Whiskey Fungus Concerns for Distilleries and Surrounding Communities

Earlier this year, a work stoppage occurred at a facility operated by one of the nation’s major whiskey producers after a lawsuit was filed by a Tennessee property owner seeking relief from Baudoinia compniacensis, often referred to as whiskey fungus. Whiskey fungus is commonly found near distilleries and spirit maturation sites, growing on a wide range of substrates.

According to an Indiana State Department of Health Fact Sheet:

The fungus thrives in places where fermentation occurs, such as bakeries and bogs. Distilleries for whiskey, scotch, vodka, brandy, and rum are affected by the fungus too because ethanol is off-gassed in the making of distilled spirits. Baudoinia compniacensis uses the ethanolic vapor to initiate germination and to express proteins in the fungus that allow the fungus to tolerate high temperatures. The fungus can be found at other places where ethanol can off-gas into the environment uncontrolled, including bakeries and bonded warehouses.

“Baudoinia compniacensis can grow on everything from walls and doors to living trees in communities near facilities where this fungus thrives,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It is unsightly and can have a significant impact on property values. This is why the lawsuit in Tennessee was just one of many that have occurred in recent years. The presence of Baudoinia compniacensis can also have an impact on the actual operations at distilleries and other businesses facing this challenge.”

To help with Baudoinia compniacensis identification efforts, EMSL Analytical offers testing for it and many other microbial contaminants. The cost per sample is $450.

For more information about Baudoinia compniacensis and other microbial testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail