Suntory Global Spirits will suspend bourbon production at its James B. Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky for all of 2026. The company calls the shutdown a chance to make "site enhancements" and adjust output levels. "We are always assessing production levels to best meet consumer demand and recently met with our team to discuss our volumes for 2026," Suntory told the BBC. Other Kentucky operations including a second distillery, bottling lines, warehouses and the visitor center will continue running. The company is reviewing worker deployment and negotiating with unions during the pause. Kentucky's bourbon industry faces challenges including softer alcohol demand and record inventory levels. The Kentucky Distillers' Association reported 16.1 million bourbon barrels in state storage. (Story URL)
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