That's The Spirit: Litchfield Distillery Gets Into The Hand Sanitizer Business

It’s almost breathtaking how quickly and ingeniously services have been cropping up in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. We may not have a vaccine for the virus yet, but each college-student delivery service or therapy-by-Skype business we see is the shot in the arm we need right now. With hand sanitizer almost next to impossible to find, we’re gratified that our local distilleries are stepping in to fill that void. The first we heard about was Litchfield Distillery, which is now producing a high-proof alcohol disinfecting spray. Even better, they're donating it to select local businesses and industries.

Located, as you might expect, in Litchfield, Conn., the distillery was founded in 2014 by brothers Jack and David Baker. With an emphasis on sourcing local ingredients and environmental stewardship, the distillery produces award-winning whiskeys, bourbons, gins and vodkas. Just two months ago the distillery, in only its fifth year of operation, was named small business of the year by the Waterbury (Conn.) Regional Chamber. Now, the company is using its uncommon skills for an uncommon purpose.

David Baker

“We’re producing this 130-proof alcohol spray in response to the evolving situation,” explained Jack Baker. “The Centers for Disease Control recommends 120-proof and above for sanitizing purposes. We don’t want to go any higher than 130-proof because it tends to dry out the skin on your hands.”

Baker emphasized that the distillery is not a drug or cosmetics company and so cannot make any claims about the disinfecting properties of the spray. “All we’re doing is making it available to those who need it to use as they see fit.”

The distillery began making this product on March 16 using alcohol distilled on site. At this point it is not available for purchase by consumers. But there’s a good reason for that.

“We’re prioritizing the health services industry, emergency services and vulnerable individuals,” said Baker. However, if a qualifying local business or individual is in need, they can reach out and request a donation.

Baker suggested that larger organizations (like fire departments and medical offices) bring their own bottles for a fill-up. “We're asking people to save spray bottles when they’re empty, too,” said Baker, citing a shortage of spray bottles and the difficulty the distillery has had in obtaining them. They will refill empty bottles.

As of this writing, the distillery is still open for business because we all need our spirits lifted, although tours have been suspended until further notice. There are regular updates on the distillery’s Facebook page.