Whiskey Fungus

• A local court in North Carolina stopped the construction of a new barrel warehouse for Jack Daniel’s – the biggest-selling brand of American whiskey in the world. This order came after a resident sued the company due to the uncontrollable spread of the whiskey fungus.

About Whiskey Fungus

• Whiskey fungus, also known as Baudoinia compniacensis, is a black, sooty fungus that grows in the vicinity of bakeries and distilleries around the globe.
• The fungus is a sac fungus. The sac is the reproductive feature of the fungus.
• This fungus thrives on the alcoholic vapours that evaporate from whiskey casks during maturation.
• Usually, a small portion (up to 2%/ year) of the spirit evaporates into the atmosphere and this is called the ‘angel’s share’.
  • It is on this angel’s share that these fungi thrive.
• It tends to cover outdoor surfaces, including cars, homes, and trees, which can adversely affect the value of properties.
• Although research has not shown any health risks from exposure to the fungus, it can damage trees and properties.
• Cleaning the fungus from affected surfaces can be a difficult and costly task as they form thick coatings.