CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Everyone seems to be searching high and low for ways to protect themselves from coronavirus (COVID-19). For almost a week, hand sanitizer has been in big demand and short supply.
Old Glory Distilling Company in Clarksville is taking on this problem by switching from their usual process of making alcoholic spirits to distilling hand sanitizer. Matt Cunningham, Founder of Old Glory invited Clarksvillenow.com for a tour to learn more about their plans.
Traditionally, Old Glory makes a barrel of whiskey a day, but they have received permission from the FDA to make hand sanitizer. They have now started producing the 96 percent ethanol for hand sanitizer, which will be made available for free.
According to Cunningham, it’s going to take about a week before the product comes out of the still and another week to be bottled and ready for distribution. He also thanked one of their suppliers, Long Vue Farms who is supplying the corn for the distilling process.
After their story went viral, Old Glory received requests from all over the country, primarily from first responders and other emergency personnel, for the sanitizer. They are working on plans for the best way to distribute the sanitizer which Cunningham emphasizing includes prioritizing the local community.
Cunningham made an appeal to other companies for support in their efforts. “We can make plenty of the liquid, making the liquid is not the issue. For us, it’s going to be packaging it up in these plastic spray bottles,” Cunningham said.
Old Glory is looking for help to find the plastic bottles to hold the sanitizer which will be distributed at no charge.
“During a time like this it’s important that everybody comes together and being that we have the ability to do this, there was no question when we got the approval to do it,” said Cunningham.