LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Jim Beam storage warehouse that burned down, destroying 45,000 barrels of aging whiskey, was equipped with sprinklers and was insured, the company says.
Meanwhile, the famed distiller is still assessing the loss of the bourbon.
Remnants of the fire that erupted late Tuesday at the central Kentucky warehouse continued to burn Friday. Officials want to let as much alcohol as possible burn to reduce the flow of bourbon-filled runoff into nearby waterways.
An unknown amount of bourbon has entered the water and has been visible on the Kentucky River. Fish kills were reported due to the runoff, state environmental officials said. The spirits company said aerators were deployed to help “oxygenate the water” in an effort to keep more fish alive.
Fire investigators haven’t yet determined a cause. Jim Beam officials on Wednesday said initial reports suggested the fire resulted from a lightning strike.
