Telegraph photo by ADAM URQUHART Andy Harthcock, owner of Djinn Spirits in Nashua, works on producing a batch hand sanitizer Friday.

NASHUA – Hand sanitizer has become a hot commodity in recent days as some continue to panic buy cleaning products amidst growing COVID-19 concerns.

In recognizing the shortage, Andy Harthcock, owner of Djinn Spirits in Nashua, has started making his own and distributing it to people in the community free of charge. While in the spirits business, Harthcock has plenty of ethanol, which is simply alcohol used to make gin and other beverages. He began making sanitizer earlier this week. The finished product had to sit for a little while just to ensure any microbes that may have gotten in during the manufacturing process were killed. He released the sanitizer to the public on Wednesday.

“I’ll fill up to 8 ounces for a person for free,” Harthcock said.

This is being done on a bring-your-own-bottle basis, but Harthcock cautions people from bringing a water bottle to fill, because the sanitizer is a clear liquid, and at a glance it could be mistaken as water.

Given this additional task aside from normal alcohol operations, Djinn Spirits has actually increased its hours while many other area businesses have been reducing theirs. However, those interested in tasting their two gins, spiced honey liqueur and three whiskeys will not have in-house sampling as an option at this time. However, bottles are still available for purchase.

“I’ve increased the hours for this,” Harthcock said.

Normally, the distillery – located at 2 Townsend W STE 9 in Nashua – is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., but since there is an immediate need, Harthcock has opened his doors during the week.

Currently, there are not set hours for sanitizer distribution. Harthcock was open this week between those hours Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He said he will be open next week from noon – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and if the demand continues, he will keep opening the doors to let people come in. However, Djinn Spirits will close on Sunday.

“So far, I think I’ve done three, five gallon batches, so i’ve made about 15 gallons of this stuff so far,” Harthcock said.

He has since ordered some raw materials for a larger supply, especially since he is starting to get a number of requests for the sanitizer. This past week, he has been filing requests from Nashua first responders, including the Nashua Fire and Police departments. However, he did not limit either to the 8 ounces.

So far, he has been using his own funds to take on the additional task, but other people, particularly institutions, are beginning to reach out with requests saying they are happy to buy hand sanitizer in bulk. With more raw materials on the way, Harthcock said he could possibly start packaging sanitizer in quart-sized amounts to then be able to sell at a price that covers his cost while meeting their needs.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

——

EDITOR’S NOTE: This content is being provided for free as a public service to our community during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Telegraph at https://home.nashuatelegraph.com/clickshare/checkDelivery.do;jsessionid=40C089D96583CD7318C1C1D9317B6162.