Neat, or with a twist of lemon and a large ice cube? Whiskey, Scottish whiskey that is, is back on the menu after President Trump announced late yesterday via Truth Social that he has dropped the tariffs.

In Honor of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just left the White House, soon headed back to their wonderful Country, I will be removing the Tariffs and Restrictions on Whiskey having to do with Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon, two very important Industries within Scotland and Kentucky. People have wanted to do this for a long time, in that there had been great Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used. The King and Queen got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking! A wonderful Honor to have them both in the U.S.A. President DONALD J. TRUMP

On the heels of quite the visit from King Charles and Queen Camilla, this is both an economic and social benefit for both countries in numerous ways. Per Politico…

The Scotch industry has lobbied the administration to eliminate the 10 percent tariff on its whisky for months, with support from American distillers. The lobbying effort hinged on two arguments: That the U.S. is the largest consumer of Scotch whisky and that Scotland spends hundreds of millions of dollars a year importing oak barrels from Kentucky distillers.

“People have wanted to do this for a long time, in that there had been great Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used,” Trump wrote.

Kentucky bourbon is required by law to be aged in new, charred oak barrels. After those barrels are used, Kentucky distilleries often sell them to Scottish distillers, so they can be used to store and age their spirits.

Both the Kentucky and Scottish whisky industries have been hurt by Trump’s trade war. Scotch exports to the U.S. were down 15 percent in 2025, according to the Scotch Whisky Council, and U.S. whisky exports were down 19 percent in 2025, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. Most of the decrease in U.S. whisky exports, which did not see a retaliatory tariff, was due to a loss of exports to Canada.

In other words, this move will benefit the American whiskey industry from the big guys (Blanton’s, Jameson, Buffalo Trace, etc), but will also serve as a benefit to the amazing Scottish whiskey distilleries. Talisker, Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich, Glencairn, and so many more. Whiskey distilleries that have been in Scotland for centuries will benefit from the lifting of these tariffs. 

In response to the news, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the King sent his “sincere gratitude” to Trump and he “will be raising a dram to the President’s thoughtfulness”.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney called it “tremendous news for Scotland” and said he was grateful to the King for the key role he played.

Swinney added: “Millions of pounds were being lost every month from the Scottish economy.”

For Scotland, the United States is one of the whiskey industry’s biggest export markets they have. So the ten percent tariffs hit hard.

Likewise, American distillers were equally impacted as sales of the barrels dropped significantly. 

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, which has been pushing for a return to zero percent tariffs on imports and exports of spirits, applauded Trump’s announcement Thursday.

“The removal of the 10% tariff on UK whisky would be a major victory for American hospitality businesses that are deeply impacted by international trade,” President and CEO Chris Swonger said in a statement.

Needless to say, there is much rejoicing across whiskey land. Many here in the United States are lifting a glass in salute. 

The United Kingdom is a top five market for American whiskey exports. As the Chairman of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus, I’m raising a glass 🥃 to President Donald Trump for this important victory for our signature Kentucky bourbon industry! Thank you President Trump, who… pic.twitter.com/T7lQ1569zU

— Congressman Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) April 30, 2026

As are those across the pond. Meanwhile, there are negative Nancys who just can’t deal. 

https://twitter.com/amyklobuchar/status/2049998964682887418

Gee, for someone who was so adamantly “No Kings,” you were totally thrilled to stand and applaud King Charles just a couple of days ago! 

But I'm sure you protested loudly, cuz, well, No Kings & all that jazz. pic.twitter.com/u6syMucEVg

— WAGIRLFREE (@WAGIRLFREE) April 29, 2026

Amy’s taste buds are probably of the rotgut whiskey kind, so there’s that. 

Overall, this is great news for the Scottish and American whiskey industries. Both of which have centuries of tradition, recipes, history, and smoky peaty taste to continue bringing to us all. 

As for me, because it’s Colorado, I’ll be raising a dram with my muddled Palisade Peach Old Fashioned in hand. 

Featured Photo Credit: Glencairn whiskey flight and barrel via iStock, cropped and modified