During a time of crisis there are many things that need to happen, communication is key, community is essential and coming together with our skills to combat the crisis is imperitive. For most of us, that means going about our work keeping the economy in motion and providing services to those greatly affected by the current climate. For some, who's work could be transferrable, theres a choice to make whatever changes necessary to produce much needed goods to our frontline staff. Thats exactly what these distilleries did. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prvention (CDC) it's best to have a minimum of 60% alcohol for santitation to kill germs. Distilleries routinely make distillate from 60-80% for whiskey, even higher sometimes, so there is an obvious path there for them to produce sanitary products.
Below you will find all the distilleries that have joined the cause and a link to their shop if you would like to support them by buying their products!
Owners of Jameson, Midleton, Cork Dry Gin, Absolut, The Spot Whiskies, RedBreast and Powers. They joined the cause very early and have said they will be able to deliver 'large scale quantities' of sanitisers to hospitals and health care professionals.
Down in Cork, Clonakilty, a fairly new distillery, announced an inital batch of 5,000 bottles offered for free to local charities and the rest at cost price to the local community
Based in Leitrim, just months after releasing their first whiskey, Drumshanbo (you might have heard of their gin!) The Shed Distillery has committed to supplying alcohol to Ovelle Pharmaceuticals, which will produce 12.5k bottles of hand sanitiser gel!
In Connemara, Galway, Micil Distillery has taken the call to action to the next level, stopping the production of Micil family poitin for the first time in 170 years. Pádrai ó Griallais says they will provide Micil Hand Sanitiser to essential business that are still open to the public.
From Co.Louth, Listoke Distillery have been hard at work having 10 staff on 10 hour shifts to produce sanitiser for the public. They have already supplied Dublin Fire Brigade with hand sanitiser and are currently selling 250ml bottles for €6 to cover their costs.
Up to Co.Down now, where the smallest distillery in Ireland, Killowen Distillery have joined the fight against COVID-19 with their WHO Forumulae. Their bottles are dwinding but if you have a request for drums/bottles the organisation rep or local manager should contact info@killowendistillery.com
Dingle in Kerry are known for their good views, great whiskey and gin and now hand sanitisers?? They have been authorised as a biocide producer in Ireland as of the 24th of March and have begun preparing and packaging their hand sanitisers for distribution.
In Sligo, Lough Gill have partnered with The White Hag to produce pure alcohol for hand santisers. Great to see the collaboration
Run by John Teeling, Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk, Louth have begun producing hand sanitiser for suppliers all over the country.
Up in Co Down, Eclinville Distillery have been producing hand sanitiser and need 800-1L spray nozzle bottles. If you have bottles or are in need of hand sanitiser from them contact info@eclinville.com
Tullamore, Offaly William Grants have pledged 5 million liters of ethanol to be supplied by Tullamore and the Grants Distilleries to a range of hand sanitiser manufacturers worldwide!
In Ballina, Mayo, Connacht Whiskey Company have been producing hand sanitiser using the WHO formulae. They are selling in the distillery 4 for €20 or €5 for one. 250ml bottles.
Also in Co Down, just up the road from Eclinville, Copeland Distillery have been busy making hand sanitiser. They thought they would be making 500 liters of hand sanitiser total but bottled 3,000 liters as of the 26th of March to support the health service, key utilities, charities and the local community. Great stuff!
In Waterford, keeping a humble low profile, Blackwater Distillery have been producing a ton of sanitation material going directly to frontline staff. They also produce some great Gin too, if you like your Barrys tea, their Barrys tea gin is for you !
In Kilkenny, also sticking to a humble low profile, Ballykeefe Distillery have been producing hand-sanitizer @ 70% ABV in 500ml bottles. They have a plethora of premium products and are releasing their first whiskey in 153 days!
In Cork, beside Clonakilty Distillery, Castlefreke Distillery have been producing hand sanitiser and being sold in local stores for €7.50 for 185ml @ 82% ABV. These peeps are brand new, no online presence, or products to buy that I can see. Will have to keep an eye on them.
Based in Monaghan, Old Carrick Mill Distillery have begun producing 65% ABV Hand sanitiser for nursing homes and front line staff. If you are either you can contact them at sd@oldcarrickmill.ie .