WHITESBURG, Ky. – Like many distilleries across the country, Kentucky Mist Distillery is working to produce sanitizer to help local and regional entities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colin Fultz, a Letcher County native and owner of the Whitesburg, Ky.-based distillery, was inspired to transition from moonshine to hand sanitizer after the need was brought to his attention by Letcher County officials and leaders from Whitesburg ARH (Appalachian Regional Healthcare) Hospital and Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center.  Fultz and his team members are producing 14 gallons of sanitizer a day by simply adding a few simple ingredients which is being distributed to nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.

“It is amazing to see how the community is coming together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jeffery Justice, a business and innovation champion at SOAR. “Colin and his team are all about community, and as soon as he was made aware of the need, he immediately transitioned his business and production to answer the call.”

Fultz opened Kentucky Mist Distillery, the first legal distillery in Appalachia, in 2015 as a way to keep a significant part of Appalachian culture – and his family’s tradition alive – and celebrate the deep heritage of the mountains.  His grandfather, Little Henry Holbrook, was a moonshiner during the American Prohibition Era. His recipes have been handed down through generations.

Fultz’s passion for moonshine is just a small part of his overall plan. It is about community, tourism, and preserving history.  In his distillery, you will find a variety of local and regionally-sourced products.  His brand – coupled with the compelling stories behind it – have created a sought-after brand, and Fultz has leveraged this popularity through an e-commerce website and a retail locations in Myrtle Beach, SC, Lexington, Ky. and one opening soon in Alabama.  

Fultz has received additional support from SOAR, specifically on support programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My job title is a Champion, and I am glad to assist businesses as they navigate the new normal facing our businesses and our communities,” said Justice.

For more information on SOAR Innovation, click HERE.  Justice can be reached at jeffery@soar-ky.org.