about of liquid. A "bung" is used to seal the barrels before moving them to nearby hilltop rackhouses where they will age up to nine years. As the seasons change, natural weather variations expand and contract the barrel wood, allowing bourbon to seep into the barrel, and the caramelized sugars from the charred oak flavor and color the bourbon. A significant portion (known as the "angel's share") of the bourbon escapes the barrel through evaporation, or stays trapped in the wood of the barrel. Jim Beam ages for at least four years, or twice as long as the government requires for a "straight" bourbon. Aging for at least four years also allows the distillery to legally dispense with an age statement on the bottle. Global markets Jim Beam is one of the best-selling brands of bourbon in the world. Outside the United States, Beam Global Spirits & Wine has had a sales and distribution alliance with The Edrington Group since 2009. See also Jack Daniel's, an American Tennessee whiskey List of historic whisky distilleries Maker's Mark, a premium sister brand of bourbon produced by Beam Suntory Robby Gordon Motorsports, a racing team sponsored by Jim Beam from 2005 to 2009 2016 Jim Beam strike Footnotes References External links 1795 introductions Alcoholic drink brands American brands Beam Suntory Bourbon whiskey Bullitt County, Kentucky Distilleries in Kentucky Kentucky cuisine