Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Cold Spring Hollow Distillery, co-owned by George Simmers, has stepped up to the plate to support the local community and frontline workers. While known for their exquisite spirits, the distillery has now expanded its resume to include a vital role – producing hand sanitizer. This collaboration with a WellSpan pharmacist has brought their expertise in distillation to the forefront, supplying hospitals with a much-needed resource during these challenging times. Read on to discover how this distillery, steeped in history and community spirit, has responded to the call with compassion and determination.
A Journey of Craftsmanship and Giving Back
George Simmers’ passion for distilling dates back to his days at Greencastle-Antrim Middle School. Over the years, he honed his craft, transitioning from brewing beer in the late 1980s to making wine in the 1990s. His lifelong dream culminated in the establishment of Cold Spring Hollow Distillery in 2019, making it the first licensed distillery in Franklin County since Prohibition.
Hand Sanitizer Production – A Response to Local Needs
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the distillery’s tasting room had to be closed for public safety. However, that didn’t deter their commitment to serving the community. As local hospital supplies of hand sanitizer dwindled, the distillery teamed up with WellSpan pharmacist Dr. Jarett Logsdon to fill the crucial gap.
Drawing from their distillation expertise, Cold Spring Hollow Distillery began producing hand sanitizer on March 21. Their 2.7-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer are now included with customers’ to-go purchases, while larger 5-gallon buckets are provided to WellSpan for hospital use.
A Time of Need – A Community United
George Simmers, who is also an IT specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), understands the importance of community support during challenging times. With the ability to produce hand sanitizer, the distillery takes pride in playing its part to meet the local demand.
Many distilleries across Pennsylvania have joined the cause, utilizing their spirits to create hand sanitizer in response to eased restrictions by the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration. Cold Spring Hollow Distillery used both ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol in their sanitizer production, following FDA guidelines to ensure efficacy and safety.
Distillation Expertise for a Greater Cause
In a heartwarming show of solidarity, the distillery has embraced the challenge of hand sanitizer production with the same dedication used for crafting their drinkable spirits. By adhering to the FDA formula and ensuring the necessary alcohol proof, they produce a high-quality product to protect frontline workers and the local community.
Cold Spring Hollow Distillery’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies the spirit of community and craftsmanship. From producing exceptional spirits to answering the call for hand sanitizer, George Simmers and his team have demonstrated their commitment to supporting the well-being of the community. As the distillery continues its journey, they remain dedicated to crafting quality products and serving as a beacon of hope during times of need.
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