Rhode Island Distillers Brew a Handy Product

By late March, inspired by news of distilleries across the country, five local establishments had received the necessary go-aheads from regional and federal agencies to adapt their operations to making hand sanitizer with the proper percentage of alcohol required to kill germs (over 60%). Sons of Liberty Spirits Company chose one of the two approved World Health Organization formulas, using high-proof alcohol (used in crafting their vodka), glycerin, hydrogen peroxide and water. “We hit the ground running,” says Marketing Director Bryan Ricard. They first did giveaways, including 1,100 gallons to first responders, followed by brisk sales to health care facilities. Industrious Spirits in Providence was just opening for business when the shutdown began. They quickly pivoted to address the need for hand sanitizer and more recently joined up with the Knock It Off campaign (see Notable above). Included with the sanitizer brigade are White Dog Distillers, South County Distillers (recently launched by Grey Sail Brewing) and Newport Craft Distilling Co. Call ahead for availability.

Find local hand sanitizer at: ISCOSpirits.com; NewportCraft.com; SOLSpirits.com; SouthCountyDistillers.com, WhiteDogDistilling.com.