Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory released the following statement today on what the KDA calls “retaliatory tariffs” against bourbon:
“Kentucky bourbon is a great American success story. Distilling is a $9 billion signature industry in the Commonwealth, responsible for more than 23,000 jobs and $2.2 billion in salaries and benefits. Unfortunately, the return of retaliatory tariffs on American whiskey will have far-reaching consequences across Kentucky, home to 95% of the world’s bourbon.
“That means hard-working Americans – corn farmers, truckers, distillery workers, barrel makers, bartenders, servers and the communities and businesses built around Kentucky bourbon will suffer.
“As a distinctive product of the United States, bourbon cannot be made anywhere else in the world. It truly is America’s only native spirit. Bourbon jobs are American jobs, and we grow bourbon jobs by opening markets across the globe.
“Retaliatory measures against bourbon harm these markets and jeopardize growth for years to come, including the unjust and disproportionate removal of American spirits from retail shelves and prohibition on new purchases of alcohol from American companies.
“Kentucky bourbon brings people together, and we hope it can be a uniting force in this situation. In the meantime, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association will continue to remind leaders of the far-reaching impact of our signature spirit and our concern for the loss of American jobs.”
– ERIC GREGORY, KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
About the Kentucky Distillers' Association
(From the KDA) Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association has long been recognized as the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging boutique distilleries that are crafting the next generation of the Commonwealth’s signature industry. Member benefits include governmental and regulatory advocacy, media and public relations, international trade development, technical assistance, economic development support, global networking, legal defense, strategic marketing initiatives and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving.
