WACO, Texas — Balcones Distilling has been in Waco for 12 years, but they never imagined they would make the switch from making whiskey to sanitizer.
Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan Rogers said they're still producing whiskey, just no as much as before.
"We view it as it's our responsibility. We have this equipment, we have this capability, and we know how to go produce this stuff so let's get this sanitizer going," Rogers said.
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They had to get creative and figure out a way to make enough sanitizer for first responders in Waco.
"To make sanitizer requires a lot of other ingredients that we don't typically use like glycerin or hydrogen peroxide," Rogers said.
After they got all the material needed, it took them several weeks to figure it out. They have donated 300 gallons so far, but now they'll be making 1,000 gallons each week.
Rogers said they've already gotten requests from other cities in Central Texas as well as across the state and the country.
"We wish we had enough for everybody, but we are really prioritizing getting it to city and state and local officials," Rogers said.
Although their sales have been impacted, Rogers said they plan on producing as much sanitizer as fast as they can for as long as possible. They will donate all of it to those working on the front lines.
"Those are the people that are the heroes and we want to give them what they need to keep them safe," Rogers said.
In the next few weeks, Rogers said they hope to roll out sanitizer bottles for the general public.
You can find more info on the sanitizer production and Balcones Distilling on their website.
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