Retaliatory tariffs target Kentucky bourbon [Video]

At Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, co-owner Sam Karia anticipated the tariffs and bought more tequila before the tariffs on Mexico went into effect.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky bourbon was rolled off Canadian shelves in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The whole country has retaliated with 25% tariffs on America in response to President Donald Trump’s own 25% tariff.

That killed a deal in the New Brunswick province for local bourbon distiller Brough Brothers. CEO Victor Yarbrough estimated nearly 5% of the distillery’s sales relied on the northern trading partner.

“I don’t know of anybody that’s gonna be able to absorb that,” he said. “We’ll have to make some adjustments there.”

So he’s eyeing sales expansions into states like New York.

“Maybe it’s a matter of doubling down domestically,” Yarbrough said. “We’re in 23 states now, so maybe it’s time to look at those other 27 states.”

At Bottle Shop and Tasting Room, co-owner Sam Karia anticipated the tariffs, and bought more tequila before …