Jim Beam's success story began in 1795 when their founder Jacob Beam began selling corn whiskey made according to a recipe created by his father. Now more than 200 years later, this tradition is still kept alive. What exactly is the difference between ordinary whiskey and Bourbon whiskey. Bourbon whiskey must be made from at least 51% corn. Corn is a lot sweeter than other grains, hence in bourbon the more corn the sweeter. At Jim Beam, they are particularly proud of this nectar. Thanks to long maturation, this whiskey possesses a fantastically complex pallet.