Commonwealth Agri-Energy began selling several 270-gallon totes of 200-proof alcohol to local craft distillers last month. Demand has grown to the point they are now loading 8,000- gallon tanker trucks daily to serve packagers across the Southeast.
Mick Henderson, general manager of Commonwealth Agri-Energy in Hopkinsville, knew there might be an opportunity to sell a higher-purity alcohol product when they expanded a few years ago.
CAE’s forethought to make the equipment upgrades have allowed the ethanol plant to supply several local craft distilleries with 200-proof alcohol that can be used to make hand sanitizers. Not only has COVID-19 created a needed market as ethanol prices have plummeted, but distillery employees who are packaging the hand sanitizers are back to work.
“We are getting several calls a day from new buyers,” Henderson said. “At first we were supplying craft distillers in this area and in Nashville, but interest has extended north to Cincinnati and throughout the Southeast.”
While Henderson said he is glad CAE can fill this emergency need, he hopes supplying the healthcare industry will become part of their regular business. Those interested should contact Henderson at 270-475-4415 or mhenderson@kyethanol.com.