Planning a long motorcycle ride this year. It may be a good time to visit the Whiskey Trail.
What is BLACK FUNGUS?
Black fungus, also known as Baudoinia compniacensis, is a type of fungus that grows on the exterior walls of buildings, including whiskey barrel houses. It appears as a dark, powdery growth on surfaces exposed to ethanol vapors, such as those produced during whiskey production and aging.
The growth of black fungus around whiskey barrel houses is a natural occurrence and is not harmful to the whiskey or the barrel houses themselves. In fact, some people consider it to be a sign of a healthy and active distillery.
While black fungus does not pose a health risk to humans, it can cause discoloration and damage to buildings if left untreated. As such, distilleries often take measures to control the growth of black fungus, such as regular cleaning and painting of exterior walls.
Overall, black fungus around whiskey barrel houses is a common and harmless occurrence that is often seen as a natural part of the whiskey-making process.
The Whiskey Tour
Tennessee is known for its scenic backroads and famous whiskey distilleries, making it a perfect destination for motorcycle enthusiasts who love to explore and savor the local culture. One great motorcycle route to ride and visit distilleries in Tennessee is the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a 25-stop distillery tour that spans across the state, showcasing Tennessee’s whiskey-making heritage. Some of the top distilleries to visit on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail include Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, George Dickel Distillery in Tullahoma, and the Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge.
Here is a suggested motorcycle route that includes some of the top distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail:
- Start in Nashville, TN and head south on Interstate 65 towards Columbia, TN.
- Exit at Highway 412 and head east towards Lynchburg, TN, home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery.
- After visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, head east on Highway 55 to Tullahoma, TN, where you can visit the George Dickel Distillery.
- From Tullahoma, take Highway 41A north to Shelbyville, TN, then head east on Highway 64 towards Fayetteville, TN.
- Just outside Fayetteville, turn south on Highway 431 towards the Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., the original distillery of George Dickel.
- From Cascade Hollow, continue south on Highway 431 to Huntsville, AL, where you can turn back towards Nashville via Highway 231.
This route will take you through some of the most scenic areas of Tennessee and allow you to visit some of the most famous distilleries in the state. Make sure to follow all traffic laws and ride safely, especially if you plan on sampling any of the local spirits!