A popular moonshine distillery that’s part of Kentucky’s whiskey culture is hurting in a big way today because of a tragic event on Friday that has brought the local industry together to try and help them get through this tough time.
The horrifying incident, according to Reuters, took place at the Silver Trail Distillery in Hardin, Kentucky. Jay Rogers, one of the distillers, and his assistant and cousin, Kyle Rogers, entered the building to check on “a batch [of moonshine] that had been distilling for about five hours when [a] blast occurred.” The two were severely injured in the resulting explosion and the facility was leveled. The exact cause of the incident is said to be currently under investigation.
An official statement posted to the distillery’s Facebook page indicated that “what appears to be a massive equipment failure … resulted in the distillery burning to the ground.” The two victims, having been taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., both sustained what’s described as “severe burns.” They are currently in critical, but stable, condition.
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The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has turned to their aid, establishing a support fund has been created to assist the cousins in their recovery. More information on how to contribute can be found at their website. The trade group for Kentucky distilleries also said its “27 members are working to coordinate tastings and other events to raise money” for the fund as well.
“Jay and Kyle are doing better, but they still have a long way to go,” said KDA President Eric Gregory in a statement. “Please keep them in your prayers, and remember Silver Trail Founder and Master Distiller Spencer Balentine and his family during this difficult time.”
