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LOGAN SQUARE — Chicago Distilling Company, a small-batch distillery and bar on Logan Square’s Milwaukee Avenue, is now making hand sanitizer and is focused on getting the product, which has become scarce, to people who need it most during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Logan Square distillery at 2359 N. Milwaukee Ave. is currently taking online orders for 1-gallon jugs ($30), 2-gallon jugs ($60) and bulk orders. It expects to begin pickups early next week at the latest, according to Noelle DiPrizio, who runs the business with her husband, Jay.
Noelle DiPrizio, who is also the head of a local craft spirits guild, said the response has been “very overwhelming” so far.
“Everyone from first responders to post offices and hospitals [have] been reaching out and trying to get as much as anyone can produce at this point,” she said. “We’re trying to balance that and make sure the community gets some, too.”
Last week, officials loosened the regulations on distillers, allowing them to make hand sanitizer amid the coronavirus crisis.
The DiPrizios have the supplies to make 1,200 gallons on the first go-around, but will continue to make the product so long as the supplies are available and the demand is there. They’re using a recipe from the World Health Organization.
“It allows us to keep our employees busy and give back to the community as well,” Noelle DiPrizio said.
“As long as there’s a need for it, we’re happy to keep doing it.”
Chicago Distilling Company’s first batch, some 300 gallons, is already sold out. But more batches are coming. The process is not difficult, Noelle DiPrizio said. Once the supplies come in, all they have to do is mix the ingredients and bottle it.
Noelle DiPrizio said they’re working with large healthcare organizations to get the hand sanitizer to hospitals and nursing homes, but added that the product is also available to the general public, including neighbors who work at essential businesses.
“I think this is a really good way for smaller businesses to give back. Whether they’re donating it, or using it to keep their employees on hand, as opposed to having to furlough people. That’s an important part of this too is keeping people at work,” she said.
Those who order hand sanitizer from Chicago Distilling Company will be asked to pay in advance and pick up the product at a designated time. Noelle DiPrizio said her staffers will be loading products in peoples’ cars to avoid any contact.
Koval Distillery is also making its own hand sanitizer, but is only giving it to the medical community, retirement homes and those on the “front lines in this war against COVID-19.” The Ravenswood distillery is giving out its product for free thanks to a successful GoFundMe campaign.
To order hand sanitizer from Chicago Distilling Company, visit this page.
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