Even before the Federal Government gave them the green light, several Pennsylvania distillers were moving from spirits production to making hand sanitizer, a suddenly in demand product that even hospitals are openly requesting.
Among the first was Lehigh Valley’s Eight Oaks Distilery. The switch has even been documented by the Associated Press and Popular Mechanics.
Pittsburgh’s Maggie’s Farm Rum Distillery has also been vocally documenting their move to manufacture hand sanitizer and just delivered seventy gallons to Pittsburgh Public Safety which includes police, fire and EMS workers.
Most of the distilleries mentioned below are basing their recipes on World Health Organization’s guidelines. And although producing the high proof alcohol is within the reach of most distillers, securing the other ingredients and containers have been issues for several.
Here is a list of Pennsylvania distilleries producing hand sanitizer (and surface disinfectant) and here’s how an organization or in some cases the public can get it:
Updated, 3/30/2020
- Bluebird Distilling (Phoenixville)- Production is underway and they’ve posted in their Instagram story that local hospitals have already picked up batches.
- Boardroom Spirits (Lansdale) – They are giving away sanitizer free of charge to anyone in need. Four-ounces per person is being offered between 12 pm and 6 pm. Bring your own container. And if greater quantities are needed, reach out via email.
- Boyd and Blair (Pittsburgh) – Working exclusively with state and local government to make sure their sanitizer gets where it is needed most. They do not plan to sell any to the public.
- Cart/Horse Distilling (Erie)-The distillery is has its first batch packaged and a second round is targeted for the end of the week.
- County Seat Spirirts (Allentown) – Already on to round two, they’re making sure it gets in the hands of healthcare pros first but expect to have some available at both their locations.
- Crostwater Distillery (Lewisberry) – Crostwater is awaiting supplies for sanitizer and surface disinfectant. Once the supplies arrive, they’ll focus on donating to medical facilities and first responders but expect to offer some for sale to the public.
- Dead Lightning Distillery (New Cumberland) – It is a bring-your-own-container situation at this New Cumberland Distillery. According to Penn Live, they gave away 5 gallons worth on Saturday, March 21st.
- Eight Oaks Distillery (New Tripoli ) – Not taking new orders from new individuals or organizations at this time. They are looking for donations to support the endeavor.
- Hewn Spirits (Pipersville) – Hewn is offering a buy-one-give-one option where you can pay for a bottle of sanitizer that will be given to first responders and medical caregivers. Sanitizer is available for pickup or by mail.
- Lake House Distilling (Waynesboro) – A limited amount of hand sanitizer has been made available. Check that supplies remain.
- Lang Beverages (Nanticoke) – The first round of hand sanitizer has sold out. Be on the lookout for the next batch.
- Liberty Pole Spirits (Washington) – Began production on March 24 for local first responders, getting some help from Maggie’s Farm along the way.
- Lucky Sign Spirits (Reserve Twp) – The brand new Pittsburgh area distillery reached its GoFundMe goal to make hand sanitizer. Batches 2, 3 and 4 are done and being bottled.
- Maggie’s Farm Rum (PIttsburgh) – Donated first run to Pittsburgh Public Safety. More to come.
- Mason Dixon Distillery () – They’ve taken apart their still and have added some pieces to get it running to the best of its ability when it comes to making hand sanitizer. Look for the results to be coming soon.
- Midstate Distillery (Harrisburg) – The distillery is making the switch to sanitizer production with seven-day a week production. Cheers to that.
- Red Pump Spirits (Washington, PA) – The distillery is making its runs of sanitizer available to Washington, PA first responders.
- Revivalist Spirits (Elverson) – The Chester County farm distiller is donating hand sanitizer it makes to local first responder.
- Silverback Distillery (Stroudsburg) – The distillery has a form on its website for organizations seeking donations. Additionally, they are soliciting donations to offset the costs.
- Social Still (Bethlehem) – This week’s run is for health care employees. Look for details on public availability next week.
- Stateside Vodka (Philadelphia) – Skeleton crew is still working and offering 32-ounce 70% alcohol surface disinfectant to people who visit the Fishtown distillery.
- Tattered Flag Brewery and Still Works (Middletown) – The distillery is offering sanitizer for sale curbside and has an online form for local businesses in need.
- Thistle Finch Distillery (Lancaster) – The distillery isn’t making hand sanitizer but does have a 70% alcohol surface disinfectant spray. Interested organizations should follow the directions the distillery posted on Facebook.
- Triple Sun Spirits (Emmaus, PA) – In the process of converting the facility over to manufacture sanitizers and cleaners to assist the most vulnerable groups in the communities they serve.
- Wigle Whiskey (Pittsburgh) – All sanitizer produced is being donated to Pittsburgh’s Office of Public Safety. Due to capacity and demand, Wigle is not offering sanitizer to any other organizations or individuals.
- Xplorer Spirits (Allentown) – Hand sanitizer is now available. Message them on Facebook to reserve your own.
Photograph: Pittsburgh Public Health bottling hand sanitizer manufactured by Maggie’s Farm (Twitter)