Hall of Fame

Heaven Hill master distiller and 2001 Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Parker Beam carries one of Bourbon’s strongest legacies into the whiskey world.

According to Heaven Hill, for more than half a century, Beam has been practicing his family’s craft for distilling, aging and selecting some of the world’s most critically acclaimed Bourbons.

Beam joined Heaven Hill in 1960, working alongside his father, Earl, who handed the master distiller duties over to Parker in 1975. Parker’s son, Craig, began working with him in 1983, forging one of the strongest family distilling histories that continues to thrive with every release of Evan Williams, Elijah Craig and of course, the beloved Parker’s Heritage series. It’s no secret that Heaven Hill and the Beam boys craft a shed load of whiskey brands, including Bernheim Straight Wheat Whiskey, Henry McKenna, Larceny, Fighting Cock and many others.

It’s also no secret how much Parker Beam is admired by the whiskey industry. When Parker was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, the industry joined in support, raising money for ALS and always showing their public support.

“Parker is an icon who is treasured by his industry cohorts. For decades he has been an ambassador for all Kentucky Bourbons, and because of the outstanding person he is, Parker is also loved and respected by Bourbon enthusiasts and connoisseurs around the world,” says Four Roses master distiller Jim Rutledge. “He has played a major role in putting Kentucky Bourbon on a global map, and for me personally I feel honoured to have known Parker as a valued and dear friend for so many years.” With the latest Parker’s Heritage Collection Bourbon, “The Promise of Hope,” Heaven Hill donates $20 from the sale of every bottle to the ALS Promise Fund – a campaign that will raise $250,000. This was Parker’s idea, proving the beloved man’s true legacy is only just beginning.