portfolio that deeply connects and engages with consumers all over the world,” said Martin. “I know the leadership team is fully committed to the company’s DEI journey and building a culture where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are highly valued and integrated across all facets of the business. I'm excited to get started and am truly energized by the potential impact I can have on our shared goals.”
Prior to Mondelēz International, Martin held HR roles at Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Anheuser Busch.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.
For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Contact
Allison McEneaney
Senior Director, Global Corporate Communications at Beam Suntory
allison.mceneaney@beamsuntory.com
“Many people I work with would be surprised to know that I am a 2023 World Masters cycling champion, holding a gold medal for Women’s team competition in my age group and a silver medal for the Women’s individual competition in my age group. I have a real passion for cycling, a passion which began at a young age. Both parents and my older brother all cycled and, inspired by my older brother’s achievements in local road races and from watching the Tour de France, I asked my parents if I could have his ‘old and rusty’ bike as a gift for my 16th birthday.
Naively, I thought that perhaps I could easily follow in his footsteps having been gifted his Flying Scot bike: my plan was to do a little training, join the local cycling club and start racing; however, I quickly discovered that the local club didn’t allow girls. Undeterred, I decided to ask my brother for some advice only to be told that bike racing wasn’t for girls – it was too tough a sport.
While these setbacks did prevent me from taking up the sport competitively in my earlier years, as my athletic confidence and tenacity grew through my university days, my passion for cycling never wavered. So, post university, I found a cycling club who embraced my desire to race and before long I was selected to ride for my country (Scotland).
Since those early days of racing, I’ve learned so much from the sport, with many aspects being transferable into the business world: the importance of setting clear goals, having a robust plan in order to achieve those goals, building a strong team and support network of people who are open to listen and learn from each other, problem solving when things don’t quite go to plan, and continually seeking ways to improve, never settling for the status quo. As the Director of Innovation for Scotch & Irish, I use a similar mindset to the one I used in sport to motivate and lead my team in the business.
While my journey hasn’t been without some bumps on the road, I genuinely believe that the learnings from any obstacles I’ve faced, coupled with all of the incredibly supportive people in my life, have in equal measures helped shape both the athlete and business professional I am today.”
Alison Winship MacKay, Director of Innovation — Scotch & Irish
Company enters into a binding agreement related to proposed sale of Courvoisier brand to Campari Group
NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2023 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive agreement related to the proposed sale of the Courvoisier cognac brand and related assets to Campari Group. The sale would be Beam Suntory’s latest step in transforming the company in service of its long-term ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company.
“We are proud to have nurtured the iconic Courvoisier brand for nearly 20 years, investing in its growth across key global markets and transforming it into a symbol of modern luxury and an industry leader in awards and sustainability,” said Greg Hughes, President and CEO of Beam Suntory. “The brand is very well positioned for its next chapter of growth, and we are confident that Campari would be the right partner to take Courvoisier into the future. This move would allow us to further focus our portfolio on our core areas of strength as we accelerate our global growth ambitions.”
“As part of our company, Courvoisier has reached new heights, growing successfully in key global markets, most notably in the US, China, the UK, Global Travel Retail and South Africa,” Hughes continued. “Courvoisier has become the Most Awarded Cognac house based on the top 20 spirits competitions since 2019, and this year it became the first and only Cognac house to be awarded the Butterfly Mark Certification, a coveted recognition amongst luxury brands for rigorous standards in sustainability, social practices and governance.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Campari Group would assume full ownership of Courvoisier, including properties and operations in Jarnac, France, intellectual property, maturing inventory and case finished goods, and would distill, age and bottle Courvoisier. Pending employee consultations, and other regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.
For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Company designated as Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion
NEW YORK – November 30, 2023 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, is proud to announce the company received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Beam Suntory joins the ranks of 545 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year, and this is the third consecutive year the company has been recognized for its efforts to advance inclusion.
“This outstanding honor represents a collaborative effort across our global organization to embrace diverse perspectives and cultural experiences to drive ideation, innovation and productivity,” said Paula Erickson, SVP Chief People, Culture & Communications Officer at Beam Suntory. “We know Beam Suntory is stronger when we create a more equitable workplace for everyone, and I’m thrilled with how our employees have embedded diversity, equity and inclusion as foundational in everything we do.”
The results of the 2023-2024 CEI showcase how U.S.-based companies are promoting LGBTQ+ friendly workplace policies in the U.S. and abroad. The first year of the CEI included 319 participants, and the 2023-2024 CEI now includes 1,384 participants. Beam Suntory’s efforts in satisfying all the CEI’s criteria earned a score of 100 and the designation as recipient of the Equality 100 Award: Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion.
“For well over two decades, businesses have played an important role in furthering LGBTQ+ equality by centering employee needs and voices when it comes to workplace inclusion. While there is much more work to be done, year-over-year growth in CEI participation is evidence of a business community that recognizes the responsibility and value in upholding equity and inclusion,” said RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, Human Rights Campaign Sr Director of Workplace Equality. “Our goal at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is to work in a spirit of partnership with companies, providing educational resources and leading benchmarking, and collaborating on ways for businesses to support the LGBTQ+ community at a time when we face unprecedented legislative attacks, heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and physical violence. The CEI is an ever-evolving tool – a blueprint that companies can use to show up more effectively in supporting their LGBTQ+ employees and their families.”
The CEI rates employers providing these crucial protections to over 20 million U.S. workers and an additional 18 million outside of the U.S. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars:
• Non-discrimination policies across business entities;
• Equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families;
• Supporting an inclusive culture; and,
• Corporate social responsibility.
The full report is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.
©2023 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York
Historic milestone recognizes the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices in grain production as Maker’s Mark continues on its mission to act as a force for good
Loretto, KY November 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Maker’s Mark, the iconic handmade Kentucky bourbon, is proud to announce the filling of its first Certified Regenified barrel of Maker’s Mark whisky. It becomes the first spirits distillate to achieve this certification designated by Regenified, a leading third-party regenerative agricultural verification and supply chain-solution company. With this certification, the brand continues on its long-term mission to cultivate bourbon that betters the world, while crafting the most flavorful product possible.
This historic barrel filling was made possible by the strong partnership and shared vision between Maker’s Mark and its long-term partner farmers in the Kentucky community who supply its corn and distinctive flavoring grain of red winter wheat, which together make up 86% of the iconic Kentucky bourbon’s mashbill. To be Certified Regenified, more than 75% of the grains in the mashbill must be sourced from Certified Regenified farms that have demonstrated a commitment, like Maker’s Mark, to restoring and revitalizing our most precious resource – our soil – through regenerative agriculture practices. Each of the brand’s corn and wheat farm partners achieved Regenified certification this fall.
“Today, I am proud to say that the Maker’s Mark fans know and love is being crafted, in large part, using regenerative practices that give back to the land more than we take,” said Rob Samuels, 8th generation whisky maker and grandson of the founders at Maker's Mark. “When we commit to these practices, we are rewarded with a healthier environment, higher quality ingredients and ultimately, a more flavorful whisky. I couldn’t be more grateful to our grain farmer partners who have shared our commitment from the beginning. It’s a proud moment to have our efforts, together, validated and recognized by an organization like Regenified.”
Regenified was founded in 2021 by a team of regenerative farming pioneers, experts and innovators to promote regenerative farming practices and combat the decline of soil health due to intensive and unsustainable agricultural practices. The organization works with farmers and ranchers alongside food manufacturers and retailers to repair, rebuild, revitalize and restore the function of the ecosystem and preserve the soil for future generations. Through the Regenified verified label and their proprietary 6-3-4™ Verification Standard, Regenified helps farmers and ranchers understand where their practices and lands are on the regenerative path.
“Maker's Mark's step with their first Certified Regenified whiskey is more than a milestone; it’s a story of dedication and partnership with their farmers and the environment,” said Salar Shemirani, chief executive officer at Regenified. “As one of the first companies of its size and scale to genuinely embrace regenerative practices, Maker’s Mark is setting a new industry standard for others to follow. Partnering with their farmers, they are committed to achieving measurable and continuous improvement above and below the ground, for generations to come.”
Since its founding, Maker’s Mark has been driven by a sense of responsibility towards its shared natural environment. In addition to advancing regenerative agriculture practices in its own production, other recent initiatives from the B Corp certified brand include the establishment of the world's largest repository of American White Oak trees for research purposes; a first-of-its-kind genome mapping project of the American White Oak species; and the establishment of a 78-acre Natural Water Sanctuary on its distillery grounds to preserve and protect the land that filters its water source now and in the future. The brand has also introduced new guest experiences at its homepace of Star Hill Farm designed to provide a deeper understanding of the agricultural, research and flavor initiatives happening on the property.
For more information about Maker's Mark and its efforts for good, visit www.MakersMark.com.
For more information about Regenified, visit www.Regenified.com.
About Maker's Mark®
In 1953, in Loretto, Ky. Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon's name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way.
In recent years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark 46®, Maker's Mark® Cask Strength, Maker's Mark® Private Selection and Maker’s Mark® Cellar Aged. Today, Maker's Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand's dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.
About Regenified
Regenified is a practice and outcome-based land verification and product certification program that champions regenerative agriculture. Founded by a team of regenerative farming pioneers, experts, and innovators, Regenified promotes practices that enhance biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and nutrient density while aligning with nature. Regenified verifies and certifies farms, ranches, and products that restore ecosystems and regenerate soil, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations. Committed to cultivating a regenerative world, Regenified guides farms and brands toward practices that rejuvenate the Earth, support thriving ecosystems, and transform agriculture into a healing force for our planet. Farmers and buyers interested in learning more should visit www.regenified.com
WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.
Maker's Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2023 Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.
Hand-sculpted metal artwork collection celebrates the intricate details that make single barrel bourbon unique
CLERMONT, Ky., Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker's® Bourbon, an ultra-premium single barrel bourbon, is proud to unveil an original collection of five distinctive art pieces as unique as the brand and its namesake. Titled, "Made Different," the collection of hand-sculpted metal artwork was created by acclaimed metal sculptor, Barbie The Welder, who found inspiration in the individualistic spirit that she shares with former Beam family distiller Baker Beam and the single barrel bourbon named after him.
As a single barrel bourbon, no two barrels of Baker's Bourbon are the same. Within each bottle is a bold bourbon made of distinct nuances that deliver a unique experience. Similarly, art thrives on individuality, is derived from experience, and no two pieces are the same. Crafted from repurposed metal, each elaborate, sculpted art piece in the "Made Different" collection brings to life the legacy and craftsmanship behind the Baker's Bourbon, celebrating the small details and nuances that make a masterpiece, a masterpiece.
The collection includes:
When creating the collection, Barbie The Welder explored another art form important to herself and the Baker's brand: storytelling. To capture the story of Baker's Bourbon, she connected with the Beam family's seventh and eighth generation Master Distillers Fred and Freddie Noe, absorbing their stories about bold bourbon and Jim Beam's motorcycle-riding, maverick grandnephew, Baker Beam. She was then able to bring both facets to life through her own vision and creativity, creating elaborate, tangible pieces of art made from repurposed metal that celebrate the originality of both bourbon and art.
"I'm incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to work with Baker's Bourbon to create this unique art collection which resonated with me and inspired me personally," said Barbie Parsons, professionally known as Barbie The Welder. "With this collection, I wanted to make sure that I demonstrated my commitment to creating high-quality, detailed pieces just like the craftsmen and craftswomen at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. do with Baker's Bourbon. It's truly amazing how both bourbon and art can bring people together."
"We're thrilled for the opportunity to breathe life into the narrative of Baker's Bourbon and the remarkable journey of Baker Beam through art as exquisite and refined as our bourbon itself," said Seventh Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe. "I could tell right away that Barbie was the perfect partner to bring this treasured brand to life. Her meticulously handcrafted sculptures stand as one-of-a-kind masterpieces and will offer a fresh perspective that truly celebrates the intricacies of our bourbon like never before."
Starting on November 17, fans of bourbon and art alike can find more information and purchase each piece on Barbie The Welder's website, www.barbiethewelder.com/bakersbourbon. For more information about Baker's Bourbon, please visit www.bakersbourbon.com.
About Baker's Bourbon
Baker's Bourbon is a Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 107 proof and aged a minimum of seven years. Created in 1992 by Sixth Generation Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe as part of the original Small Batch Bourbon Collection, Baker's Bourbon is named in honor of Baker Beam – grand-nephew of Jim Beam and a tenured distiller who worked at the Jim Beam Distillery for 38 years. Originally created as a small batch bourbon, Baker's Bourbon re-emerged as a single barrel product in 2019 to celebrate the individual characteristics inside each and every Baker's Bourbon barrel, while delivering the smooth, medium-bodied bourbon fans enjoy.
About Barbie The Welder
Barbie The Welder is an American sculptor who creates detailed, unique art pieces from repurposed metal that have been featured across the globe. Exemplifying the same maverick spirit as Baker Beam, Barbie uses her creativity to interpret themes through her own lens. As a self-taught designer, she paved her own way into the art world by honing in on her love of creativity and craftsmanship.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker's Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory's core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
Baker's® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 53.5% Alc./Vol. ©2023 James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, KY.
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