A US distillery has temporarily converted its operation into a production line for the suddenly hard-to-find, alcohol-based disinfectant.
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery made the decision when the owner grew increasingly angry at the skyrocketing price of hand sanitiser and decided to do something about it. The distillery has already filled its first 20 bottles, a batch destined for charitable groups.
As word got out Eight Oaks began to hear from people and groups in need. The family-owned distillery has planned to dramatically boost production and distribute the bottles to further charities as well as selling them through its website for a price that the customer decides.
Other distilleries throughout the country have also decided to help fill the shortage of hand sanitiser.
Given the liquor industry's economic reliance on bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues this move goes beyond humanitarian kindness, it could be a great way for distilleries to see through the tumultuous economic climate brought about by coronavirus.
Perhaps New Zealand distilleries could take a look at what their US counterparts are doing, it could be beneficial to both the community and the distillers themselves.
