Jim Beam, a brand of Beam Inc., Deerfield, Ill., launched its Live Music Series in support of the nation’s troops. This year, the series includes six concerts featuring artists who have partnered in the past with the bourbon brand, including Kid Rock, Daughtry, David Gray, Darius Rucker, Bush and Train.

Deerfield, Ill.-based Beam Inc. added the 2 Gingers brand to its Irish whiskey portfolio. Additionally, the company announced that Kieran Folliard, the founder of 2 Gingers, will become Beam’s chief Irish whiskey ambassador in the United States.

 Last fall, a team of researchers at Hiroshima University in Japan conducted a study which found that those who looked at pictures of baby animals, such as puppies and kittens, did more productive work afterward, as reported in an article in the Washington Post.  

Beam Inc. introduced Sauza Sparkling Margarita using its Sauza Silver Tequila as a base.

Beam Inc., Deerfield, Ill., reported a net sales increase by 8 percent to $577.7 million, excluding excise taxes, in the first quarter of 2013, benefiting from strong commercial performance and the acquisition of Pinnacle Vodka. On a comparable basis, net sales increased 3 percent, reflecting the comparison to the quarter from the previous year when new product introductions and route-to-market transitions helped comparable net sales increase 13 percent, the company reports.

Beam Inc. added four new products to its Skinnygirl line of ready-to-serve cocktails, wines and vodkas.

As a follow-up to its popular “Make It With a Fireman” YouTube video, Beam Inc.’s Sauza Tequila brand released its new “Make It With a Lifeguard” video.