People of Beam Suntory: Josh Dugan

01 November 2023

“Collectively, my family has been in the Spirits industry for nearly 100 years. My dad started working at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. (JBBDCo.) in 1970 in the general labor pool, and retired in 2014, with almost 44 years under his belt after a successful career in many jobs at JBBDCo. My mom, who works at another Kentucky distillery, has been working in this industry for over 45 years. Like Fred and Freddie Noe, you could say working in the whiskey industry is a family tradition. Growing up in Bardstown, KY – “The Bourbon Capital of the World”, I’ve known the Noe family all my life, and I was fortunate enough to have known Booker Noe back in the day as well. For me, JBBDCo. is like a second home.

I started working at Beam Suntory after my dad retired. With a background in digital and content strategy, I help bring our brands to life through my camera, which often end up on websites, billboards, and advertisements across Kentucky and beyond. I get a real sense of pride when I’m driving around and see one of my photographs on the side of a building or on a billboard. I’m honored to be a second-generation employee, storyteller, and custodian of such a great legacy for the Beam family. Through the lens of my camera, I get a front row seat to history each day at Beam Suntory.

For nearly a decade, I’ve witnessed Fred, and now Freddie, continue their family legacy. It’s amazing to see the impact they’ve had on this place. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to document not just the milestones, but the day-to-day relentless focus they bring to the quality and care of our products throughout the years…you could say I’ve become a family historian, capturing moments that will be shared for decades to come. Watching their craftmanship has been truly inspiring.

I believe what sets JBBDCo. apart from other distilleries and brands is the 228 years of family history. We’re talking eight generations of this family – each contributing to the story and making their own impact, including new innovations and product extensions like Hardin’s Creek and Little Book. I can only imagine what Jim Beam, or even Booker, would think of how far this place has come. What started out as a family farm making whiskey has become an international icon with hundreds of thousands of people traveling from around the world to come see us.”