Bourbon makers have to gamble well into the future. Jim Beam's flagship bourbon requires at least four years of aging in barrels before being bottled.

BULLITT COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky bourbon mainstay Jim Beam is halting production at its main distillery for the 2026 calendar year. The decision comes as the Kentucky bourbon industry faces uncertainty with tariffs and dipping overseas sales, according to bourbon historian Michael Veach.