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.

Stores in Canada have been removing U.S.-made bourbon from their shelves in retaliation for stiff tariffs placed on the nation's goods.

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