Irish whiskey producer, Tony Healy, from Dundalk near the UK border with Northern Ireland, was taken aback by the US imposing a 20 percent tariff on EU alcoholic drinks. This unexpected “curve ball” has left producers in the Republic of Ireland envious of their counterparts across the border in Northern Ireland, where the tariff rate is only 10 percent. The disparity in tariffs has put Irish whiskey producers at a disadvantage, impacting their competitiveness in the US market. With the growing popularity of Irish whiskey globally, the higher tariffs are a significant blow to the industry. Producers are now faced with the challenge of navigating these new obstacles to maintain their market share and profitability. The situation has sparked concerns among industry players, who are calling for a resolution to level the playing field. The impact of these tariffs on the Irish whiskey industry is a cause for worry, especially amidst the economic uncertainties brought about by the ongoing pandemic. As the industry grapples with these challenges, it remains to be seen how producers will adapt and overcome the hurdles to ensure the continued success of Irish whiskey in the US market.