Dudley gin distillery’s tonic for key workers during crisis
A Dudley-based gin distillery has found a new way to help people during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr. Eamer's Emporium in Brierley Hill is an family-run, award-winning distillery which has operated a bar on the Waterfront and a distillery in Dudley since 2017.
The social distancing restrictions put in place by the government in response to the coronavirus pandemic had forced the bar to close.
However the distillery had already found other ways to keep in business and help people.
Owner Jordan Lunn said: "At the beginning of March, we started producing a hand sanitiser to give away to our customers while we were still open.
"When the government restrictions came into place and we had to close the bar, we started to mass produce the sanitiser.
"We're still a distillery and we still produce and deliver our gin, but the production of the sanitiser has grown, so we now provide for NHS staff, key workers and for general sale on our website."
Jordan said the inspiration came from noticing that some of the by-products of distillation could be used to make sanitiser, so began researching the correct method for making it.
He then asked his wife Lorna, who has a background in microbiology and chemistry, to find the correct formula and after checking the World Health Organisation's recommendation for sanitiser, began creating it.
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Jordan said the sanitiser had helped the company to stay afloat in the current climate as, although they were not supplying bars at present, they were selling enough sanitiser to help them adapt.
He said: "The key thing for us has been to be able to diversify in this crisis and the skills that I have and my wife have helped us to adapt the changing circumstances.
"You've got to find a method that utilises your general knowledge and it's good to be able to produce something which helps people and helps save some lives at the same time."
The hand sanitiser is available to purchase on the Dr. Eamer website, with a 20 per cent discount available for NHS staff and key workers.
To find out more, visit dreamersemporium.co.uk
