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Irish whiskey has seen a significant boom, with exports surpassing €930 million in 2025, and demand continues to grow even amidst global trade challenges. As the whiskey industry flourishes, an unexpected development has emerged: the presence of a black fungus, Baudoinia, also known as whiskey fungus. This fungus thrives near whiskey maturation facilities, covering surfaces such as walls and trees with a dark patina.

The fungus benefits from ethanol alcohol released during the whiskey maturation process, a phenomenon referred to as the “angels’ share.” Despite its appearance resembling soot, Baudoinia is primarily fed by this airborne alcohol, leading to noticeable growth around distilleries. While its presence has been recorded for over a century, research on its potential health impacts and environmental effects remains limited.

A notable investigation by the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2022 looked into complaints from residents near the Midleton distillery concerning black discoloration on homes. The study found Baudoinia in a whiskey warehouse but not on nearby residential properties, raising questions about the fungus’s spread and behavior related to alcohol emissions.

Further research is crucial for understanding the dynamics of this fungus and its ecological impact, especially as ethanol emissions from whiskey production contribute to ground-level ozone—this is a harmful air pollutant linked to respiratory issues and environmental concerns.

The ongoing project at Dublin City University aims to study ethanol emissions from whiskey maturation facilities and the biology of Baudoinia in Ireland. This research will consider factors such as the distance from sources of ethanol, humidity, and environmental conditions that may affect fungal growth and spread.

As Ireland balances the growth of its whiskey industry with environmental considerations, the goal is to ensure that both communities and ecosystems are protected while supporting this vital sector. Understanding the implications of whiskey fungus and its connection to environmental health is essential as the industry continues to prosper.