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WASHINGTON — Just under two hours before steep tariffs on Canadian goods were set to take effect Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a three-day pause to allow for the finalization of a deal. “As you know, the 50% tariffs across the board were going on against Canada today, and they called yesterday and they gave us the points that we had to have,” Trump said Wednesday. “Very fair deal for both.” It’s not clear what the deal includes. One of the sticking points for the White House has been that all but two Canadian provinces stopped selling American alcohol products last year. The move was retaliation for President Trump’s tariffs on imports of Canadian products including steel and aluminum. “We hope that both parties use three days to come to an agreement, and that agreement includes American whiskey's ability to access the Canadian market,” said Michael Bilello, president and CEO of the American Whiskey Association. “More importantly, we hope that the provinces agree and align with the federal government and allow American whiskey to access the shelves. That means getting back on the shelves.” U.S. liquor exports to Canada dropped 70%, from $203 million from March to December 2024 to $60 million during the same time period in 2025, after Canadian provinces pulled American spirits from shelves, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. According to recent polling done by Nanos for CTV News, 74% of Canadians said they are not likely to buy American alcohol products if they are put back on the shelves. “I think that there's a lot of politicians in Canada who have taken, I think, pretty good advantage of the opportunity to fire up their base, so there's no doubt a lot of anti-American sentiment up there,” Bilello said. “At the end of the day, this is about American whiskey. We didn't ask to be included or involved in these trade discussions, and we just want to connect with our consumer.” Cal Bricker, president and CEO of Spirits Canada, told Spectrum News in a statement Wednesday: “We remain optimistic that we can get the issues resolved and get back to the free trade environment that existed previously. Our goal is precisely the same as our U.S. colleagues. Free and fair trade in the sector.”

Scotch whisky gets a fresh shot at India Duty cuts are expected to improve price competitiveness and accelerate premium whisky sales Scotch whisky bottles on display Single malts and premium blends are expected to see the strongest growth as affordability improves. Younger affluent consumers are likely to trade up from Indian premium whiskies to imported Scotch. Investment in India Scottish distillers are expected to: expand distribution, increase marketing, launch more premium expressions, strengthen partnerships with Indian importers and distributors. Scotland and India’s trading partnership could be worth more than £3 billion a year by 2030 – up by more than a half on current levels - according to a new report. Following the implementation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 15, 2026, Scotland is gearing up for an estimated £190 million long-term economic boost. Key sectors like Scotch whisky and Scottish salmon are actively preparing to expand, working alongside organizations like Scottish Development International and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to maximize new export avenues into India. Producers are targeting a larger share of the Indian market as federal import tariffs drop immediately from 150% to 75% (with plans to reach 40% over 10 years), though firms are carefully navigating complex state-level excise rules. Import duty on Scotch whisky in India has been reduced from 150% to 75% immediately. This will result in Better price competitiveness. Premium brands such as: Macallan; Glenfiddich; Glenlivet; Johnnie Walker; Monkey Shoulder; Chivas Regal; Ballantine's and Famous Grouse will become more price-competitive against premium Indian whiskies. Single malts and premium blends are expected to see the strongest growth as affordability improves. Younger affluent consumers are likely to trade up from Indian premium whiskies to imported Scotch. Investment in India Scottish distillers are expected to: expand distribution, increase marketing, launch more premium expressions, strengthen partnerships with Indian importers and distributors. Although customs duty has been cut sharply, the retail price (MRP) also includes: State excise duties (May increase); VAT and local taxes (May increase); Distributor margins; Retail margins; Logistics; and Label registration costs (May increase). As a result, consumers may see only moderate reductions in MRP, varying by state, rather than a full pass-through of the tariff cut. Impact on Indian liquor companies: Imported Scotch brands will become more competitive; Indian premium whisky producers will face stronger competition. Companies importing bulk Scotch for blending or bottling in India may benefit substantially. This FTA is likely to create new opportunities in premium Scotch sales, route-to-market expansion, duty-free, and luxury portfolio management as Scottish producers increase their focus on India. The tariff will be phased down to 40% over the next 10 years, making India a much more attractive market for Scotch exports. Tariff reductions create immediate advantages for whisky. For Scottish businesses. The practical question is therefore not whether to enter India, but where to enter, with which offer and through which partner. Export-led models will suit premium products. India represents one of the most dynamic and exciting economies in the world. It has the highest growth rate in the G20, which is expected to remain above 6% over at least the next 5 years.[footnote 5] It has recently risen to become the fifth largest economy in the world and is expected to grow to the third largest by 2028. All this growth presents significant opportunity for UK businesses. As India grows, so will the number of consumers looking to purchase high-quality UK goods and services. By 2030, India’s middle class will number an estimated 60 million and rising, potentially reaching a quarter of a billion by 2050. India’s overall demand for imports is projected to grow by 144% in real terms between 2021 and 2035, reaching £1.4 trillion. However, there have been significant challenges for UK businesses seeking to access this growing market. India has the highest average tariffs of any G20 economy, with some products facing duties above 100%. It is ranked as the eighth most restrictive services market by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and has an uncertain regulatory environment. Risk and cost have historically hindered UK companies looking to move or expand into India. Despite these challenging conditions, UK businesses have high ambitions for the future of trade with India. Grant Thornton’s recent International Business Report indicated that 42% of UK businesses surveyed without an existing presence in India plan to build one in the next 2 years. Of those with an existing presence, 96% plan to expand further. This deal supports those efforts – with 72% of UK businesses surveyed saying that an FTA would encourage them to explore opportunities in the Indian market. Greater ties and access to India present significant opportunities. In addition, India is already the second most sought after manufacturing destination in the world due to economic growth, low costs, and a large labour market. As a result, it is estimated manufacturing will account for 21% of India’s GDP by 2031. The FTA between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies removes or reduces tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and 90% of UK imports into India.

Bowmore Releases 20-Year-Old Captivo Single Malt Collection with Visionary Design Practice Snarkitecture Bowmore Releases 20-Year-Old Captivo Single Malt Collection with Visionary Design Practice Snarkitecture The union of two worlds offers a journey of exploration, discovery and a portal into the extraordinary Islay, Scotland, 19th August 2026 - Bowmore, Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and internationally acclaimed design studio, Snarkitecture, have announced the release of the limited-edition Bowmore Captivo Collection. The collaboration brings together two disciplines united by craftsmanship, creativity and the pursuit of discovery. Just as Bowmore's whiskies reveal layers of flavour with every sip, Snarkitecture's work encourages people to look deeper and experience the unexpected. The Captivo Collection comprises two 20-year-old single malts – Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit and Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage. Each has a story of provenance and exploration, brought to life through the drinking experience and the vivid bottle and packaging designs. Travelling from New York to Islay, Snarkitecture co-founder Alex Mustonen drew inspiration from the island's natural landscape and the hidden depths of the distillery, including Bowmore No.1 Vaults, one of the world's oldest maturation warehouses. Mustonen translated these influences into striking portal designs reflecting a journey of discovery, and a cultural fascination with stepping beyond the surface. The whiskies mirror this, with each expression offering a portal into Bowmore, created decades ago and experienced in the present. Mustonen says: “Stepping into the world of whisky is a first for Snarkitecture. I drew similarities between how Bowmore’s whisky is made, and how I approach an architectural environment. In architecture, spaces and objects invite people to look again and question their assumptions. I discovered whisky-making shares a similar philosophy, rewarding time, patience, and curiosity.” He continues: “I think about my projects as moments for people to cross thresholds into spaces that feel unlike day-to-day experiences. I approached the Captivo creative in a similar way, with the artwork acting as a portal into the world of Bowmore; into something extraordinary.” Each whisky is represented by its own portal to reflect its individual character. Bowmore Captivo Oak Voyage showcases the influence that time and purposefully selected oak casks have on Bowmore’s spirit, and the journey the whisky undertakes to develop its flavours locked within the wood. This expression has maturated for two decades in American oak ex-Bourbon casks and finally aged in American oak Oloroso sherry butts, to optimise richness and complexity. The whisky opens with notes of dark cherry, candied orange, and Manuka honey, complemented by an unexpected touch of cool eucalyptus and toasted oak, and finishing with smooth vanilla sweetness and a delicate whisper of campfire smoke. Bowmore Captivo Sherry Cask Pursuit, which is a global travel retail exclusive, offers new dimensions of flavour with the influence of Spain, evoking the sense of adventure to bodegas and back to Islay. This expression has matured in Spanish oak Oloroso sherry and American oak ex-bourbon casks, with an Oloroso sherry hogshead finish, providing tropical fruit and cracked black pepper notes, balanced by soft oak and smoked toffee, with a lingering finish of sweet peat smoke and a touch of charred mango. Dr Calum Fraser, master blender, Scotch and Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, says: “These beautifully aged whiskies are intentionally designed to reward exploration and reveal layers of flavour over time. While Bowmore's signature style remains at their heart, balancing citrus, sweetness, and delicate smoky notes, each expression showcases the influence of different oak casks in a distinct way. “The richness of Oak Voyage and the smooth sweetness of Sherry Cask Pursuit demonstrate the remarkable impact of time and cask selection. Snarkitecture has captured that sense of discovery brilliantly, creating designs that express the individuality of each whisky, while remaining true to Bowmore's heritage." The Bowmore Captivo Collection Oak Voyage (50.8% ABV) is priced at $360 USD / £312 GBP / 360 EUROS RSP*. Bowmore Captivo Collection Sherry Cask Pursuit (51.8% ABV) is $380 USD / £320 GBP RSP. Both are available from today on Bowmore.com (ROW) / Bowmore.com (UK). Oak Voyage will be available in Harrods in the UK from 1st September, followed by the US, Asia, Northern Europe and Canada, with Sherry Cask Pursuit available in select global travel retail later this year. About Bowmore® Established over 245 years ago in 1779, Bowmore is Islay’s oldest licensed distillery, and Scotland’s second oldest. This legacy affords the distillery an enviable inventory of maturing stock, iconic releases, and warrants its position as one of the most collectable whiskies in the world. Bowmore’s premium single malts are crafted with intent and age like no other, to offer exceptional depth and layers of flavour. Its signature style is defined by rich and fruity notes and a delicate peated complexity. Each stage of Bowmore’s whisky-making process is precise and measured. From its floor maltings and peat smoke to dry the barley, ensuring the smoky and fruity complexity, to the long fermentation and slow distillation, enhancing the signature citrus fruit taste. – Bowmore’s expressions continue to be globally recognised. Recent accolades include: - ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ and gold at World Whiskies Awards 2026 for Bowmore 21-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask - Double gold for Bowmore 15-Year-Old and Bowmore 18-Year-Old, and gold for Bowmore 12-Year-Old Sherry Oak Cask, at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026 - Gold at International Spirits Challenge 2026 for Bowmore 14-Year-Old Bordeaux Wine Cask Finish, Bowmore 18-Year-Old and Bowmore 25-Year-Old - Gold at International Wine and Spirits Competition 2026 for Bowmore 9-Year-Old The distillery welcomes visitors to be immersed in the spirit of the whisky and its Islay home. With the shore of Loch Indaal as the backdrop, experiences include sampling small-batch distillery exclusives, access to the ‘Vaults Secrets Tasting Room’ and stepping inside the legendary No.1 Vaults – one of the world’s oldest maturation warehouses – for the rare opportunity to taste whiskies drawn directly from casks. Adjacent to the distillery, Bowmore Cottages offer the perfect place to stay and explore the historic town of Bowmore. About Snarkitecture Snarkitecture is a New York–based design practice founded in 2008 that pushes the boundaries between art and architecture. Snarkitecture collaborates with clients and partners across disciplines to reimagine the familiar into sensory, experience-driven environments. The Snarkitecture team is dedicated to "making architecture perform the unexpected," transforming the everyday into unfamiliar and memorable environments. Snarkitecture has collaborated with some of the world's most influential fashion houses and culture-shaping lifestyle brands, with works across scales and typologies, including retail, hospitality, residential, collectible design, and object collaborations. For more information about Snarkitecture, visit https://www.snarkitecture.com/ or follow Snarkitecture on @snarkitecture on Instagram. About Suntory Global Spirits As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium American whiskeys, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequilas and Roku® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Ro