James Beam Distilling Co

Known as a man of sterling worth and integrity, Jacob Beam was a farmer, miller and pioneer. In the 1780s, he strapped his still-wooden whiskey still to his back and moved his family west into the Kentucky foothills before statehood. The journey took more than three years, but it was worth it. Turns out Kentucky's rich soil is perfect for growing corn, so his farm had more than enough. Jacob Beam used the excess corn to make whiskey, which would be the start of a bourbon dynasty.