Residents living near Jack Daniels distilleries in Tennessee are trying to prevent the company from building additional facilities due to the whiskey fungus that is spreading throughout surrounding towns.
The fungus, known as Baudoinia compniacensis, thrives on liquor that evaporates during the aging process, commonly referred to as “the angel’s share”. This black, sticky substance appears to adhere to almost anything in its path, including houses, cars, trees, road signs, and patio furniture.
Although the centuries-old fungus is not new for those living near bourbon, rum, and whiskey makers, Jack Daniels, owned by Brown-Forman, currently has six warehouses, known as barrelhouses, in Lincoln County, Tennessee, and plans to build over a dozen more.
In January, a Tennessee woman sued her local zoning office to prevent the construction of 14 additional distilleries without ventilation systems, claiming that the fungus has harmed her nearby property, which includes a party and wedding venue.
On March 1, the court ordered Jack Daniels to temporarily halt construction. Residents of Kentucky and Ontario, Canada, have also experienced similar fungi, which they believe pose health and environmental risks.
Melvin Keebler, the general manager of the Jack Daniel Distillery, stated that the company complies with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the design, construction, and permitting of their barrelhouses.
Keebler added that they are committed to protecting the environment, the safety, and health of their employees and neighbors. The Post reached out to representatives for Jack Daniels and Brown-Forman for comment.
»Lawsuit targets Jack Daniels plants for whiskey fungus infecting town«
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