About
We may not know you,
And you may not know us.
Let’s change that.
Our history
For a distillery that was established in 2011, our roots run far deeper than you might expect. Lead and founded by seventh-generation distiller, Stephen Beam, Limestone Branch Distillery carries centuries of distilling knowledge and is home to famous brands like Yellowstone Bourbon, which has withstood the test of time for over 150 years.
the limestone legacy
Jacob Beam sells his first barrel of corn whiskey.
Born in 1770, Jacob Beam, Stephen Beams’s Great-Great Uncle, used his farming knowledge to begin producing whiskey in the style we all know as bourbon today. His distillery was not located too far from the grounds of our own distillery.
Joseph Washington Dant’s distillery finds success in Kentucky.
By 1836, Joseph Dant, Stephen Beam’s great-great grandfather, had his own distillery near Dant Station in Marion County, Kentucky. His mother, Dottie, even worked at the distillery while she was in school.
Minor Case Beam takes over Gethsemane Distillery.
Stephen’s Great Grandfather, Minor Case Beam, became a Master Distiller and bought Gethsemane Distillery, renaming it Head and Beam.
The fifth generation of distillers begins.
Minor Case Beam brought his son Guy into the business. Guy became a famous Master Distiller who worked at a number of distilleries, including Yellowstone. Prohibition didn’t stifle Guy’s passion, he just went north to practice his craft in Canada.
His son Jimmy, Stephen’s father, contributed to the family legacy in his own way, working at Kentucky distilleries and playing baseball in the Bourbon League.
Stephen and Paul Beam carry on the family tradition.
In October of 2010, Stephen and Paul Beam decided to become Kentucky Bourbon Distillers and formed Limestone Branch Distillery. Putting roots down in Lebanon, Kentucky where local grain and limestone waters are readily available.
Limestone Branch Distillery opens.
Stephen and Paul broke ground on Limestone Branch on May 26, 2011. With the help of their father, who still had ties to the local bourbon community, the brothers reconstructed a small distillery reminiscent of a bygone era. Still to this day, you can feel the history that helped shape Limestone Branch Distillery, and the optimism fueling it’s next chapter.
Distilling heritage
is in our DNA.
Stephen Beam, our Founder and Master Distiller, has a long lineage steeped in whiskey history. On one side, his great-great-grandfather was renowned bourbon pioneer Joseph Washington Dant. On the other, his great-grandfather was Minor Case Beam — the eldest son of James Beam. For every generation since, whiskey hasn’t been a business, but a calling.
With a family of products that each pay tribute to his rich heritage, Stephen has devoted his life to ensuring the next chapter is written from our humble distillery.
Stephen BeamFounder & Master Distiller
An expert on all things whiskey and cigars.
Our other Stephen is our larger-than-life Brand Ambassador, Stephen Fante. Stephen earned the Double Platinum “Best Overall Brand Ambassador” Award from the prestigious Ascot Awards in 2022. And we’re not surprised. He’s a memorable guy with incredible knowledge and passion for our flagship brand, not to mention a walking history book on the Beam family tradition.
National Brand Ambassador
Pay us a visit
Schedule a tour or swing by unannounced to saddle up to the bar and enjoy a handcrafted beverage. We’re proud to be one of the few distilleries actually open on a Monday.
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