Japanese conglomerate Suntory to buy Jim Beam

upi.com ^ | 1/13/14 | UPI

[ColdOne]

OSAKA, Japan, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Japanese alcoholic-beverage-producer-turned-conglomerate Suntory said it had agreed to buy Beam, makers of Jim Beam whiskey, in a deal worth $16 billion.

Suntory, which was founded in 1899 and produced Japan's first whiskey in 1923, controls vast holdings in Japan, including a multibrand beverage business, fitness spas, health clubs, Subway restaurants and golf ranges, the New York Times reported Monday.

[hosepipe]

America is commin apart at the “beam’s”...

[Resolute Conservative]

Yet in many countries foreign ownership is forbidden.

[Red Steel]

‘1974 - Suntory Whisky, ‘Sammy Davis Jr ad’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyN-aHtAVzs

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Jim Beam used to be distilled right here in Cincinnati, along I75 just north of downtown, at the National Distillers location. The whole facility was shut down about two years ago and there are 50 or so stainless steel vessels out front for sale. Looks like 5k gallon to 20k gallon vessels.

DuKyper cordials were distilled here too, but that's now gone too.

[1rudeboy]

Yup. We are so backward. /s

[Born to Conserve]

Looking forward to those “Jim Beam” flavored ramen noodles.

[GeronL]

Now it will be marketed with Hello Kitty wines.

[Vigilanteman]

The Japanese LOVE American whisky. I worked with Suntory closely on a joint venture 20 years ago. Jim Beam was a brand on their wish list back then.

I was very impressed with the way Suntory operated back in those days . . . lots of decisions made at the middle management level so the top brass could concentrate on big fish like this.

[nascarnation]

Booze persists no matter what the economy.

I saw a story on Jack Daniel who as a teenager took over for his boss at the distillery who had been conscripted into the army and made a small fortune selling booze to both sides of the civil war.

[GraceG]

Just what I’ll need to make some Fukishima Fuzzy Navels....

[LibLieSlayer]

They will never get Jack however... there will be a war zone established at the entrance.

[Osage Orange]

Maker’s Mark continues to decline down the list of good whiskey’s.

[Red Badger]

Suntory, which was founded in 1899 and produced Japan's first whiskey in 1923

24 year aged whiskey should have been excellent indeed!................

[EQAndyBuzz]

Garrison’s is still the best bourbon out there. And it is made in Texas.

[DAC21]

Jim Beam and Makers Mark now to be sold on Tokyo sidewalk vending machines. Craziest thing I saw when I was there in 1990, beer as well.

[Abathar]

Naw, had to age longer because they used rice instead of corn, and as far as fired oak barrels they probably didn’t know what an oak was.

[I cannot think of a name]

“They will never get Jack”

Just the ‘possible’ thought makes me want to bury a 500 gallon tank in my back yard - right now!

Five hundred gallons should carry me through to my 90’s.

[Red Badger]

from wiki:

Japanese oak is used in the making of professional drums from manufacturer Yamaha Drums. The higher density of oak gives the drum a brighter and louder tone compared to traditional drum materials such as maple and birch.

[Red Badger]

So, Japanese Oak should give the whiskey “a brighter and louder tone” as well..................