Local Distilleries Step Up to Address COVID-19 Needs

Local distilleries have started mixing up a different kind of alcoholic product in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Burlock & Barrel Distillery in Brooklyn and Manifest Distilling in the sports district have each begun utilizing their alcohol supply to produce small containers of hand sanitizer, in hopes of aiding those unable to find the product right now due to mass purchasing related to COVID-19.

Burlock & Barrel is selling its “Cheer Up Butter Cup” scented Burlock and Sterile hand sanitizer in 4-ounce bottles for $5 each during its limited hours of 2:00 to 7:00 PM. They’ve already sold out of their first batch but are working on another round for distribution next week.

Manifest Distilling, meanwhile, is producing 2-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer for distribution to local hospitals and other businesses deemed essential during the pandemic. They’re encouraging any businesses in need of sanitizer to get in touch with them for arrangement of a delivery. If they end up producing more than businesses need, they’ll begin public sales of their bottles as well.

Additionally, Manifest is participating in Help Local Thrive Again, a campaign from Corner Lot Development Group and Lifestyle Marketing aimed at helping local businesses stay afloat during the economic fallout from COVID-19 restrictions.

Normally, distilleries would need a separate permit to be able to produce hand sanitizer. But given the ongoing need for sanitizer, the FDA has significantly cut back on its regulations for producing the product. (They do still require a formulation of 80% alcohol, 1.45% glycerin, 0.125% hydrogen peroxide, and sterilized water with no additional ingredients.)

As a result, distilleries and breweries across the country have rushed to begin making the high-demand product.

Burlock & Barrel and Manifest have led the way locally in producing a much-needed product for those who can’t otherwise find it. National brand Bacardi’s plant in North Jacksonville is also planning to produce tens of thousands of ounces of hand sanitizer to deliver to local hospitals.

And of course, both Burlock & Barrel and Manifest still have plenty of alcohol for drinking available as well.