The Beam family have been involved in the production of whiskey in Kentucky since 1795 when Jacob Beam began distilling his excess corn into a new, sweeter kind of whisky. The company, however, is named in honour of James B. Beam who rebuilt the business after Prohibition at age 70. In 2014, Beam merged with Japan's Suntory, creating one of the largest alcohol manufacturers in the world. Beam, itself, distributes well over 20 brands of whiskey and is said to be the largest seller of casks in the world.