SE Valley Times

Arizona distilleries have started making hand sanitizer as part of a nationwide effort to turn alcohol into the product that has become high in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At least two distilleries in Arizona have joined the effort, Flying Leap of Elgin and Blue Clover of Scottsdale. Both distilleries are only temporarily dispersing hand sanitizer. It's likely others will do the same since the federal agency that regulates alcohol taxation has waived any regulatory fees and issues. The notice said the distilleries can make hand sanitizer "without having to obtain authorization first" for making the spirits. 

The waiver will be good through June 30, 2020. The agency will extend the wavier if it is necessary. 

Flying Leap's Mark Beres said he is using a batch of 96% pure alcohol to make hand sanitizer. 

“People can use this,” Beres said. “Rather than crawling all over each other at Costco.”

Changing to the production of hand sanitizer doesn't actually require a huge change in the distilling process. One step that won't be needed is diluting the alcohol, which is typically needed for making drinking alcohol. 

Blue Clover's Weston Holm said he still needs to understand hand sanitizer logistics while he waits for approval from the federal government. Holm said he also plans on donating some of his hand sanitizer. 

“It all came real fast to our doorstep,” Holm said. “The community needs it and it’s another way to survive as a business."

Holm plans on selling and donating his hand sanitizer. Beres plans on selling his, but hasn't decided on a price yet. He's ordered 200 empty eight ounce bottles and aloe vera gel. 

Beres usually uses his alcohol to make brandy with Ugani blanc grapes, but instead will be making his sanitizer from the grapes. 

“This is vintage,” Beres said.