As the U.S. remains embattled in an ever-changing trade war with Canada and tariffs from the European Union loom, bourbon makers in Kentucky are trying to find their footing and plan a path forward.

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.

With a new distillery set to open soon, the makers of Brough Brothers bourbon in Kentucky were ready to put their business plan into action. They were looking