As KBS works to keep employees safe and essential operations running during the COVID-19 pandemic, we found an unlikely business partnership with Reservoir Distillery. Reservoir, located just five miles from KBS’s Richmond headquarters, is one of many distillers stepping up in the fight against the virus, using their alcohol supply to produce hand sanitizer.
When hand sanitizer supplies quickly depleted during the COVID-19 crisis, KBS sought to find a supplier to provide sanitizer to workers at essential construction jobsites. As news traveled about local distilleries shifting production from spirits to sanitizer, KBS contacted Reservoir about purchasing a large supply.
“We are happy to be able to support essential businesses during this unprecedented time,” says Jay Carpenter, co-founder of Reservoir Distillery. “Reservoir will continue to make hand sanitizer as long as resources are available, and the need is there within our community.”
“We’re grateful that Reservoir can help us with supplies and that we can support a local small business in an unconventional way. It’s a win-win situation for both of us,” said John Gillenwater, vice president of business development for KBS.
Though most distillers have no prior experience in making hand sanitizers, it is a product that spirits businesses are in a unique position to make, given their production process. The Centers for Disease Control recommends hand sanitizers have at least 60 percent alcohol content to be effective. Using a formula provided by The World Health Organization, Reservoir and other distilleries are mixing alcohol with purified water and hydrogen peroxide.
Reservoir Distillery is offering free 10-ounce bottle fills of hand sanitizer for individuals and bulk purchases for businesses. Visit their website for more information.
