Hand sanitizer is one of those hard-to-find items as people hunker down to stop the spread of COVID-19. Two local distilleries are working to produce it for their neighbors.
On paper, hand sanitizer is pretty easy to make. The trouble is that the ingredients for it have become almost as scarce as the commercially-prepared stuff itself. But one certain industry has plenty of alcohol and is taking up the project to help out their local communities: distilleries.
Courtesy of Twin Valley Distillers
Montgomery County-based Twin Valley Distillers has already started bottling and selling their lemongrass-scented hand sanitizer in front of their building. In a recent interview, they had this to say about their new venture:
"The federal government said the application typically takes three weeks for approval. We got approval in two days," noted Jonathan Shair, General Manager and Head of Production for Twin Valley Distillers.
Twin Valley Distillers is located at 1029 East Gude Drive in Rockville, Maryland. Just look for their tent and be prepared to pay $4 for a four-ounce bottle and $6.50 for an eight-ounce bottle. There is a limit of two bottles per person, to make sure no one is hoarding or reselling the product. They tend to sell out each batch, so check their Twitter account, Facebook page, or call before you head out.
In Virginia, Falls Church Distillers is on track to start selling their hand sanitizer this Friday (5–9 p.m.) and Saturday (12–5 p.m.). They are located at 442 S. Washington St. A in Falls Church, Virginia. Bring your own container; you can buy up to a gallon of the hand sanitizer while supplies last! All sales will be made through credit card or debit card transactions.
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Courtesy of Falls Church Distillers
In addition to the coveted hand sanitizer, you can also support these distilleries by buying some of their artisanal spirits. Falls Church Distillers has a whole line of whiskey, gin, fruit brandy, and vodka. Twin Valley Distillers has whiskey, bourbon, rum, and a luscious-looking limoncello. Two birds, one stone, amirite?
Drop us a line in the comments and let us know if you get some of this locally-produced hand sanitizer!
