LI Distillery Changing Production From Spirits To Sanitizer

PATCHOGUE, NY — A Patchogue distillery went from making spirits to making sanitizer to adjust during the coronavirus pandemic. The Better Man Distilling Co. on River Avenue announced that in changing with the "new normal" it have recently officially transitioned 100 percent of their production to sanitizer. According to Abby Gruppuso, Head of Operations, the Food and Drug Administration and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau have been working to allow distilleries to make sanitizer in light of the shortage.

"We are making it according to the formula provided by the FDA and WHO, with our in-house chemist, Giulia Hamacher guiding us in the process," she told Patch. "Head Distiller, Peter Cornillie, and I are working hard to distill the ethanol, which is similar to how we make vodka and gin, but less fussy because in this case it doesn't matter how it tastes."

Gruppuso predicts the distillery is expected to make a total of 800 bottles ready to go by the end of this week. The business is making large, 32 oz bottles of the sanitizer and plan on having much more by next week. Due to high demand, Better Man is unable to sell to individual consumers, but hope to sell to first responders soon. Gruppuso says that the priority is selling to local fire departments, ambulance companies, doctor's offices and such. However, the company are taking requests from any and all companies and organizations that are in need.

"We are so grateful to have this alternative opportunity to support our small business in this challenging time, and we're proud to be able to support our local community and keep our friends and neighbors safe," Gruppuso said.