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| David Beam (left) and his three sons (left to right) John Ed, Bill and Troy. |
I was saddened to learn of the passing yesterday of David Beam. He died peacefully at his farm. He was 74.
Daniel David Beam was the son of Carl 'Shucks' Beam and was born in the master distiller's house on the grounds of the Jim Beam Distillery at Clermont. He and his older brother, Baker, succeeded their father at the distillery, which runs on a 24-hour schedule. Baker had the day shift and David had the night. He worked there for 38 years, retiring in 1996.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with burial in the Bardstown Cemetery. Visitation is 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, and 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM on Thursday, July 2 at Barlow Funeral Home.
David was a sweet guy. He was funny, told great stories, and knew how to make bourbon the way regular people know how to put on their shoes. I got to know him pretty well over the last 20 years or so. It was a privilege. I'll miss him.
ReplyDeleteRichnimrod said;
Sad. Too young.
I didn't know him; but any time a piece of Bourbon Heritage passes into history at such a young age, it's always a loss. I'm sure especially to those family and friends who were close to him. I'm sure he'll be missed for a long time.
It was my pleasure to meet David at Tom's Foolery Bourbon release party. What a great guy and it was fun to watch how the whiskey community paid him the honors he was due. I don't think he was ready for that type of attention. He will be missed but how many of us get a chance to leave that type of legacy as he passed his bourbon making knowledge on to Tom Hebruck. RIP and thank you David!
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace Dave. Your legacy is in tact.
ReplyDelete