The Spirit of Community: How Dixon’s Distilled Spirits is Making a DIFFERENCE

The on-going coronavirus pandemic has sent normalcy into a whirlwind, with usually-accessible hygiene products like hand sanitizer in short supply as the virus continues to spike the demand. As a result, some Canadian distilleries, like Guelph-based Dixon’s Distilled Spirits, have started producing hand sanitizers alongside their regular alcoholic drinks.

Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife team, JD and Vicky Dixon, with the help of Kevin (Chevy) Patterson, Dixon’s Distilled Spirits was the first craft distillery in Guelph, Ontario, locally famed for their high-quality spirits and sustainable distilling process.

KEEPING SPIRITS HIGH:

Despite the potential for high profits, Dixon’s Distilled Spirits has decided to donate hand sanitizers and disinfectants made at the facility to front-line healthcare workers.

Co-owner Vicky Dixon has worked parttime as a lab technician at Guelph General Hospital for 20 years. “I see the demand. I realize that if front-line workers don’t have it, the general public is probably screwed,” she told Reuters in March.

“We had the resources to adapt our business to incorporate the production of sanitizer and felt pulled to do what we can, with what we have, to help in a time of need.”

Now, Dixon’s is distributing across Guelph and surrounding areas, even as far as Toronto. They’ve made about 50,000 liters of sanitizer, and have donated 20,000 liters to local doctors’ offices, first responders, fire departments, police departments, and hospitals.

They also acknowledge how important community is, especially during times like these. The process of producing hand sanitizer in-house is not an easy one, and Dixon’s praises the community members in Guelph who have donated their time, resources, and support.

Producing hand sanitizer for the public was a lengthy process, with plenty of ups and downs. Dixon’s told us that finding the resources needed to bottle the sanitizer was often difficult, as a variety of bottles, caps, and jugs were needed. Amid coronavirus fears, they had to keep their team small to ensure everyone’s safety - which meant that scheduling production would often be difficult as well. Between the tireless efforts of the Dixon’s team and the support of the community, Dixon’s local sanitizer has been hugely successful and helpful in maintaining the safety of frontline workers and community members alike.

GRAIN TO BOTTLE, AND BACK TO FARM:

Dixon’s prides themselves on their remarkable grain-to-bottle-back-to-farm process. It starts with spirits fermented from locally-grown Ontario corn, which gets distilled 18 times (that’s 6x the industry average!). It then gets carbon filtered for 30 hours, to remove the harsh tones, while leaving some of the corn’s sweetness behind, and mixed with Guelph’s famously pure water. The result is crystal clear, smooth-as-silk spirits that go into all of Dixon’s premium gin, vodka, and whiskey. The remaining grains, once fermented and distilled, make for clean feed for pigs and cows. Dixon’s also donates their spent grains back to local farmers, making a sustainable, full-circle process. It’s a win-win for spirit-lovers and local farmers!

DIXON’S WICKED ROOT BEER

ADD TO GLASS:

1. Cubed ice

2. 1 ½ oz. Dixon’s Wicked Licorice Gin

3. Top with your favorite root beer

4. Quick stir until wicked smooth

5. Serve in a highball glass

BLUEBERRY GIN FIZZY LEMONADE:

ADD TO GLASS:

1. Lots of ice

2. 1 ½ oz. Blueberry Gin

3. 1 wedge of fresh lemon squeezed

4. 1 slice of lemon

5. Soda water

6. Fresh blueberries as a garnish

Mix it up by swapping soda water for sparkling lemonade, tonic water, iced tea, or Sprite!

CITRUS GIN ELDERFLOWER TONIC

ADD TO GLASS:

1. 1 ½ oz. Citrus Gin

2. Elderflower Tonic

Mix it up by swapping Elderflower Tonic for lemonade or citrus soda water!

SILVERCREEK VODKA: CRYSTAL-CLEAR AND SUPER SMOOTH.

ADD TO GLASS:

1. 1 ½ oz Silvercreek Vodka

2. Mix it with cranberry, lemonade, and a splash of soda water for a refreshing summer soda.