Whiskey & Tariffs: A Storm Brewing in Your Glass? 🌍🥃

Whiskey lovers, we need to talk.

There’s a new threat to our favorite spirit, and it’s not coming from bad ice cubes or overpriced bar tabs. It’s coming from across the Atlantic—tariffs. Yep, trade tensions are heating up again, and whiskey is right in the crosshairs.

The U.S. and Europe have been playing a game of economic chicken for years, slapping tariffs on each other’s goods in disputes that have little to do with the whiskey world. But when whiskey gets caught in the middle? That’s when I start paying attention.

A few years back, we saw this play out when the EU hit American bourbon with a 25% tariff in retaliation for U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. The result? Prices soared, exports dropped, and distilleries—especially the smaller, craft ones—felt the squeeze. The good news? That tariff was lifted in 2022. The bad news? We might be right back where we started.

Now, with new tensions rising, both sides are threatening to bring whiskey tariffs back into play. What does that mean for us? Higher prices, limited availability, and some of our favorite bottles getting harder to find.

What’s At Stake?

• American bourbon exports 📉 could take another hit in Europe, making it harder for distilleries to grow.

• Scotch and Irish whiskey prices 💰 could jump in the U.S. if tariffs return, making that bottle of Monkey Shoulder a bit less friendly on the wallet.

• Smaller brands 🏭 might struggle to compete as global distribution becomes more expensive.

The bottom line? Trade wars and whiskey don’t mix. The next time you see a price hike on your go-to bottle, you might not be looking at inflation—you might be looking at another round of whiskey politics.

For now, we’ll keep watching, sipping, and hoping that common sense (and good taste) prevails.

The Weekly Pour: The Rob Roy 🍸

If you love a Manhattan but have ever thought, “You know what this needs? More Scotch,” then the Rob Roy is your drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Scotch whisky (Monkey Shoulder recommended!)

• 3/4 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Brandied cherry for garnish

Directions:

1. Stir all ingredients with ice until well chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

3. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

That’s it. Simple, strong, and undeniably smooth. The perfect way to end a long day—or start a long night.

And if you want to serve it in style? Check out the CairnCaddy Acacia Hardwood Whiskey Glass Holder—it’s the perfect way to showcase your favorite whiskey glasses and keep your bar setup looking sharp.

Bottle Spotlight: Monkey Shoulder – The Friendly Scotch 🐵

Get your bottle here.

Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky designed with cocktails in mind. It’s smooth, malty, and just sweet enough to shine in a Rob Roy.

But let me tell you how I really fell in love with Monkey Shoulder…

A few years back, I was in a bar in Edinburgh, looking for something different. The bartender slid a glass my way and said, “Just try it.” One sip and I was hooked. The name threw me off—sounded more like a jungle gym than a Scotch—but the taste? Buttery vanilla, honey, and just the right amount of spice.

I asked the bartender what made it so good. He just grinned and said, “It’s made to be fun.”

And that’s exactly what Monkey Shoulder is—Scotch without the snobbery. Whether you’re mixing a cocktail or drinking it neat, it delivers.

Perfect Pairing: What to Eat With a Rob Roy 🍽️

Since the Rob Roy leans toward rich, herbal, and slightly sweet notes, you want food that complements without overpowering. Here’s what to serve:

🔥 Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Glaze – The gamey richness of duck matches the smooth malt of Monkey Shoulder, while the cherry glaze plays off the sweet vermouth.

🧀 Aged Cheddar or Gruyère – A bold cheese with caramel notes balances the herbal bitterness of the cocktail.

🍫 Dark Chocolate Truffles – Because sometimes, the best pairing is just an excuse to eat chocolate with your whiskey.

Next time you’re shaking up a Rob Roy, try one of these and thank me later.

Cheers,

Ethan “Neat” Whitmore

P.S. – Final Touches on the Top Whiskey By State! 🏆🥃

I’ve been deep in research mode, putting the final touches on a new book that identifies the top whiskey in every state. Some picks were easy. Others? Not so much.

If you’ve got an obscure bottle that you think must make the list, hit reply and let me know. I want to hear about the hidden gems in your home state.

Until next time, keep your pours strong and your ice optional.