Macaloney's Island Distillery on Vancouver Island is seeing a surge in sales thanks to Canadian consumer support for local products amid President Trump's threatened tariffs on Canadian goods. While the distillery owner, Graeme Macaloney, acknowledges the challenges posed by the trade war, he sees this as an opportunity to expand sales in Canada and internationally, particularly in China.
While many small Canadian businesses are preparing for the worst as President Donald Trump's tariffs loom, some may find a silver lining – Macaloney’s Island Distillery is one of them.
Macaloney was fondly described by one of his employees as a “bit of a mad scientist entrepreneur.” He entered the whisky business as a teenager working at the Black and White Whisky factory in Scottland, and eventually studying fermentation, acquiring a PhD and a degree in biochemical engineering. His engineering career eventually led him into the business world and later to Canada, where he returned to his roots to found McAloney's Island Distiller.
“There’s no way I will even attempt that – it will not be viable. However, we don’t need the Americans,” he said, explaining that his distillery is turning its focus to other countries and expanding sales within Canada. “There’s always been kind of a glass ceiling, if you will, because with the BCL here, we’ve got five whiskies listed. In Ontario and Quebec, we only have one,” he said.
“I’ve got a warehouse full of whisky ready to sell now. I can make a lot more, and I don’t have to wait.”
TARIFFS CANADIAN BUSINESS WHISKY INDUSTRY CONSUMER SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Hints at February Tariffs on Canadian Goods, While Canadian Politicians Back Away from Carbon PricingThis article covers several news stories from The Canadian Press. It starts with US President Donald Trump's suggestion of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports by February 1st, despite earlier indications of a study on trade practices. The article also discusses the three frontrunners in the Liberal leadership race shifting away from the Liberal government's carbon pricing policy. Other news covered includes Statistics Canada's upcoming release of December's inflation figures, thawing permafrost in the Arctic tundra, and a focus on the benefits of small care homes for long-term residents.
Read more »
Trump to Implement Tariffs on Canadian Goods, Prompting Canadian ResponseU.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration speech signaled his intention to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, reversing earlier reports that suggested a delay. Canadian officials have expressed preparedness for this move, outlining plans to defend Canadian interests and jobs.
Read more »
Canadian Ministers Race to Washington to Avert Trump Tariffs on Canadian GoodsThree Canadian cabinet ministers are in Washington, D.C., making a final plea to U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid imposing harmful tariffs on Canadian imports.
Read more »
Canadian Stock Market Rises as Trump Delays Tariffs on Canadian GoodsThe Canadian stock market saw modest gains on Tuesday, driven by a decision from U.S. President Donald Trump to delay tariffs on Canadian goods entering the U.S. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar strengthened against its American counterpart. The positive market sentiment was attributed to the 30-day postponement, which provides a window for negotiations and potentially averts the implementation of tariffs altogether.
Read more »
Canadian Distillers See Opportunity in US-China Trade WarVancouver Island distillers are optimistic about the future of liquor sales despite recent concerns surrounding US tariffs. With tariffs on hold, they hope Canadians will continue to support local businesses and explore Canadian whiskies. Both Paul Hadfield of Spinnakers and Dr. Graeme Macaloney of Macaloney's Distillery believe this situation creates a unique opportunity for Canadian distilleries to flourish.
Read more »
Greater Victoria Distillers Sweep 2025 Canadian Whisky AwardsMacaloney's Island Distillers dominated the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, securing multiple Whiskies of the Year titles and a number of gold medals. The distillery's founder, Graeme Macaloney, was also recognized as Blender of the Year.
Read more »