Now, Europe’s infatuation with Kentucky bourbon and other U.S. spirits is threatened by the potential 50% tariff — double the previous levy — that would inflict “irreparable harm to distillers large and small,” said Chris Swonger, the council’s CEO.

President Donald Trump launched the largest trade war in modern US history, imposing tariffs of 25% on Mexican and Canadian imports and doubling duties on Chinese goods to 20%. While some of the tariffs on Canada andMexico have been eased,

"It’s extremely frustrating,” said Brough Brothers Distillery CEO Victor Yarbrough, who started the Louisville distilling company with his brothers. “We are collateral damage.”