Kentucky Distillery Owner Faces Fines After Warehouse Collapse

A Kentucky distillery owner is facing a state fine after one of its whiskey warehouses collapsed.

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet spokesman John Mura told news media outlets that distillery owner Sazerac will be cited for failing to report the spill of whiskey in a timely manner and for polluting the waters. Mura said Barton 1792 moved quickly Friday to stop the alcohol from entering the creek but didn’t alert the state quickly enough.

Mura said the Division of Enforcement will determine the penalties.

Whiskey flowing into a nearby stream and river killed approximately 800 fish.

Thousands of whiskey barrels in the Bardstown warehouse crashed Friday when part of the warehouse collapsed. No one was injured.

Sazerac spokeswoman Amy Preske said the company is focusing on cleanup and assessment.