Craig Beam and Parker Beam shown with Heaven Hill’s Bourbon portfolio.

Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam of Heaven Hill Distillery passed away January 8 at the age of 75 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One of the most recognized names in bourbon and the industry, Beam is credited with helping create Heaven Hill’s first premium small-batch and single barrel bourbons. Beam, a sixth-generation distiller, member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and the 2003 winner of the Whisky Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award, helped pioneer the rise of Heaven Hill Distillery brands including Evan Williams, Parker’s Heritage Collection and Elijah Craig. Beam succeeded his father Earl in 1975, having joined the company in 1960 and is succeeded by his own son, Craig Beam.