Jim Beam donates $5 million to UK to create Kentucky spirits institute

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WDRB) -- Bourbon is synonymous with Kentucky, and now the state's flagship university wants to teach the next generation of master distillers who will produce the amber spirit.

Jim Beam bourbon said Wednesday it will donate $5 million to the University of Kentucky to establish the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. The institute will offer courses across engineering, chemistry, business, law, horticulture, forestry, food science and entomology.

Albert Baladi, the top executive at Beam Suntory, which owns the Jim Beam brand, said the donation is an investment in bourbon's future.

"Jim Beam is one of the legacy brands certainly in this industry," University of Kentucky spokesperson, Jay Blanton said.

"It should be the responsibility of the state's flagship institution for Kentucky, that's what we call it, so it should be our responsibility to enhance and grow that industry and protect it."

UK currently offers a certificate program in distillation, wine and brewing, but the donation from Jim Beam will allow the program to expand on campus and offer online courses.

"That will expand the ability for people in the industry, or outside of the industry, who have an interest in it to enhance their skills," Blanton said.

Students have to be at least 21-years old to take some courses, and there is an emphasis on responsible drinking.

Fred Noe, Jim Beam's seventh-generation master distiller, said the industry needs to focus on educating new distillers, scientists and engineers to continue bourbon's global growth.

"I'm really fond of Bourbon, and I think it's great for agrotourism and ways to get people involved," student Matthew Spencer said.

The Kentucky Distillers' Association says the bluegrass state produces 95 percent of the world's bourbon supply.