As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory is inspiring human connections. Beam Suntory is the third largest premium spirits company in the world, the leading spirits company in Japan and the largest U.S.-based spirits company.
Operating as usual
Albert Baladi, Beam Suntory CEO, appeared on Yahoo Entertainment Finance to discuss industry trends, and how moving our headquarters to New York City underscores our transformation as a global premium spirits leader.
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The state-of-the-art office comprises an entire floor of 11 Madison Avenue in New York City, boasts design and furnishings that represent our East-meets-West aesthetic. With two bar areas, a tasting room, unique interactive conference rooms, and flexible workstations, the Beam Suntory office is unlike traditional workspaces. These furnishings are elevated further by a digital art exhibit from the Suntory Museum of Art, based in Tokyo, which will be curated on an ongoing basis.
We, along with Suntory, celebrated the grand opening of our New York City office today. The location now serves as the global headquarters of Beam Suntory, and the New York office of our parent company, Suntory, where more than 150 employees are located. The opening signals an important milestone in advancing Suntory’s global footprint, Beam Suntory’s premiumization journey, and the realization of the companies’ shared East-meets-West competitive advantage. Read more: https://www.beamsuntory.com/en/news/Global-HQ-Grand-Opening
We’re launching a new series called “5 Questions with…” where we sit down with Beam Suntory leaders to learn more about them in and out of work.
Our first featured leader is Erica Lopez, Senior Director IT – Sales & Marketing.
1. Who is your hero?
Erica: My Father. He came to the United States from Mexico with $11 dollars in his pocket. He worked incredibly hard to be able to afford an education and go to college. He ultimately ended up getting his MBA from the University of Chicago and taught at Harvard, while practicing architecture. He also always gave back to the community of Pilsen and created urban planning for them. He worked with Chicago leaders to ensure that local businesses were investing in the community so it could thrive.
2. Describe your role.
Erica: I work with our Sales and Marketing leaders to execute their strategies through technology. We strive to ensure our organization is more effective, with greater insights across the marketplace - with speed and automation. Our focus for this year is understanding our consumer, and how they engage with our products.
3. Favorite place you’ve visited?
Erica: I am not sure I have one favorite place; I enjoy immersing in new cultures wherever I go.
4. What is something you’ve recently accomplished at work?
Erica: We enabled the Direct-to-Consumer Sales (DTC) for James B. Beam Distilling Co. (JBBDCo), Maker’s Mark and Laphroaig. My team also worked on the Consumer Experience tours at the JBBDCo Homeplace in Clermont, KY.
5. What is the best part about working at Beam Suntory?
Erica: Easy answer, there are 3: 1) The amazing people I work with every day. 2) The amazing brands and heritage of our brands. 3) I get to learn every day, adjust, and innovate. We are in a fast-paced world, and we need to always look for new ways of operating, driving change, and innovate for efficiency.
"My mother taught me that cooking is a way to show your love for friends, family, and neighbors. Cruzan® Rum has always been a staple in my household for this reason. We use it for baking rum cake and cooking various recipes we enjoy together. When he was alive, my father loved Cruzan. You could always find a bottle prominent on the table when we had parties or get-togethers. His love for the brand is one of the reasons why I am so passionate about the spirit—it was like an extended family member. It's a big part of the culture here on St. Croix. Being the Quality Manager at Cruzan signifies coming around full circle. Growing up around the brand and now being a valuable member of the team that ensures that the liquid quality meets the world-renowned Cruzan traditions is exciting!
Both family and friends are important to me, and it translates into my work and in the culture at Cruzan. Food is a great way to bond as a team and invite new people into our world.
As with my children, I give my team the freedom and support to succeed. As a manager, I encourage them to step out of their comfort zone so they can grow and learn new skills. I deeply support my team's continuing education activities and encourage them to reach for the stars. I am very passionate about education because I know that it's something that no one can take away from you and it is a way to ensure business sustainability. While working towards my MBA, I am taking every opportunity to encourage others to keep moving toward their goals.
My mother heavily influenced my work ethic; she taught my sisters and me many lessons. One main lesson she demonstrated by her words and actions is that you are responsible for your growth and development. No one will do it for you. Don't ever wait for anybody to do it for you, which is especially true for a black woman. You must drive forward for what you want to achieve."
- Lorina Pickering Dyer, Quality Manager, Liquid Excellence, St. Croix
For , this week we’re hearing from Tyler Gomez-Basauri, MIT Special Projects Lead
Laphroaig’s ‘Taste Trailblazers’ has launched, beginning with a special celebratory dinner hosted by our own Barry Macaffer, Distillery Manager of Laphroaig, and Francis Mallmann, world-famous Argentinian chef, in NYC, home to our new global HQ.
In a special-edition documentary, watch Francis’ journey to Islay and his exploration of what makes our whisky so unique, and how it inspires his bold culinary style: https://www.laphroaig.com/en/taste-trailblazers
This National , we’re celebrating 30 years of the Small Batch Collection, and our 6th generation Master Distiller Booker Noe, who set out to change the whiskey world with four distinct bourbon brands - Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, Baker’s® & Booker’s®.
Fred & Freddie Noe sit down to reflect on Booker Noe’s vision and legacy. Cheers to 30 years!
To reach status, make sure to have food out. It’s always the best route to enjoy a cocktail on a full stomach so you . Whether you serve a meal or encourage your guests to eat ahead, having snacks out gives folks something to munch on throughout the event.
Here's this week’s tip of the week: Consider the spread.
In Honor of , we're sharing a refreshing cocktail you can enjoy all month long... The Gold Rush. The Honey syrup adds sweet depth to bright, fresh citrus and the bold, bourbon flavors of Maker’s Mark®. The Gold Rush cocktail takes no time to make, but you won’t want to rush through sipping this honeyed riff on the Whisky Sour.
The best hosts know, whether your guests choose to drink beverages with alcohol or not, it’s important to stay hydrated.
Here's this week’s tip of the week: Put out plenty of water.
Today we are releasing our inaugural Sustainability Report, bringing to life our Proof Positive strategy, launched in 2021, with commitments to combat climate change, reduce harmful drinking, and give back to our communities.
We are proud of the actions and achievements detailed in our foundational year, including: increased use of renewable energy with nearly 100% of our global sites purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates and/or generating renewable power onsite, applying macro-nutritional labeling to key brands across Europe and the US, and increasing the percentage of female new hires to 50% and percentage of women in leadership roles by 3%. We are making a difference - and we are just getting started! https://bit.ly/3dipfNI
In honor of , we’re hearing from a few members of our Hispanic community at Beam Suntory on their heritage, family traditions, and how their culture is reflected in their job.
This week, we’re spotlighting Sasha Pena, Multicultural Portfolio Manager.
We have been recognized by Place to Work! Thank you to all of our people who shared the feedback that secured these honors, and congratulations to our teams across making Beam Suntory a Great Place to Work: Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Korea, Mexico, Spain, Taiwan and the US! You’re building the culture that makes Beam Suntory a place where you can every day!
Today we are toasting Laphroaig’s ‘Taste Trailblazers’, a global celebration of culinary pioneers, who, much like Laphroaig, take inspiration from our natural environment to push the boundaries of flavour.
Taste Trailblazers has launched with Francis Mallmann, a world-famous Argentinian chef known for his Patagonian open-fire cooking, bold techniques, and true dedication to his craft.
Read more: https://www.beamsuntory.com/en/news/Laphroaig-Taste-Trailblazers
As we head into the weekend, and prepare for the Labor Day holiday festivities in the US, this week’s tip is one for the guest just as much as the host: Plan ahead. That way, you make positive choices, and everyone gets home safely.
Happy ! Did you know... Maker's Mark is the oldest distillery still operating on its original site in the U.S. and the first distillery to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.
"I’ve lived in Tequila Jalisco my whole life. Growing up, I always liked to know how things worked. I would investigate different objects around my house, such as opening controls, fans, and other electronics to figure out how they operated. I was always in search for more adventures and more knowledge. My mother always wondered about my future, since I didn’t follow the pattern of the rest of the girls in my class. But this became a passion.
I originally wanted to be a lawyer, but my life took a different turn and I studied industrial engineering. I hated math but I was drawn to the magic of finding solutions, designing, and creating relationships with people that I could constantly learn from. Throughout my years studying, I was often told this would be my career ‘until I got married’. Not only did I hear this from my fellow students, but from my professors as well since most students were men. Even my family was confused by my career choice. Most women in my family became teachers. But I liked engineering, and I wasn’t going to stop.
From the first time my friend gave me a tour of the Casa Sauza distillery, I was instantly in awe of all the work being done, the processes, and the facility as a whole. My friend would always say he had a feeling I would work there one day; he was right. After the tour, my dream of working at Casa Sauza began.
I began working full time at the distillery in 2012. I was the first woman to report directly to a manager in the bottling production area, since then more women have been hired. I continued to work very hard and eventually there was an opening for the lead packaging specialist position. This was the first time that a woman held a position at the management level in production areas at Casa Sauza. It started a movement to give women more opportunities.
I often think about those that believed I would give up. Defying their expectations is what continues to motivate me today."
- Elizabeth Padilla Lima, Bottling Specialist Leader, Mexico
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL
60654
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This National #BourbonHeritageMonth, we’re celebrating 30 years of the Small Batch Collection, and our 6th generation Master Distiller Booker Noe, who set out to change the whiskey world with four distinct bourbon brands - Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, Baker’s® & Booker’s®. Fred & Freddie Noe sit down to reflect on Booker Noe’s vision and legacy. Cheers to 30 years!
To reach #BestHost status, make sure to have food out. It’s always the best route to enjoy a cocktail on a full stomach so you #DrinkSmart. Whether you serve a meal or encourage your guests to eat ahead, having snacks out gives folks something to munch on throughout the event. Here's this week’s #BestHost #DrinkSmart tip of the week: Consider the spread.
In Honor of #BourbonHeritageMonth, we're sharing a refreshing cocktail you can enjoy all month long... The Gold Rush. The Honey syrup adds sweet depth to bright, fresh citrus and the bold, bourbon flavors of Maker’s Mark®. The Gold Rush cocktail takes no time to make, but you won’t want to rush through sipping this honeyed riff on the Whisky Sour.
The best hosts know, whether your guests choose to drink beverages with alcohol or not, it’s important to stay hydrated. Here's this week’s #BestHost #DrinkSmart tip of the week: Put out plenty of water.
As we head into the weekend, and prepare for the Labor Day holiday festivities in the US, this week’s #BestHost #DrinkSmart tip is one for the guest just as much as the host: Plan ahead. That way, you make positive choices, and everyone gets home safely.
This party season, step up to the plate as “the best host.” It’s time to dust off your cheese boards, pull out your vintage cocktail glasses, turn up your personal vibes playlist and maybe even take a crack at one of those Insta-worthy charcuterie boards you’ve been eyeing on social media. The best gatherings get the details right. In this new #BestHost series, we’ll be sharing tips for hosting a responsible gathering that leaves guests with a positive experience. Here's this week’s #BestHost #DrinkSmart tip of the week: Have your tools ready.
Sunday marked Juneteenth, also known as “Freedom Day,” the oldest known celebration of the end of the enslavement of African Americans in the United States. In honor of this holiday and its significance, our US team has today off to observe and celebrate Juneteenth, as well as to reflect, better understand and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of slavery in the US. While this holiday is still new to many of us, we know many families and communities have been celebrating Juneteenth for many years. We believe it is important to shed light on the different ways that people recognize and mark this important day. Our team members Jamal Spraggins, Corporate Communications Specialist, and Nate Rogers, Associate Manager, Multicultural Marketing - PA/VA/MS/AL, share how they are celebrating and why they feel it’s important to recognize this holiday.
One of the ways we support our LGBTQ+ community is by encouraging our employees to add their personal gender pronouns to their email signatures, as a way to promote awareness and inclusion of transgender and gender non-conforming identities. Members of PRISM, our LGBTQ+ Employee Impact Group, share the importance of incorporating personal gender pronouns in our daily interactions. #Pride
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and this year’s theme, Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration, members of our Asian and Hispanic & Latinx Employee Impact Groups (EIGs) recently shared their experience with contributing to an EIG, and through their experiences, have developed and applied leadership skills and capabilities to their everyday roles. #AAPIMonth
This Friday, we’re craving something light and refreshing for #DrinkSmart Happy Hour. A smash is a cocktail made with muddled fresh fruit and herbs and a southside is a classic drink with gin, fresh lime, and mint. Together, from Sipsmith’s distillery in the Westside of London, we have the West Side Smash! Which Drink Well cocktail was your favorite? West Side Smash: 1. Place 2-3 cucumber slices, 5-6 mint leaves, 2 lime wedges, and ½ part simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and gently muddle. 2. Add Sipsmith® (optional: Sipsmith FreeGlider) and ice, shake well, and strain into a tall cocktail glass over fresh ice. 3. Top with 6 parts soda water. 4. Garnish with cucumber wheel or ribbon and mint sprig.
It’s #DrinkSmart Happy Hour and we’re taking grapefruit to the next level with the Rosé Spritz. For spirit-free, replace Sipsmith® with Sipsmith® FreeGlider® and use N/A Rose Wine. Rosé Spritz: 1. Combine ½ part Sipsmith® Gin (optional: Sipsmith® FreeGlider®), 1 part rosé wine (optional: N/A rosé wine), 1 part grapefruit juice, and 6 parts grapefruit soda (Fever Tree Sparkling Grapefruit recommended) in a cocktail shaker with ice and give a short shake. 2. Strain into a tall cocktail or wine glass and top with soda. 3. Garnish with grapefruit wheel or wedge.
Beam Suntory’s Asian Employee Impact Group, Harmony, celebrated the Lunar New Year by sharing their family traditions and how different Asian cultures celebrate the holiday. The Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, traditional to many eastern Asian countries. Harmony members Natasha Teo, Ming Tsang, and Kieu Trinh Phan share a range of traditions, from eating Poon Choy to playing Bầu cua tôm cá. #YearoftheTiger #HappyLunarNewYear
Transport somewhere tropical this #DrinkSmart Happy Hour with the Breezy Colada, a refreshing “Pina Colada” riff without the fat/sugar of the usual coconut cream. No PTO required. Breezy Colada: 1. Combine ½ part Courvoisier® VS (optional), 2 parts coconut water, 2 parts pineapple juice, in a cocktail shaker with ice, squeezing 1 lime wedge into shaker before adding. 2. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. 3. Optional: add soda water to top.
For #DrinkSmart Happy Hour, test your mixology skills with the Double Take. Fresh strawberries and black pepper are an amazing flavor combination, and basil adds some beautiful freshness that’ll make you do a double take. Double Take: - Place 3-5 whole black peppercorns, ½ part simple syrup, 2 fresh strawberries with tops removed, and 2-3 basil leaves in a cocktail shaker and gently muddle. - Add ½ part El Tesoro™ (optional) and ice, shake well, and strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. - Top with 6 parts soda water and gently stir to combine. - Garnish with lime wheel or wedge and strawberry.
Maker's Mark has earned B Corp Certification! Maker’s is the largest distillery in the world and the first in Kentucky’s famed Bourbon Country to achieve this distinction, which recognizes companies working to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. At Beam Suntory, we’re particularly proud now to have two B Corp certified brands, after Sipsmith Gin achieved this distinction in 2021.
#2022goals… how about embracing your inner bartender? For the next couple of Fridays, we’re serving up some palate-pleasing cocktails that are easy to make at home and lower alcohol with the option to go alcohol-free. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply looking to sip something delicious to start the weekend, join us each Friday for our #DrinkSmart Happy Hour. This week we’re featuring the Spirited Mule, A lower alcohol take on a classic Mule, crafted by Amy Probasco. Spirited Mule: o Combine ½ part honey, 1 lime, and 3 pieces of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced, in a cocktail shaker and muddle until ginger is broken down. o Add ½ part spirit of your choice (optional. Jim Beam® Bourbon used) and ice. Shake well and strain into a tall cocktail glass over fresh ice. o Top with 6 parts soda water and give a gentle stir to combine. o Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.
Ahead of the COP26 kickoff and as part of our ambitious Proof Positive goals, we're proudly in the Race to Zero, committed to halving emissions by 2030 and going beyond net-zero carbon emissions across the entire value chain by 2040. In this mission, made through the Scotch Whisky Association, we're taking immediate action towards a healthier, safer, and cleaner world. We are looking forward to engaging with the Race to Zero coalition and world leaders at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Scotland to discuss our ambitious efforts to drive positive change. We are proud to be collaborating with our industry peers to Race To Zero and create a more resilient, equitable future. #RacetoZero #ProofPositive #COP26
As part of our Proof Positive commitments, we are dedicated to protecting and making a positive impact on the environments in which we operate. Today, Beam Suntory and Suntory are launching a Peatlands Water Sanctuary™ initiative in Scotland which will involve the restoration and conservation of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030 to promote carbon sequestration and biodiversity, as well as a series of watershed conservation projects. Not only will our initiatives help protect the production of the highest quality whisky in Scotland for future generations, but more importantly, it will also contribute to helping to maintain and protect peatland ecosystems in Scotland’s natural environment. Read more about this exciting project here: https://www.beamsuntory.com/en/news/Peatlands-Water-Sanctuary-2021 To read more about our Proof Positive commitments, visit: https://www.beamsuntory.com/en/sustainability
Exclusive to Travel Retail
We're excited to announce the global launch of world blended Whisky, Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ Exclusive for Global Travelers. #SuntoryWorldWhiskyAo is a premium whisky blended from five of the world's most renowned whisky regions - Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the US. #TravelRetail
Beam Suntory is a proud partner of the Network of Executive Women, furthering our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and investing in our people by providing opportunities for them to expand their networks, learn and grow. #IWD2020
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a night out on the town, it’s important to celebrate responsibly. Make sure to stick to a standard pour, serve a full meal and non-alcoholic drinks, and ensure your friends get home safe. Learn more at https://www.drinksmart.com/ #DrinkSmart #MakeAPlan
We’re thrilled to share that Robin Nance, Portfolio Trade Engagement Manager, has been named the Pioneer Award Winner of the 2019 Dame Hall of Fame class by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. She tells us what receiving this prestigious industry recognition means and how she’s been able to contribute to the hospitality industry in her role. Congratuations, Robin! #UnleashYourSpirit
Jane Bowie, Director, Private Select, Heritage & Diplomat Programs, shares what makes her job unique at Maker’s Mark’s Distillery and how she uses the brand’s history as inspiration in her role. #UnleashYourSpirit
Make your spirits bright this holiday season with this Cruzan® Estate Diamond Black Strap Fall Rum Cake. Recipe courtesy of Beam Suntory’s own Luke Young! #UnleashYourSpirit
Jason Nally, Star Hill Farm Environmental Champion, shares his personal connection to the Maker’s Mark distillery and how he helps protect water and the environment in his role. #UnleashYourSpirit
Mercedes Hill, Beam Suntory Associate General Counsel, shares how she collaborates with her colleagues around the world to come up with innovative solutions that impact the business #UnleashYourSpirit
Suntory veteran, Yuko Koshiishi, has a unique dual role between Beam Suntory and Suntory Holdings Limited, bringing East & West perspectives together to help strengthen our culture #UnleashYourSpirit
