US: Blaze consumes Jim Beam warehouse

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 5 August 2003

A lighting strike may have caused a fire on Monday that saw around 4.5m litres of Jim Beam Bourbon go up in smoke at a warehouse in Bardstown, Kentucky, local police have said.

The warehouse which went up in "shooting flames" housed some 20,000 barrels. The fire brigade had to block nearby waterways to keep leaking bourbon contained.

There were no serious injuries according to Bardstown Police Captain Jerry Nevitt, who said lightning from a passing thunderstorm was a possible cause.

Jim Beam is owned by Fortune Brands Inc.

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: Fortune Brands