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Texas alcohol distilleries making hand sanitizer for first responders and healthcare workers

Tito’s Vodka and Rebecca Creek are working with state and local agencies to get their hand sanitizers to those on the frontline.

HOUSTON — Here’s some good news that deserves a toast.

Several Texas-based distilleries have shifted premium alcohol production to craft alcohol-based hand cleaners in response to national shortages due to the coronavirus crisis.

It's a big change considering alcoholic beverages like whiskey or vodka usually contain about 40% alcohol, and according to the CDC, hand sanitizer must be 60% alcohol based to be effective. These distilleries had been working to create a product that meets that requirement. 

For weeks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant solution have been in high demand as people try to protect themselves.There’s a special need for those working the frontline like first-responders, healthcare workers and other critical personnel.

Whitmeyer's Distilling Co.

Houston-based Whitmeyer's Distilling Co. is on the list of alcohol manufactures who are handing out free bottle of their hand sanitizer. 

It's limited to one bottle per household, but those interested can pick up a bottle from the brand's tasting room. Distribution hours are posted to their website, as well as special instructions you will need to follow when you arrive in order to maintain social distancing practices. 

If you're an organization in need of bulk quantities, contact kelser@whitmeyers.com for ordering information. 

Rebecca Creek Distillery

Rebecca Creek Distillery in San Antonio has donated 50 gallons of Love, Distilled to the Houston Police Department. The company said it’s working closely with crisis management officials from various state and local agencies to distribute the alcohol-based hand cleansers throughout the state.

“We have a large customer base in Houston, and we want them to know that we grateful for their support to our brands over the years. In these times of a global pandemic, we can help our local first responders by producing and donating Love, Distilled, our alcohol-based hand cleaner,” Founder and Owner Steve Ison of Rebecca Creek Distillery said.

Rebecca Creek Distillery officials have more plans to aid the Houston community with future donations to local emergency crisis management teams, according to a press release.

Tito's Vodka

Meanwhile, Tito’s Vodka in Austin is ramping up production of its hand sanitizer.

They plan to make 24 tons of the product over the next few weeks and will continue to make more if needed, according to the company website.

They are focused on distributing their hand sanitizer to first responders, healthcare workers and managed care facilities such as nursing homes.

If you work in these fields or are considered critical personnel, you can request Tito’s hand sanitizer through using this form.

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