Ontario Pulls American Liquor from LCBO Shelves: Here’s Why and What to Drink Instead

In light of recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that several American liquor brands will be pulled from the LCBO’s shelves. Starting this Tuesday, the following popular American spirits will no longer be available:

American Liquors Affected:

• Bourbon: Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve
• Rye Whiskey: Bulleit Rye, Old Forester Rye
• Tennessee Whiskey: Jack Daniel’s
• Applejack: Laird’s Applejack
• Seagram’s 7 Crown: American blended whiskey
• Southern Comfort: Whiskey liqueur
• RumChata: Spiced cream liqueur
• Peychaud’s Bitters: Key ingredient for cocktails
• Corn Whiskey: Mellow Corn
• Malort: Bitter liqueur

What Are the Alternatives?

While it’s unfortunate that these familiar American brands are leaving the shelves, it’s a great chance to discover some fantastic Canadian options:

• Canadian Rye Whiskey: Ontario has its own excellent rye whiskies. Check out brands like Lot 40, Forty Creek, and Crown Royal.
• Canadian Bourbon: Missing bourbon? Try Canadian Club 100% Rye or J.P. Wiser’s for a Canadian twist.
• Craft Spirits: Ontario’s craft distilleries are booming, and brands like Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers and Georgian Bay Spirit Co. offer some unique local options.
• Canadian Bitters: If you’re into cocktails, local bitters like those from Bittered Sling and The Bitter Truth are perfect alternatives to Peychaud’s.

Why Is This Happening?

This move is a direct response to the 25% tariff imposed by the U.S. on Canadian imports. The LCBO, which sells nearly $1 billion worth of American alcohol annually, is stopping the sale of these products in both retail stores and to restaurants and bars. While it’s an unfortunate situation for fans of these American liquors, it opens up the opportunity to support local Canadian brands.

What’s Next?

The LCBO is moving quickly to clear these American liquors from their inventory and focus on promoting Canadian-made products. This shift is bound to introduce a wider variety of high-quality local spirits to the shelves, which could turn out to be a win for those willing to give them a try.

More...

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-lcbo-tariffs-trump-1.7448423
• https://globalnews.ca/news/10993782/lcbo-doug-ford-donald-trump-tariffs
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/canada-u-s-trade-war-2025-how-new-tariffs-will-impact-prices-jobs-and-industries