Jim Beam will pause production at its main Clermont, Kentucky distillery on January 1 as bourbon inventories across the state reach record levels. Kentucky warehouses now hold an all-time high of 16.1 million aging barrels, increasing tax costs for distillers, who paid about $75 million this year alone. The move comes amid uncertainty tied to U.S. trade wars and shifting demand. Owned by Suntory Global Spirits, Jim Beam says the pause will allow for site enhancements while production continues at its other Kentucky distilleries. No layoffs have been announced, and bottling and warehousing operations will continue as talks with unionized workers proceed.