The James B. Beam Distilling Co. distillery in Claremont, Kentucky, has announced that it will be pausing production for a year.

The distillery, which produces Jim Beam Bourbon — the world’s biggest-selling American whiskey — said it’s continually assessing production levels to best meet consumer demand and has recently met with its team to discuss volumes for 2026.

News of the production pause, which will begin on January 1st 2026, comes as US distillers face uncertainty over trade tariffs and a decline in alcohol consumption. According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, there is currently a record amount of bourbon – 16 million barrels – stored in warehouses across the state.

The company will continue to produce whiskey at its Freddie Booker Noe craft distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, as well as at its Booker Noe distillery in Boston, Kentucky.

The distillery, owned by Suntory Global Spirits, said it would assess how its workforce will be deployed during the production pause. It will also use the time to invest in site enhancements.

Bottling and warehousing operations will remain unaffected, and distillery tours will continue as normal.