Drinks

Boutique Whiskey Makers Fret Over How Hard EU Tariffs Will Bite

Family-owned distilleries without Jack Daniel’s name recognition can’t raise prices to counteract Europe’s retaliatory levies.

Catoctin Creek Distillery in Purcellville, Virginia.

Source: Kristen Dill via Catoctin Creek

In tiny Purcellville, Virginia—the state some consider the birthplace of American whiskey—Becky and Scott Harris just spent $100,000 to build up their business in Europe.

Now the owners of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. fear an escalating trade war means that investment could go bottoms up.