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Black Whiskey fungus is covering cars and homes around Jack Daniel’s barrelhouses, the world’s biggest-selling brand of American whiskey.
About Whiskey fungus or Baudoinia compniacensis
- The fungus, called Baudoinia compniacensis, feeds on alcohol vapor, the substance whiskey makers call the “angel’s share” of distilled spirits that evaporates during maturation.
Courtesy: Business Insider India - It was first discovered around distilleries in the Cognac region of France in the 1870s and has thrived around many distilleries worldwide including in the US and Canada.
- Whiskey fungus, or Baudoinia compniacensis, feeds on alcoholic vapours and is velvety or crust-like — it can reach one or two centimetres in thickness.
- The fungus tends to spread to nearby surfaces, blanketing almost everything that comes in its way.
- According to the Indiana State Department of Health, it is found across North America, Europe and Asia and thrives where fermentation occurs, like in bakeries and distilleries.
- Baudoinia compniacensis uses the ethanolic vapour to initiate germination and to express proteins in the fungus that allow the fungus to tolerate high temperatures.
- Researchers haven’t found any instances of health risks from short or long-term exposure to the whiskey fungus yet.
- However, it can destroy trees and damage properties.
- Homeowners use N95 masks, goggles and gloves while removing the whiskey fungus. It also mentioned that if the fungus is found in a private water well, the well must be disinfected.
- It can also colonize natural materials like rock and vegetation.
Source: IE & Business Insider
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