Las Cruces distillery now making hand sanitizer

Dry Point Distillers is known for serving up fine spirits and cocktails to the Mesilla Valley and beyond. But during the COVID-19 crisis, the boutique distillery at 1680 Calle de Alvarez has switched gears and is serving up hand sanitizer.

Dry Point Distillers owner Chris Schaefer said he is using what supplies he has on-hand and is trying to order more.

“It’s been a way to keep our staff working a little bit longer,” he said.

They have so far produced 450 4-oz bottles of hand sanitizer available at less than $5 per bottle, and 100 8-oz bottles. Several two-gallon bottles were donated to City of Las Cruces agencies, like the Fire Department, and to the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.

“Producing hand sanitizer is usually a more difficult process, but we got the go ahead on the formula approved by the World Health Organization to help us convert quicker,” he said.

Schaefer said that he only has periodic hours of operation to sell package bottles and hand sanitizer while supplies last.

“Due to the ever-changing nature of the shutdown please call us at 575-652-3414 to make sure someone is here to get you a bottle,” he said.

“This is a great example of a community champion at work,” said South Central Solid Waste Authority Director Patrick Peck,. “The SCSWA is happy to applaud this type of effort. This is a local business working with what they have on hand to meet current needs. If other businesses can be innovative like this, they may also be able to sustain themselves through the COVID-19 crisis.”

South Central Solid Waste Authority manages solid waste, recyclables, and works to stop illegal dumping for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at 575-528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.