Distilleries in the heart of America's bourbon industry are finding themselves in the crosshairs of a brewing trade war between the U.S. and Canada.

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.