Do you have black fungus growing on your gutters or siding? Do you have to clean black spots off your siding with a pressure washer? Does your car's roof get black dots on it? Contact us. We are currently conducting scientific tests in affected locations.
We've designed this site to answer questions you might have about whiskey fungus and the lawsuit we've filed on behalf of affected homeowners, businesses, and residents.
What is whiskey fungus?
Whiskey fungus is a black fungus that grows when ethanol is released into the atmosphere. Technically, it's called Baudoinia compniacensis.
Why is it called whiskey fungus?
Distilleries release ethanol into the atmosphere during the process of distilling and aging liquor. Whiskey fungus is called whiskey fungus because it was first noticed growing on and around distilleries in Europe during the 1800s. Wired Magazine published a good article about whiskey fungus last year.
What does whiskey fungus look like?
Whiskey fungus appears as black dots, spots, and stains, often on the siding and gutters of a home, on a car's roof and hood.
If the whiskey fungus spotting in these pictures looks familar, please contact us today.
Why does whiskey fungus grow around distilleries?
Whiskey fungus flourishes around distilleries because the process of distilling and aging liquor discharges ethanol into the environment. The whiskey fungus uses the ethanol to grow.
Why is whiskey fungus a problem?
Whiskey fungus causes staining and damage on the surfaces on which it grows. It damages homes and cars and diminishes property values. To clean whiskey fungus from their homes, homeowners are required to clean their homes with corrosive and abrasive pressure washers and chemicals.
So, is it whiskey fungus that is on my car, gutters, and siding?
Maybe. We are working with experts to identify all of the areas of Louisville that have been affected by whiskey fungus. Please contact us if you think your property or car has whiskey mold on it.
Is whiskey fungus dangerous to human health?
We don't know. Whiskey fungus is a relatively unstudied organism. Right now, we do not know of any studies that link whiskey fungus to a specific disease. We will be following any developments in this area of scholarship. Please fill out the contact form with your email address and we'll update you with what we learn.
Who did we sue and why?
We sued Diageo Americas Supply, the Brown-Forman Corporation, and Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
Diageo, Brown-Forman, and Heaven Hill, operate distilleries and store aging spirits in warehouses in multiple locations in Louisville.
We sued these companies because the ethanol they produce and discharge into Louisville's neighborhoods is causing whiskey fungus to damage people's cars, businesses, and homes.
What neighborhoods are affected?
We are still trying to determine exactly how widespread the problem is. The houses and cars in the neighborhoods surrounding these distilleries and warehouses —Shively, Hallmark, Algonquin Park, California, Taylor Berry—show signs of whiskey fungus damage. But, we don't know whether other areas are affected. Generally, if you can smell spirits, there is enough ethanol in the air to allow whiskey fungus to grow.
We have created a map of the locations of the defendants' factories and warehouses. Please contact us if you think whiskey fungus has damaged your home, car, or business.
View a larger map of the Defendants' operations in Louisville, Kentucky
Is the fungus limited to Louisville?
Absolutely not. Whiskey fungus will grow wherever there is enough ethanol in the air for the fungus to grow. The defendants are large companies with diverse products. They operate facilities—distilleries and aging barns—all across America. Louisville residents have sued on behalf of those residents who live near the Defendants' ethanol-emitting facilities across Kentucky.
If you live near a distillery or aging facility in another town and suspect whiskey fungus on your property, please contact us immediately.
Who are the lawyers representing the homeowners, car owners, and business owners?
The lawyers at Morris and Player, PLLC and William F. McMurry are representing the homeowners, car owners, and business owners that have been affected by whiskey fungus. Here is the Class Action Complaint we have filed and the Press Release describing the problem and the lawsuit.
How do I get involved?