Whiskey fungus removal, done the right way

Whiskey fungus is a black, sooty fungus named Baudoinia compniacensis, known locally as bourbon fungus. It feeds on the ethanol vapor released as bourbon ages in barrels, the so-called angel's share, and grows on almost any outdoor surface near an aging warehouse.

Because you live near a source of ethanol vapor. Bardstown and Nelson County hold one of the densest concentrations of bourbon-aging warehouses in the world, and that vapor feeds the fungus that coats siding, roofs, fences, and concrete. Ordinary washing removes what you can see but not the growth itself, so it returns.

It has not been established by health authorities as a significant hazard to human health, and it is not the toxic black mold people worry about indoors. The real harm is to property: it stains surfaces, holds moisture against siding and wood, shortens the life of paint and shingles, and makes walkways slick.

Yes, as long as barrels age nearby. There is no permanent one-time cure while the ethanol source is still operating. The practical solution is periodic maintenance cleaning and remediation, usually once a year, which keeps your property clean and protects the surfaces underneath.