Brown-Forman And Others Join List Closing Visitor Centers Due To Coronavirus
Brown-Forman – whose brands include BenRiach, GlenGlassaugh, Sonoma Cutrer, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve and GlenDronach – have announced that they have closed their visitor centers due to the coronavirus outbreak, but will continue production at the facilities.
A statement from Brown-Forman said: “To help prevent the spread of covid-19 (coronavirus), Brown-Forman is temporarily suspending tours, tastings and retail shops at all of its cooperage, distillery and winery locations. Our goal is to minimise the risk to employees and guests to help lower the probability of the spread of the virus to our employees, their families and the communities where we operate. These closures will remain in place until the health emergency subsides.”
Joining Brown-Forman is closing down their visitor centers was Kentucky-based Heaven Hill, who issued this statement:
“Heaven Hill is taking this measure as a safeguard to protect its employees and guests and the action comes in the wake of recommendations by federal and state health officials and by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association to take all necessary precautions to help reduce the potential spread of coronavirus (covid-19).” All previously scheduled tours will be refunded – visitors with questions please visit heavenhilldistillery.com/visit-us for contact information.”
Across the pond in the UK, Edrington – owner of Scotch whisky brands The Macallan and Highland Park, has also closed its distillery visitor centers.
A statement from Edrington said: “The health and safety of Edrington’s people and our guests is of paramount importance to us as we respond to the evolving coronavirus situation.
“For that reason, we have taken the decision to close our distillery visitor experiences at The Macallan Estate and Highland Park until further notice.”
