Distilleries Who Are Now Making Hand Sanitizer

From giants like Anheuser Busch to independently owned Amass Spirits, a number of distilleries have recently pivoted to making hand sanitizers. Some are focused on manufacturing specifically for first responders and healthcare workers, and others are selling or giving directly to the public. 

If you’re running out of hand sanitizer and unable to find some at your local stores, consider picking up (or ordering) directly from a distillery. Many of them are offering it for free or free with purchase. Bonus points if that distillery is in a mountain town.

But first, some guidance

Hand sanitizer should be used only if you’re unable to wash your hands. Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still best. (New York Times has a satisfying video and some guidelines on technique.)

Why soap (and yes, any soap)? Because viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, are surrounded by a coating of proteins and fat. When viruses interact with soap, the fat coating is literally destroyed. But it takes 20 seconds to happen.

Ok, so what kind of hand sanitizer should you look for? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends alcohol-based sanitizers with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol.

And how should you use it? Yep, there’s a technique. Use enough product to fully coat hands, and rub your hands together vigorously—as though you were washing with soap and water. Rub until your hands feel dry, about 20 seconds.

Lastly, a quick PSA: Don’t hoard. We’re all in this together, and though we all need to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, let’s be sure to leave some supplies for everyone else—especially older adults and those who are immunocompromised. 

And now, the distilleries

When we started putting together this list, we wanted to give some extra love to distilleries in mountain towns. But as we started to research, we realized there are non-mountain town distilleries who should be mentioned as well.

Our criteria? Distilleries whose purchase policy or giveaway policy was clear, either through their website or social media. Note that the below list is subject to change. We’ve found the best way to stay up to date on their information is to check their social media, ideally their Instagram profiles.

Our list includes distilleries who have specific instructions on how to buy or support, so it is not inclusive of every single distillery across the U.S. If there’s a distillery you think we missed (and hey, we probably did), please give us a shout in the comments.

Without further ado, below is our list of distilleries who are now making hand sanitizers, including where and how you can buy them. 

Bonus list: Hand Sanitizers for First Responders and Healthcare Workers

As we did our research, we identified a number of distilleries who are either making hand sanitizers specifically for first responders and healthcare workers, or who are prioritizing them before the broader consumer market. Here is that list, including some guidance on how you can donate directly to the cause.

Thinking about how you can help your community and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic? Consider donating your ski goggles.