Like many distilleries, Montpelier, Vt.-based Caledonia Spirits has had to temporarily shutter its on-site bar and retail stores in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the craft distillery is trying to do what it can to contribute to what is now a global fight against the spread of the disease. As a result, the craft distillery added a very different item to its production line: hand sanitizer. With the raw materials needed to make hand sanitizer, the distiller team has started producing hand sanitizer for local nonprofit organizations including the Vermont Foodbank.

To help fellow Vermonters, Caledonia Spirits plans to continue to make hand sanitizer for additional local organizations while its supplies last. To that end, the distillery’s team will be looking for more raw materials (glycerol and small bottles) so that it can keep the project going. If any businesses out there have large volumes of either, Caledonia Spirits is asking that they reach out at info@caledoniaspirits.com.

The distiller is continuing to produce its flagship spirits, Barr Hill Gin, Barr Hill Vodka and Tom Cat Gin, but says that could change if its overall business continues to struggle, like many others, during this time.

During this time of financial insecurity, the company also is continue to pay its staff wages along with benefits, it says.