Northern Michigan craft distilleries are producing hand sanitizer in response to shortages, as needs skyrocket due to the coronavirus.

Chad Munger, president and founder of Mammoth Distillery tells The Ticker that as of Tuesday night, the Food and Drug Administration issued new guidelines to all distilleries, now requiring an additive in the formula to make the sanitizer unpalatable. He adds that the formula is otherwise unchanged, and they are able to distribute any hand sanitizer product already produced under the previous guidelines. In adhering to new protocol going forward, he says, “all of us are now scrambling to get this ingredient, an industrial chemical.” He adds that his initial goal was to produce 2,000 gallons of hand sanitizer by week’s end, and has adjusted that to 250 gallons, with production due to ramp back up as he secures more of the new additive.

Here is the latest availability as of press time:

Mammoth Distillery
Bring one small container to fill for free at Mammoth Distillery’s Traverse City (221 Garland Suite D) or Bellaire (109 North Bridge Street) tasting rooms, Monday-Friday 3pm to 8pm and Saturday-Sunday noon to 5pm. Limit of five appropriately spaced people inside at a time. Munger and staff are also distributing sanitizer in larger vessels to medical facilities and nursing homes.

Northern Latitudes Distillery
Distiller Mark Moseler says he was only producing hand sanitizer for first responders initially, but is now also selling it to the public in 50ml bottles for $2, limit four per person. As of today he hopes to offer 4-ounce bottles, for $3 each, also limit four per person. He is producing hand sanitizer in gallon quantities for medical professionals, first responders, bank tellers and other essential workforce. Call 231-256-2700 to order for pick up at the distillery (112 East Philip Street (M-204) Lake Leelanau), Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm to 5pm.

Grand Traverse Distillery
All tasting rooms are closed, however the production facility (781 Industrial Circle, Traverse City), is open Monday-Friday 10am to 2pm for spirit sales and hand sanitizer. Sanitizer is available in 6-ounce bottles for $4, limit two per person. Or bring your own container for a maximum of 1 gallon, only as supplies last.

Traverse City Whiskey Co.
Teams are producing hand sanitizer for public sale at the stillhouse (201 East Fourteenth Street, Traverse City), and offering in bulk to accommodate health workers and first responders. Distiller Chris Fredrickson plans to have more product available to the public by week’s end; check back on the Facebook page for current hours and availability.

Iron Fish Distillery
Iron Fish’s tasting room is now closed to the public and the distillery is no longer providing hand sanitizer for individual home use. The production staff is working to supply organizations and individuals working in health, safety and critical services. Those who fall in these categories and require hand sanitizer can email info@ironfishdistillery.com.