If your beer and/or spirits brand is now making hand sanitizer to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, shoot Keith Gribbins an email ([email protected]), and he’ll upload your info to this page.
Resourceful craft brands are finding ways to make new product, stay busy, market their company and fight COVID-19. Let’s take hand sanitizer for instance. Many craft breweries also have distilling operations, and some have repurposed their facilities and people power to make hand sanitizer. Other beer brands have partnered with local distillers or just figured out the process themselves to produce craft sanitizer. Not only is this idea cool, but the end product is especially cool — packaged into almost collectible formats. While this list is not meant to be comprehensive by any means, it’s just a running list of folks that have sent me info ([email protected]). Send me yours!
These brands should be supported for their efforts, so go buy some of their products today. Here we go…
Harpoon Brewery partners with Deacon Giles Distillery to produce hand sanitizer
Harpoon Brewery is teaming up with another local New England distillery to join the fight against COVID-19 by producing and distributing hand sanitizer for workers on the frontlines. Together with Salem, Mass.-based Deacon Giles, Harpoon Brewery has begun dispensing batches of hand sanitizer.
Initial shipments have been donated to Boston YMCAs in order to support the emergency childcare centers open to essential workers. Current and future shipments of the hand sanitizer are also being shared with the Boston Resiliency Fund in order to get this vital product in the hands of essential frontline workers.
“There is nothing more important than supporting workers putting themselves at risk for the sake of others during this time,” said Dan Kenary, CEO and cofounder of Harpoon Brewery. “Beer and spirits producers are in a unique position to be able to use our primary product and production methods to create hand sanitizer, which is vital in helping fight the spread of this virus. We are proud to be partnering with Deacon Giles to support our frontline workers right here at home.”
“We feel fortunate to have the capabilities to shift our production to create hand sanitizer for those who need it most,” said Jesse Brenneman, president of Deacon Giles Distillery. “When we decided to move forward with this project, we knew we had the opportunity to partner with other players in the alcohol industry to make an impact. We are excited to be working with Harpoon Brewery on something so important to the community and help in a tangible way.”
Due to restrictions to on-premise consumption, many breweries and distilleries across the country have the available resources and equipment to help produce ethanol-based hand sanitizer. To make the product, Harpoon Brewery sent Deacon Giles beer that was left untapped at the brewery, which they then distilled and turned into hand sanitizer. The hand sanitizer was then shipped back to Boston for Harpoon to begin distribution.
The runs are being packaged in half gallon jugs. Other Massachusetts craft beverage producers involved in this effort include Aaronap Cellers, Boston Wort Processors, Far From The Tree Cider, Granite Coast Brewing, Ipswich Ale, and Notch Brewing.
Two Brothers Artisan Spirits producing hand sanitizer to help in the fight against COVID-19
As communities work together to help one another in the battle against COVID-19, craft distillery Two Brothers Artisan Spirits (sister company to Two Brothers Brewing) is doing its part by producing hand sanitizer for essential businesses and health care professionals. The Aurora, Ill.-based distillery is currently working with a number of hospitals, senior living facilities and first responders, including local police and fire departments. It is also assisting a number of local governments including Aurora, Naperville and Warrenville (Two Brothers’ home communities), as well as surrounding cities and towns throughout the Chicagoland area.
“We are happy to be able to help our communities during these difficult times,” said Two Brothers Cofounder Jason Ebel. “We have been a part of this community for 23 years, and it’s great to have the ability to support it like they have supported us for all those years.”
With supply shortages continuing across the country, Two Brothers is also providing disinfectant to other areas of business across the country. Starting this week, it will send shipments to hospitals and senior living facilities in states across the country and continues to establish new partnerships with groups in need.
As of now, Two Brothers hand sanitizer is offered to health care industries, local governments and essential businesses. With limited supplies available, the Two Brothers’ staff is currently producing as much disinfectant as possible, all while continuing the day-to-day operations of the distillery (which produces 750-ml bottles, canned cocktails and vodka sodas).
“Our first priority is meeting the initial needs for all the frontline workers and businesses that are helping those who really need it,” said Ebel. “The response so far has been very humbling. Not only does it feel great to be doing something that can help people, but it keeps us busy and keeps a good portion of our staff working, which is important to us.”
SanTanitizer: Turning expired SanTan Brewing beer into medical grade hand sanitizer
SanTan Brewing Co. announced a partnership last week with Crescent Crown Distributing to recycle over 16,000 gal of draft beer that will not be delivered to Arizona bars and restaurants. The beer will instead be distilled to produce 400 gal of medical grade hand sanitizer. The majority of which will be donated to HonorHealth and the City of Chandler. The community will be able to purchase bottles of hand sanitizer when they order food from SanTan’s brewpubs for takeout, curbside pickup or delivery.
“SanTan beers are best served fresh, we insist on serving each beer within 90 days of brewing. So, this idea struck me as a great way to repurpose and give back to our Arizona community. We want to do our part to help flatten the curve, save lives and get Arizona back to work,” said Anthony Canecchia, founder + brewmaster at SanTan Brewing.
On Friday, April 3, Crescent Crown Distributing delivered SanTan’s beer back to its production facility. The majority of the beer repurposed is IPA style, so the SanTanitizer has a pleasant tropical hop aroma. Then, early this week the team at SanTan began distilling and kegging batches of sanitizer to get ready to deliver to HonorHealth.
“With local bars and restaurants closed to dine in business, we have an abundance of keg beer that is going past the “best before” date. Under normal circumstances at Crescent Crown we would simply destroy the out of date beer. However, once Anthony from SanTan found out about this process he asked us to send his beer back to him so that he could distill it and turn it into medical grade hand sanitizer,” said Joe Cotroneo, EVP general manager, Crescent Crown Distributing.
“Anthony never stops thinking of ways to innovate and make the world better, this is the perfect way to make less waste while helping out those in need.”
There’s a limited supply available right here.
Rogue Ales & Spirits makes hand sanitizer for first responders and other essential businesses
Rogue Ales & Spirits produced and packaged hand sanitizer at its distillery in Newport, Ore., to donate to local emergency response and public safety officials. Last we heard, Rogue had donated its “Helping Hand Hand Sanitizer” to fire departments from Newport, Toledo, Waldport, Yachats, Depoe Bay and Lincoln City, police services, county offices, local ambulance services and Life Flight. It is critical to keep those servicing the community safe and healthy so that they can protect the rest of the country during this public health crisis.
Rogue’s Helping Hand Hand Sanitizer is made with 80 percent ethanol, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide and distilled water and packaged in 375-ml, 4- oz and 16-oz bottles. The Food and Drug Administration changed their guidelines on March 18 to give distilleries permission to start making hand sanitizer for distribution as long as they were abiding by the formula outlined by the World Health Organization. This change allowed Rogue and distilleries around the country to make hand sanitizer because of the shortage.
“There’s a massive shortage of so many life-saving supplies right now and we wanted to do something to help,” added Brian Pribyl, head distiller of Rogue Ales & Spirits. “As a distillery, we make alcohol every day, so a hand sanitizer was an obvious way to help. It’s been amazing to watch the entire distilling community come together during this crisis. We can’t make gowns, gloves or medical equipment, but we can keep a steady supply of alcohol flowing. If we can supply a hand sanitizer to the front-line of this pandemic, even if that means one less thing they have to worry about sourcing, we’re calling that a win.”
“What’s really great about our hand sanitizer initiative is that it came about as an employee passion project and their dream became a reality thanks to a collaborative team effort,” added Jack Waibel, vice president of production at Rogue Ales & Spirits. “Since day one we have been dedicated to giving back to our community and are so honored to be able to step up and help in this time of need.”
Rogue’s Helping Hand Hand Sanitizer is currently available to first responders in Lincoln county, and last we heard Rogue was working to make it available throughout the nation to businesses and consumers to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Rebecca Creek Distillery donates 1,400 gal of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to first responders
Rebecca Creek Distillery has temporarily shifted its production of ultra-premium spirits, Rebecca Creek Whiskey, Enchanted Rock Vodka and Texas Ranger Whiskey, to alcohol-based hand cleaners to respond to the growing needs of first responders and essential employees. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA issued temporary production guidelines for the temporary manufacture of certain alcohol-based hand sanitizer products to respond to the national shortage.
For nearly a month, Rebecca Creek Distillery owners, Steven Ison, founder, and Steve Ryan, CFO, have worked closely with crisis management officials across Texas to donate more than 1400 gal of Love, Distilled, the company’s alcohol-based hand cleaner to first responders and essential employees, such as fire and police departments to cities including, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Corpus Christi, Arlington and San Antonio.
“We’re producing Love, Distilled to respond to the growing requests of first responders. Our hand cleaner is 80 percent ethanol alcohol by volume as required by the FDA under their temporary guidelines. We’ll continue to work closely with first responders and essential employees,” stated Ryan.
Rebecca Creek Distillery has always been committed to its customers with a history of donating more than one million dollars in monetary and in-kind support to local charities.
“We approach our social responsibility very seriously. In these times of a global pandemic, we are can help our first responders by producing and donating Love, Distilled, our alcohol-based hand cleaner. Our first responders do so much to protect and save lives every day, and now, we have a chance to help safeguard them,” stated Steve Ison.
Indy’s Three Rivers Distilling Co. produces sanitizer with cool label from CODO Design
From Three Rivers Distilling Co. website:
Our goal is to provide hand sanitizer to those most at-risk working in critical and essential service groups first and then anyone who asks. Such groups specifically include local first responders, hospitals, and care facilities. Please know that we are committed to finding the necessary ingredients and producing hand sanitizer as much as we can for as long as we can.
While this has been a challenging time for everyone in our community, we take solace in the fact that we are providing a valuable resource of hand sanitizer to our community. If you have the means to help support this mission, please consider giving to our GoFundMe page for us to purchase additional materials and ingredients.
…
It costs us $15 per gallon to make (not including labor or overhead). We have donated over 370 gallons in just five days and have been flooded with more requests. We are asking for donations (via GoFundMe) to help us to buy the products to make more hand sanitizer to donate to those in need. We have set a goal of raising $16,000, which will allow us to buy supplies for 4 batches of hand sanitizer (1,320 gallons). 100% of donations will go towards purchasing supplies to make and distribute hand sanitizer.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling uses alcohol to produce free hand sanitizer
The impact of COVID-19 is being felt around the world, including central Kentucky. As the local community works to combat the spread of coronavirus, hand sanitizer remains in high demand. In an effort to help supplement the shortage, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. used its own alcohol supply to produce hand sanitizer and provide it free of charge. The first batch of 200 bottles was delivered to city hall in Lexington in late March. Additional batches were being prepared for delivery last we heard.
“When my late husband, Pearse Lyons and I chose Lexington as home for our business and family, the community embraced us with open arms,” said Deirdre Lyons, Alltech cofounder and director of corporate image and design. “The efforts of our city and state leaders, numerous organizations and the people of Kentucky during this difficult time exhibit the collaborative spirit and endurance of our neighbors. We want to do our part to help those working on the frontlines to overcome this adversity and help our community emerge stronger than ever.”
The hand sanitizer comprises 80 percent alcohol, aloe vera gel and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, along with natural ingredients added for scent. The bottles are made with recyclable glass. Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. will continue to produce and distribute their hand sanitizer on a regular basis. They are working with city officials to identify organizations in need.
Implementing social distancing practices, a team member from Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. will deliver the hand sanitizer, with recipients notified ahead of time to coordinate the drop-off. Organizations in need of hand sanitizer can email [email protected] to submit their request.
“As the community rallies together amid the adversity caused by COVID-19, we want to do our part,” said Mark Coffman, master distiller at Town Branch Distillery. “In this small way, we are able to help our neighbors and support the ongoing effort to keep everyone safe and healthy.”
3 Daughters Brewing sanitizer production still underway
According to the 3 Daughters Brewing newsletter:
When COVID-19 and its associated ills began affecting our community, we immediately asked ourselves one question: What can we do to help? It was with the spirit of community and camaraderie that we turned the use of our brewing facilities, materials and expertise to the production of hand sanitizer at a time when cleanliness can be the difference between sickness and health, life and death. In barely more than a week, we’ve already been able to donate thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer to first responders, hospitals, front-line retailers, and our neighbors in St. Pete.
After exhausting the entire supply of materials we had on hand, we are now sourcing more so that we can continue offering it to those who need it most. And in the meantime, we are continuing to search for other avenues to help those around us.
In that same vein, we encourage everyone to take a similar approach; all of us have something — or many somethings — we can offer to those who need it, everything from emotional support or taking care of shopping for an at-risk neighbor or loved one, to providing meals, materials or financial support to those affected, or just doing our best to practice safe social distancing and staying home outside of necessary trips. We each have a means of contributing, and no action is too small, even if that action is simply accepting not to undertake any action at all.
In a time when distance must be maintained, we believe that we are still stronger together. Physical separation means little when measured against the unity of community and country. We’ll get through this as one people — but still 6 ft apart — and when we get to the other side, we’ll celebrate the same way we started: together.
Faber Distilling donates portion of hand sanitizer sales to first responders
Pennsylvania-based Faber Distilling Co. has shifted production of its high-quality vodkas, gin, and rum to the manufacture of hand sanitizer (Faber Hand Sanitizer). While many distillers have made similar adjustments, Faber has scaled the production of its hand sanitizer to supply consumers as well as medical professionals and first responders.
In addition to supporting first responders with hand sanitizer, 2 percent of each sale will go to support the First Responders Children’s Foundation mission of supporting first responders and their families.
Faber Hand Sanitizer is uniquely crafted using the recommended formulation provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is an 80 percent alcohol antiseptic hand sanitizer designed for topical use.
“So many people are having trouble securing sanitizer right now. We knew we could help by producing an abundant supply, despite disruptions in the supply chain,” said Ashleigh Baldwin, Faber’s spokesperson. “When people get their sanitizer from us, they are protecting themselves and supporting efforts to help those heroes on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Faber Hand Sanitizer has been purchased by companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Napa Auto Parts, and Fastenal. It is available for purchase in stores like Giant Eagle, Stew Leonard’s, McCaffrey’s Food Market, and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, and can be shipped directly to consumers in a variety of pack sizes. More online and brick-and-mortar locations will be announced soon.
“We are proud to help safeguard our customers’ health and wellbeing,” Baldwin continued. “We know that this is a trying time for everyone, and we’re committed to helping ease our communities’ anxieties.”
Faber Hand Sanitizer is available in the same one-liter bottles that the company has traditionally used to store the spirits that it has produced for more than 8 years. The hand sanitizer has less viscosity, allowing it to be utilized in spray bottles or with towels to help disinfect surfaces.
To obtain Faber Hand Sanitizer and support global health efforts, please visit https://www.fabersanitizer.com/
Founders partners with Long Road Distillers to create hand sanitizer
Founders Brewing Co. recently announced a partnership with Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids, Mich., to support the production of hand sanitizer — and to directly join the cause to prevent COVID-19. Founders will donate high ABV beer for distillation into neutral spirit, a primary ingredient for hand sanitizer that has become increasingly scarce.
In early March, Long Road Distillers transitioned their production from making spirits to hand sanitizer. They are making it as quickly as they can to meet growing demand in Michigan and are working with over 35 hospitals, nursing homes, grocers, logistics companies and social service agencies to keep their employees, residents and community safe.
Current production is at 100+ gallons of sanitizer per week and will grow significantly with donations of neutral spirit from Founders and other local suppliers. Hand sanitizer is available for purchase to the public in 2-oz bottles ($5 each), for pickup only from the distillery. Long Road Distillers is making a donation of $1 of each bottle sold to their employees, many of whom are not able to work during the current crisis. In addition, the distillery supplies ½ gallon refillable jugs for local healthcare workers, first responders, local hospitals and nursing homes.
Florida’s Big Storm Brewing produces hand sanitizer
Clearwater, Fla.-based Big Storm Brewing Co. is now manufacturing hand santizer (order it here).
“Our goal is to begin mass production of hand sanitizer to supply government agencies, hospitals, first responders and others,” said Big Storm Co-owner L.J. Govoni in the press release. “This is a win-win. It allows us to retain employees while manufacturing a critical resource during this incredibly difficult time.”
From the website:
In order to keep our employees working and provide for the community during these challenging times, we have started producing hand sanitizer at our main production facility in Clearwater, FL. Currently, we’re producing one gallon containers of our liquid spray hand sanitizer as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
San Diego’s Mike Hess Brewing is making sanitizer
A Facebooker just alerted us that San Diego-based Mike Hess Brewing Co. is also making hand sanitizer. Order Mike’s Mist right here.
Urban South Brewery pivots from beer to hand sanitizer amid nationwide shortage
Urban South Brewery, the largest craft brewery in New Orleans, recently won a bid to produce 50,000 8-oz bottles of hand sanitizer for the State of Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Through extensive research and outreach, Urban South was able to identify and partner with other Louisiana manufacturers to secure the raw materials necessary to take on this project. Orders for hand sanitizer have exceeded 120,000 bottles from local hospitals, grocery stores, nursing homes and other small businesses.
“In such unfamiliar and challenging times, it’s important for us to support other businesses impacted by this crisis and support our community in a time of need,” said Jacob Landry, founder of Urban South Brewery. “This is a unique opportunity to keep our team employed and working while meeting a critical need in the community that has supported us for the last four years.”
Urban South employees will use their beer production and packaging skills to instead bottle hand sanitizer amid the nationwide shortage. Both front of house and back of house employees will remain fully employed due to this new pivot. Businesses or healthcare agencies interested in placing wholesale orders for hand sanitizer can contact the brewery at [email protected].
To serve the community in a responsible manner during city-wide closures of bars and restaurants, Urban South Brewery is open for to-go beer sales only until further notice. Fans can place orders online and pick up beer at the Tchoupitoulas Street taproom from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. To learn more about Urban South Brewery, visit https://urbansouthbrewery.com/.
Blake’s Hard Cider begins producing hand sanitizer for healthcare facilities and the general public
To help with the current demand and need, Armada-based Blake’s Hard Cider will supply liquid hand sanitizer anywhere in the State of Michigan. The distillery will manufacture and distribute gallon-size hand sanitizer for hospitals and large businesses and in 8-oz spray bottle-size available for purchase for the public and free for first responders.
“We consider ourselves fortunate to be in the position to expand our production capabilities to manufacture and supply hand sanitizer that meets World Health Organization standards to front line healthcare workers and the public,” said Andrew Blake, owner and founder, Blake’s Hard Cider and president of Blake Family Companies. “Now, more than ever, we must find ways to support and look out for each other and Blake’s is proud and committed to doing our part.”
They are available at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (17985 Armada Center Rd in Armada). Eight-ounce spray hand sanitizers are available for curbside pickup, sold for $6.99 each, limit two per vehicle and free to first responders with valid identification. (Price is subject to change based on the cost of materials.) Gallon size hand sanitizer will be offered only to healthcare facilities and businesses for $30 and can be shipped throughout Michigan. For inquiries and orders, email [email protected].
In addition to providing hand sanitizer, family-owned and operated Blake’s Farm & Cider Mill has initiated several measures to support the community. To assist students who rely on and are now without free or reduced meal programs at school, children aged 18 and under can receive free bagged lunch (hotdog, a bag of chips and a drink) daily between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., one per person.
Blake’s is also collecting medical supplies (masks, gowns, gloves, disinfectant) accepted in a sealed zip lock or garbage bags at the drive-through during business hours to be delivered to area hospitals. In exchange for support, donors will receive a free cup of Blake’s sweet cider and a donut. Customers can use Blake’s carry out and drive-through service seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. for cider, donuts, jams, bakery and other select grocery items. Visit www.blakefarms.com or Facebook.com/BlakeFarmsArmada for more information.
Atwater Brewery ramps up hand sanitizer production
Atwater Brewery is now producing up to 2,500 gallons of hand sanitizer weekly and will automate its bottle filling line to accelerate production further.
“Right now, demand is outpacing supply and we can’t get close to filling all the orders. Hospitals and first responders are our top priority,” said Mark Rieth, Atwater Brewery owner. “We’re thrilled to be part of Detroit’s ‘Arsenal of Health’ and help residents and front line workers stay safe.”
In addition to customer direct sales, Atwater has donated sanitizer product to area hospitals, shelters, nursing homes and essential businesses including; DMC, Harper Hospital, Beaumont, St John’s, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Forgotten Harvest, Martha T. Berry Elder and others. Atwater is also making weekly deliveries to all 12 Detroit Police Precincts and many fire stations.
When Michigan’s need for hand sanitizer became clear, Atwater was able to transition its distillery production in just 48 hours. Costs have been kept to a minimum to cover expenses and maintain necessary employees for production ($25 per gallon, $200 for a case of 54 four-ounce bottles, or $4 for an individual four once bottle). Atwater is using local Detroit companies to source key items.
Atwater’s Tropical Hand Sanitizer follows FDA guidelines and uses 80% ethyl alcohol and glycerol, which is particularly hard to procure.
“We’re aggressively ramping production to meet needs during this crisis and, in fact, are planning to continue hand sanitizer production for the longer term. This is what Detroit is all about. It’s about giving back and helping neighbors in need,” said Rieth.
Ordering is available via [email protected].
California’s Heretic Brewing creates and sells hand sanitizer
This week, Heretic Brewing Co. in Fairfield, Calif., launched Germ Juice, a hand sanitizer made from 80 percent ethanol and food-grade ingredients. Last we heard, the bottles of Germ Juice were currently sold out and the brewery was prioritizing the distribution of the sanitizer to local first responders, hospitals and nursing homes.
New Belgium Brewing and Denver distillers Leopold Bros join the sanitizer ranks
From New Belgium Brewing Co.’s LinkedIn page:
When our friends at Leopold Brothers reached out with a special project in mind, we knew we wanted to be involved. They have produced their first batch of hand sanitizer to send to professionals working tirelessly on the front lines. This was an amazing opportunity for Colorado companies to come together in support of our local community. Thank you to Todd Leopold, the Leopold family and all the partners who worked quickly on this project. And a huge thank you to all those continuing to help keep us safe. #forceforgood
Production: Leopold Brothers
Co-Packing: Motherlode Provisions
Label Design: Consume & Create™
Label Printing: Blair Labeling
Shipping: R+L Carriers
Beer: New Belgium Brewing
Rogue Ales & Spirits says
@BigStormBrewing @LongRoadGR @foundersbrewing @TwoBrothersBeer @SanTanBrewing @RogueSpirits… https://t.co/7PHhTdDkdK
Bruce Farmer says
Add https://www.facebook.com/MikeHessBrewingCoNorthPark/
to your list!
Craft Brewing Business says
Added