This isn’t just a “things are bad” but because of the need to age spirits a prediction that N years from now, demand will still be lower.
Canada is a big factor, though one shouldn’t ignore the upcoming generation’s preference for recreational intoxication from sources other than alcohol.
True. I party a lot and i notice a lot of especially GenZ and millennial have a strong preference to other substances. Not stuff like coke but mdma and designer stuff.
Only last weekend I was complaining about hangovers and this girl offered me some MDMA saying she uses it precisely to avoid hangovers and also expensive beverages in the club. Makes sense but for me as a GenXer it's still a pretty big leap to take. I'll just stick with my craft beer.
FwiW and despite whatever impression you may have gleaned from my comment I wasn't particularly into either drugs or alcohol myself, but I certainly saw a lot of both consumed .. and to be fair it's something a lot of people dive into in their late teens and early twenties and then most drastically cut back or stop altogether.
The Spaced scene I linked is infamous for many people noting it as one the best depictions of a MDMA rave party ever filmed and Edgar Wright and cast members asserting it was shot in the middle of the day and no one was drunk or on drugs.
That .. may or may not be true or overstated - I know I wasn't there at the time so I can't claim knowledge either way.
What are your figures as a percentage of total production of Jim Beam goes to Canada?
Or do you just say random garbage like an early LLM?
The US's multiyear slump is enough to 'justify' the temporary stoppage, along with if 'no one is being fired' why is production expected to greatly be reduced?
This is a rubbish BBC article with rubbish Hacker News comments.
> Q2 exports of US spirits to Canada plummeted by 85% to US$9.6m, falling below the US$10m mark for the first time, according to the report.
> US spirits sales in Canada plunged by 68% in April 2025, while sales of Canadian and other imported spirits rose by around 3.6% each.
> Canada is a hugely important market for US spirits. In 2024, Canada imported US$221m worth of US spirits, making it the category’s second‐largest export market behind the EU.
> In 2025, U.S. spirit exports to Canada collapsed as a direct consequence of escalating trade tensions, marking one of the sharpest declines in cross-border alcohol trade in recent history. Prior to 2025, Canada accounted for about 11% of U.S. distilled spirit exports. Between 2022 and 2024, Canadian imports exceeded $250 million annually, making Canada the second-largest market for American whiskey, bourbon, rum, and other distilled spirits (USDA, 2025). In March 2025, Canada effectively halted imports and sales of U.S. wine and spirits in retaliation for tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian goods. Provincial liquor boards removed American products from shelves, triggering a dramatic plunge in U.S. spirit exports (DISCUS, 2025). Canada also imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. distilled spirits and other products in March 2025, which was lifted in September (Government of Canada, 2025). However, the impact far exceeded what would be expected from a 25% tariff alone, underscoring the severity of the trade dispute.
Has one year and United States is the 2nd after United Kingdom for amount of whiskey imported into Canada.
Combine that with the earlier "Q2 exports of US spirits to Canada plummeted by 85% to US$9.6m, falling below the US$10m mark for the first time, according to the report."
---
> The US's multiyear slump is enough to 'justify' the temporary stoppage, along with if 'no one is being fired' why is production expected to greatly be reduced?
> Kentucky distillers are footing a crushing $75 million tab in aging barrel taxes this year, a 27% increase from 2024 and an astronomical 163% increase over the last five years alone. Kentucky remains the only place in the world that taxes aging barrels of spirits.
> Barrel taxes are based on the assessed value of aging barrels which surged to $10 billion this year, a 25% increase over last year’s record of $8 billion. In addition to the 16.1 million barrels of Bourbon, a million barrels of other spirits are aging for a total of 17.1 million barrels.
And part of that is that they overproduced in the earlier part of this decade compared to what they need... take into account that bit about aging barrels are taxed.
> The situation will likely get worse as 2025 draws to a close: At the end of October MGP Ingredients, which distills whiskey on contract for other brands, reported a 19 percent drop in sales for the third quarter.
---
> ... along with if 'no one is being fired' ...
From the NYT article:
> It also said it would continue production at its two other distilleries in Kentucky and would keep its bottling facility and visitor center open at the Clermont site. It did not say whether the workers at the distillery would be furloughed or moved to other facilities.
The wording is furlough. That's not firing. The positions aren't being eliminated nor is the person's employment being terminated ... but there is no work for them to do at that location.
It's also important to note that this is following overproduction from the earlier part of this decade. Again from the NYT article:
> The sudden, steep decline in bourbon sales comes after more than 20 years of expansion in American whiskey, which regularly reached 5 percent in annual growth. It went from about $1.4 billion in sales in 2004 to about $5.2 billion in 2024, according to data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a trade group.
> American whiskey proved especially popular during the pandemic. Consumers stuck at home with spare cash and time fueled an explosion in collecting and buying bottles through auctions and online via informal (and often illegal) markets.
> In response, distilleries boosted production, putting aside millions of barrels to age, announcing multimillion-dollar expansions and flooding the market with new products. Today there are an estimated 16.1 million barrels of whiskey aging across Kentucky. A standard barrel holds 53 gallons, though a significant amount is lost to evaporation during aging.
> With a 50% increase in production of bourbon comes a 50% in used oak barrels which, in time, will help satiate the growing demand for all whiskey including Scotch.
Alcohol is not declining in popularity and the tariffs are specifically affecting foreign-owned and export-heavy businesses.
I am often confused how HN can to be so out of touch, but probably shouldn't be since many never read the articles and just keep relentlessly pushing their agenda as if saying anything this space has any influence beyond tech.
This is such a weird comment, the article is posted without commentary, and describe a very simple fact. How does you go from that to "hn is out of touch"...
As an aside, while alcohol will definitely remain a staple of sales, it's declining in several key sector. Even here in France. Which is also something we should be happy about, despite the obvious economic woes to be faced from that change.
Which is the vast majority of spirits consumed (by unit volume and total revenue earned), no?
Like, if high-end stuff is all that sells while the consumer base is plummeting over the statistical cliff of earning power and spending money reduction, that doesn’t add up to good prospects for luxury industries like that of high-end alcohol.
The numbers look really odd with scotch and bourbon being down but the whiskey industry itself being slightly up. I'd guess more people are drinking local brands with no tariffs. That makes a down affect for the countries that were exporting.
The fascination of the ascetic coding monks with mind (tool to earn ones living) altering drugs is based upon the "forever out of touch" nature of the beast.
> Generation Z (roughly those born 1997–2012) is reshaping the beverage-alcohol landscape. Numerous studies show that Gen Z (now of legal drinking age in many markets) consistently drinks far less than older cohorts . For example, one analysis finds Gen Z consumes about 20% less alcohol per capita than Millennials or Boomers . In the U.S., surveys report that around half of Gen Zers (age 21+) have never had an alcoholic drink . Among those who do drink, most consume only occasionally or moderately . In short, Gen Z overall is drinking less frequently and less heavily – a dramatic generational shift from previous norms.
(aside: of course, GenX remains the forgotten generation in demographics)
> The percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest by one percentage point in Gallup’s nearly 90-year trend. This coincides with a growing belief among Americans that moderate alcohol consumption is bad for one’s health, now the majority view for the first time.
> Shares in the world’s biggest beer, wine and spirits producers have collectively lost $830 billion in market value over just four years, according to Bloomberg. A Bloomberg index tracking around 50 listed drinks companies now stands 46% below its June 2021 peak.
> Bloomberg found that changing drinking habits and rising health concerns have hit earnings across the sector. The downturn has been compounded by US tariffs, high interest rates weighing on consumer spending, and elevated commodity prices. In China, weak household confidence and a ban on alcohol at official functions have further dragged on demand.
> “There is a structural change going on — people are drinking less,” said Sarah Simon, an analyst at Morgan Stanley.
> The key challenge, Bloomberg noted, lies in changing consumer behaviour. In August, a Gallup survey found that US alcohol consumption had dropped to its lowest point since records began in 1939. Health warnings from organisations such as the World Health Organization and the US Surgeon General have further dampened demand among Generation X.
> For millennials and Gen Z, alcohol has also lost its appeal. A growing list of teetotal celebrities — including Tom Holland and Katy Perry — have helped popularise the non-alcoholic trend, while the use of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and the rise of cannabis alternatives have added pressure.
-----
> and the tariffs are specifically affecting foreign-owned and export-heavy businesses.
> Last month, the EU announced it plans to impose a 50% tariff on all American whiskey in response to Trump's decision to bring back tariffs on overseas steel and aluminum imports. Trump said on social media that he would retaliate by levying 200% tariffs on all wines, champagne and other alcoholic products imported from the region should the EU move forward with its spirits tariff. The EU will make its final decision on April 13.
> Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa is imposing 25% tariffs on U.S. imports in response to Trump's measures. In addition, the government-run Liquor Control Board of Ontario ordered all retailers, bars and restaurants to stop selling American products. The board reported that U.S. alcohol sold within the province accounts for "annual sales of up to $965 million," representing "more than 3,600 products from 35 US states."
> Several Canadian provinces pulled U.S. spirits from liquor stores in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on certain imports.
> Most recently, Trump's threat to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods starting August 1 has raised concerns about an escalating trade war and spurred a "Buy Canadian" movement among consumers and businesses.
> In early March, Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman Corp (BFb.N), opens new tab called the removal of American bourbon and whiskey from Canadian liquor stores worse than Canada's retaliatory tariffs and described it as a disproportionate response to Trump's levies.
> According to Spirits Canada, sales of U.S. spirits in Ontario, Canada's largest market for spirits, plunged 80% after the products were removed from shelves. Two provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan, have since resumed selling U.S. spirits, the group said.
And while the reciprocal tariffs have been dropped (August), the boycott of various provinces for American spirits combined with a "buy local" attitude (this is understating it for some) is impacting sales.
> At least four Canadian provinces — Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador — have decided to sell the stockpiles of American liquor that they pulled from shelves months ago in protest over President Trump’s tariffs. But once those bottles are gone, officials said they have no plans to buy more.
> Manitoba plans to stop selling American liquor on Dec. 24, and will not buy more as it as it continues to protest U.S. tariffs, Mr. Kinew said. “Everybody recognizes the Trump administration’s actions to threaten our economy are something we have to have solidarity around,” he said.
So... yea... Bourbon sales to Canada are export heavy businesses. There have been reciprocal tariffs and there is an ongoing boycott of American spirits that distilleries are saying hurts them more than the reciprocal tariffs.
Combine this with the uncertainty (what companies are looking at) over what the political (tariffs on and off what a whim) and economic situation (inflation resulting in less luxury items getting sold, changing demographic preferences (coupled with state by state legalization of cannabis)) and forecast how this will impact sales. Saying "we've got too much stock maturing in 4 years already" and so not producing more is completely reasonable.
Sorry but 1000 jobs sounds tiny to me.. Probably more people die jim beam related deaths or at least have major related health issues in any given year.
Pretty funny stuff. The democrats want to be angry about any job loss and the Republicans especially love the negative externality businesses so no one wants to consider the weight of the good in ruining Jim Beam?
I personally think Trump has a lot more in common with Maduro than he would like to advertise. He was essentially from the social left but realized the right is more gullible.
This isn’t just a “things are bad” but because of the need to age spirits a prediction that N years from now, demand will still be lower.
Canada is a big factor, though one shouldn’t ignore the upcoming generation’s preference for recreational intoxication from sources other than alcohol.
True. I party a lot and i notice a lot of especially GenZ and millennial have a strong preference to other substances. Not stuff like coke but mdma and designer stuff.
Only last weekend I was complaining about hangovers and this girl offered me some MDMA saying she uses it precisely to avoid hangovers and also expensive beverages in the club. Makes sense but for me as a GenXer it's still a pretty big leap to take. I'll just stick with my craft beer.
> Makes sense but for me as a GenXer it's still a pretty big leap to take.
That was a double take .. having lived through the 80's and 90s I'm somewhat suprised there is any MDMA left to consume in the world.
It was GenX'rs that gave us:
A great philosopher once wrote: naughty, naughty, very naughty… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKBPUwKJmDM
and Spaced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRW8FBFwhyc
To quote a peer GenX'r Dramatically ambiguous I know, but we are on a lot of drugs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT2iP5Si-Ho
I was not expecting both Spaced and Jim "Mr.B the Gentleman Rhymer" Burke to be mentioned in the same comment on a HN thread. Good show indeed.
too much of everything, is just enough. right.
Ah yes it depends on the country and subculture I guess. Where I'm from it was super normal to drink even at 16 but drugs were a big taboo.
FwiW and despite whatever impression you may have gleaned from my comment I wasn't particularly into either drugs or alcohol myself, but I certainly saw a lot of both consumed .. and to be fair it's something a lot of people dive into in their late teens and early twenties and then most drastically cut back or stop altogether.
The Spaced scene I linked is infamous for many people noting it as one the best depictions of a MDMA rave party ever filmed and Edgar Wright and cast members asserting it was shot in the middle of the day and no one was drunk or on drugs.
That .. may or may not be true or overstated - I know I wasn't there at the time so I can't claim knowledge either way.
> Canada is a big factor
Total utter bullshit.
What are your figures as a percentage of total production of Jim Beam goes to Canada?
Or do you just say random garbage like an early LLM?
The US's multiyear slump is enough to 'justify' the temporary stoppage, along with if 'no one is being fired' why is production expected to greatly be reduced?
This is a rubbish BBC article with rubbish Hacker News comments.
> What are your figures as a percentage of total production of Jim Beam goes to Canada?
I don't have Jim Beam specifically... but:
US spirits exports to Canada plummet 85% in Q2 - https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/us-spirits-export...
> Q2 exports of US spirits to Canada plummeted by 85% to US$9.6m, falling below the US$10m mark for the first time, according to the report.
> US spirits sales in Canada plunged by 68% in April 2025, while sales of Canadian and other imported spirits rose by around 3.6% each.
> Canada is a hugely important market for US spirits. In 2024, Canada imported US$221m worth of US spirits, making it the category’s second‐largest export market behind the EU.
Trade War Fallout: The Collapse of U.S. Spirit Exports to Canada in 2025 - https://southernagtoday.org/2025/12/18/trade-war-fallout-the...
> In 2025, U.S. spirit exports to Canada collapsed as a direct consequence of escalating trade tensions, marking one of the sharpest declines in cross-border alcohol trade in recent history. Prior to 2025, Canada accounted for about 11% of U.S. distilled spirit exports. Between 2022 and 2024, Canadian imports exceeded $250 million annually, making Canada the second-largest market for American whiskey, bourbon, rum, and other distilled spirits (USDA, 2025). In March 2025, Canada effectively halted imports and sales of U.S. wine and spirits in retaliation for tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian goods. Provincial liquor boards removed American products from shelves, triggering a dramatic plunge in U.S. spirit exports (DISCUS, 2025). Canada also imposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. distilled spirits and other products in March 2025, which was lifted in September (Government of Canada, 2025). However, the impact far exceeded what would be expected from a 25% tariff alone, underscoring the severity of the trade dispute.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/557788/whisky-dollar-sal...
has historical "how much is imported" - though not brand specific.
https://wits.worldbank.org/trade/comtrade/en/country/CAN/yea...
Has one year and United States is the 2nd after United Kingdom for amount of whiskey imported into Canada.
Combine that with the earlier "Q2 exports of US spirits to Canada plummeted by 85% to US$9.6m, falling below the US$10m mark for the first time, according to the report."
---
> The US's multiyear slump is enough to 'justify' the temporary stoppage, along with if 'no one is being fired' why is production expected to greatly be reduced?
There's also that Kentucky taxes aging bourbon.
https://kybourbon.com/industry-news/the-bourbon-state-challe...
> Kentucky distillers are footing a crushing $75 million tab in aging barrel taxes this year, a 27% increase from 2024 and an astronomical 163% increase over the last five years alone. Kentucky remains the only place in the world that taxes aging barrels of spirits.
> Barrel taxes are based on the assessed value of aging barrels which surged to $10 billion this year, a 25% increase over last year’s record of $8 billion. In addition to the 16.1 million barrels of Bourbon, a million barrels of other spirits are aging for a total of 17.1 million barrels.
And part of that is that they overproduced in the earlier part of this decade compared to what they need... take into account that bit about aging barrels are taxed.
---
Combine all of that with "Gen Z is not drinking as much" ( https://www.ohbev.com/blog/gen-z-alcohol-trends-consumption-... https://time.com/7203140/gen-z-drinking-less-alcohol/ ) and Jim Beam is predicting reduced demand over the next 5 years for their products. Lets call that "the amount you can make in 1 year is 20% a year over 5 years..."
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/22/dining/jim-beam-productio...
> The situation will likely get worse as 2025 draws to a close: At the end of October MGP Ingredients, which distills whiskey on contract for other brands, reported a 19 percent drop in sales for the third quarter.
---
> ... along with if 'no one is being fired' ...
From the NYT article:
> It also said it would continue production at its two other distilleries in Kentucky and would keep its bottling facility and visitor center open at the Clermont site. It did not say whether the workers at the distillery would be furloughed or moved to other facilities.
The wording is furlough. That's not firing. The positions aren't being eliminated nor is the person's employment being terminated ... but there is no work for them to do at that location.
It's also important to note that this is following overproduction from the earlier part of this decade. Again from the NYT article:
> The sudden, steep decline in bourbon sales comes after more than 20 years of expansion in American whiskey, which regularly reached 5 percent in annual growth. It went from about $1.4 billion in sales in 2004 to about $5.2 billion in 2024, according to data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a trade group.
> American whiskey proved especially popular during the pandemic. Consumers stuck at home with spare cash and time fueled an explosion in collecting and buying bottles through auctions and online via informal (and often illegal) markets.
> In response, distilleries boosted production, putting aside millions of barrels to age, announcing multimillion-dollar expansions and flooding the market with new products. Today there are an estimated 16.1 million barrels of whiskey aging across Kentucky. A standard barrel holds 53 gallons, though a significant amount is lost to evaporation during aging.
Specifically for Jim Beam that can be seen in Jim Beam invests $400M to ramp up bourbon production (from 2022) - https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/jim-beam-invests-400m-...
> With a 50% increase in production of bourbon comes a 50% in used oak barrels which, in time, will help satiate the growing demand for all whiskey including Scotch.
You REALLY hate hacker news users and never seem to have anything positive to say. Take a break.
Keep in mind, the barrels where the liquor is stored, are not airtight, and results in annual losses. Holding is actually losing in this case.
https://edvigo.com/food-and-drink/jim-beam-pausing-distiller...
Look, when Britain taxed our tea, we got frisky Imagine what gon’ happen when you try to tax our whisky
Tariffic
I think the boycotts did more of the damage, money is the only thing people listen to
Alcohol is not declining in popularity and the tariffs are specifically affecting foreign-owned and export-heavy businesses.
I am often confused how HN can to be so out of touch, but probably shouldn't be since many never read the articles and just keep relentlessly pushing their agenda as if saying anything this space has any influence beyond tech.
This is such a weird comment, the article is posted without commentary, and describe a very simple fact. How does you go from that to "hn is out of touch"...
As an aside, while alcohol will definitely remain a staple of sales, it's declining in several key sector. Even here in France. Which is also something we should be happy about, despite the obvious economic woes to be faced from that change.
But demand isn't really dropping for spirits -- it's only dropping for midrange and low-end stuff like Jim Beam.
> midrange and low-end stuff
Which is the vast majority of spirits consumed (by unit volume and total revenue earned), no?
Like, if high-end stuff is all that sells while the consumer base is plummeting over the statistical cliff of earning power and spending money reduction, that doesn’t add up to good prospects for luxury industries like that of high-end alcohol.
The numbers look really odd with scotch and bourbon being down but the whiskey industry itself being slightly up. I'd guess more people are drinking local brands with no tariffs. That makes a down affect for the countries that were exporting.
The fascination of the ascetic coding monks with mind (tool to earn ones living) altering drugs is based upon the "forever out of touch" nature of the beast.
> Alcohol is not declining in popularity
https://www.ohbev.com/blog/gen-z-alcohol-trends-consumption-...
> Generation Z (roughly those born 1997–2012) is reshaping the beverage-alcohol landscape. Numerous studies show that Gen Z (now of legal drinking age in many markets) consistently drinks far less than older cohorts . For example, one analysis finds Gen Z consumes about 20% less alcohol per capita than Millennials or Boomers . In the U.S., surveys report that around half of Gen Zers (age 21+) have never had an alcoholic drink . Among those who do drink, most consume only occasionally or moderately . In short, Gen Z overall is drinking less frequently and less heavily – a dramatic generational shift from previous norms.
(aside: of course, GenX remains the forgotten generation in demographics)
(August 2025) https://news.gallup.com/poll/693362/drinking-rate-new-low-al...
> The percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest by one percentage point in Gallup’s nearly 90-year trend. This coincides with a growing belief among Americans that moderate alcohol consumption is bad for one’s health, now the majority view for the first time.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/global-alcohol-gia...
> Shares in the world’s biggest beer, wine and spirits producers have collectively lost $830 billion in market value over just four years, according to Bloomberg. A Bloomberg index tracking around 50 listed drinks companies now stands 46% below its June 2021 peak.
> Bloomberg found that changing drinking habits and rising health concerns have hit earnings across the sector. The downturn has been compounded by US tariffs, high interest rates weighing on consumer spending, and elevated commodity prices. In China, weak household confidence and a ban on alcohol at official functions have further dragged on demand.
> “There is a structural change going on — people are drinking less,” said Sarah Simon, an analyst at Morgan Stanley.
> The key challenge, Bloomberg noted, lies in changing consumer behaviour. In August, a Gallup survey found that US alcohol consumption had dropped to its lowest point since records began in 1939. Health warnings from organisations such as the World Health Organization and the US Surgeon General have further dampened demand among Generation X.
> For millennials and Gen Z, alcohol has also lost its appeal. A growing list of teetotal celebrities — including Tom Holland and Katy Perry — have helped popularise the non-alcoholic trend, while the use of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and the rise of cannabis alternatives have added pressure.
-----
> and the tariffs are specifically affecting foreign-owned and export-heavy businesses.
However, countries (like Canada) are returning with retaliatory tariffs. For Canada, you've got https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14354113/canada-fan... from February 2025.
> Canadian shops are stripping US liquor from their shelves just hours after Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on imports from their country.
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/kentucky-bourbon-industry-ca...
> Last month, the EU announced it plans to impose a 50% tariff on all American whiskey in response to Trump's decision to bring back tariffs on overseas steel and aluminum imports. Trump said on social media that he would retaliate by levying 200% tariffs on all wines, champagne and other alcoholic products imported from the region should the EU move forward with its spirits tariff. The EU will make its final decision on April 13.
> Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa is imposing 25% tariffs on U.S. imports in response to Trump's measures. In addition, the government-run Liquor Control Board of Ontario ordered all retailers, bars and restaurants to stop selling American products. The board reported that U.S. alcohol sold within the province accounts for "annual sales of up to $965 million," representing "more than 3,600 products from 35 US states."
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canadian-boycott-us-s...
> Several Canadian provinces pulled U.S. spirits from liquor stores in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff on certain imports.
> Most recently, Trump's threat to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods starting August 1 has raised concerns about an escalating trade war and spurred a "Buy Canadian" movement among consumers and businesses.
> In early March, Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman Corp (BFb.N), opens new tab called the removal of American bourbon and whiskey from Canadian liquor stores worse than Canada's retaliatory tariffs and described it as a disproportionate response to Trump's levies.
> According to Spirits Canada, sales of U.S. spirits in Ontario, Canada's largest market for spirits, plunged 80% after the products were removed from shelves. Two provinces, Alberta and Saskatchewan, have since resumed selling U.S. spirits, the group said.
And while the reciprocal tariffs have been dropped (August), the boycott of various provinces for American spirits combined with a "buy local" attitude (this is understating it for some) is impacting sales.
It is back on the shelves... (Dec 12th) https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/world/canada/canada-ameri...
> At least four Canadian provinces — Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador — have decided to sell the stockpiles of American liquor that they pulled from shelves months ago in protest over President Trump’s tariffs. But once those bottles are gone, officials said they have no plans to buy more.
> Manitoba plans to stop selling American liquor on Dec. 24, and will not buy more as it as it continues to protest U.S. tariffs, Mr. Kinew said. “Everybody recognizes the Trump administration’s actions to threaten our economy are something we have to have solidarity around,” he said.
So... yea... Bourbon sales to Canada are export heavy businesses. There have been reciprocal tariffs and there is an ongoing boycott of American spirits that distilleries are saying hurts them more than the reciprocal tariffs.
Combine this with the uncertainty (what companies are looking at) over what the political (tariffs on and off what a whim) and economic situation (inflation resulting in less luxury items getting sold, changing demographic preferences (coupled with state by state legalization of cannabis)) and forecast how this will impact sales. Saying "we've got too much stock maturing in 4 years already" and so not producing more is completely reasonable.
Sorry but 1000 jobs sounds tiny to me.. Probably more people die jim beam related deaths or at least have major related health issues in any given year.
Pretty funny stuff. The democrats want to be angry about any job loss and the Republicans especially love the negative externality businesses so no one wants to consider the weight of the good in ruining Jim Beam?
I personally think Trump has a lot more in common with Maduro than he would like to advertise. He was essentially from the social left but realized the right is more gullible.