UPDATE: On Monday afternoon, Canada and the U.S. reached an agreement to pause tariffs for at least 30 days.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is making good on his promise to remove all U.S. alcohol from the LCBO this week, and it could mean big changes for your drinking habits.
Starting Tuesday, Ontario's alcohol distributor will no longer be selling U.S.-made alcohol, a direct response to President Donald Trump's aggressive new 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods. If you're a fan of American whisky, beer, wine or seltzers, you might be wondering how this affects your liquor cabinet.
Ford first threatened the action two weeks ago, on the day of Trump's inauguration. Speaking at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference on January 20, the Ontario premier said he had directed the LCBO to "clear off every bit of U.S. alcohol off the shelves" if U.S. President Donald Trump went ahead with new tariffs on Canadian goods.
"We're the largest purchaser of alcohol in the entire world," Ford said at the time. "They will feel the pain."
Ford confirmed the details of his plan on Sunday, just hours after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced counter-tariffs on $155 billion in U.S. goods.
According to Ford, the LCBO won't just be pulling these products from store shelves, but also from its wholesale catalogue — meaning restaurants, bars and private retailers in Ontario won't be able to restock U.S. booze either.
"Every year, LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers. Not anymore," Ford declared on X (formerly Twitter).
"Starting Tuesday, we're removing American products from LCBO shelves," the premier continued. "As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can't order or restock U.S. products."
"There's never been a better time to choose an amazing Ontario-made or Canadian-made product," Ford added.
It's a bold statement, but one that could have a serious impact on Ontario consumers. Some of the biggest names in bourbon, craft beer and canned cocktails will soon be unavailable, leaving Ontarians to turn to homegrown alternatives. If you're wondering which of your go-to bottles might disappear, here's everything that's getting the axe.
Whisky
Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.
From Tennessee whiskey to Kentucky bourbon and even Pennsylvania rye, you'll have to say goodbye to a whole shelf of U.S. favourites.
Everything from mainstays like Jack Daniel's and Jim Beam to top-shelf favourites like Bulleit, Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey will disappear — a devastating blow for whisky lovers across the province.
Vodka
Tito's Handmade Vodka is made in Texas.
Going forward, you'll have to find alternatives for trendy vodkas like Tito's, New Amsterdam Pink Whitney and White Claw's vodka (yes, the iconic Canadian cooler brand's vodka is made in Kentucky, not here). Vodka soda season just got a lot harder.
Rum
Some Bacardi rum is made in Florida.
For rum enthusiasts, brands like Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry and The Kraken are about to be off the table. Even certain U.S.-produced Bacardi varieties will be cut from the lineup.
Gin
Aviation Gin is made in Oregon.
Lovers of Aviation Gin — yes, Ryan Reynolds' label — might find it ironic that the iconic Canadian actor's product is on the chopping block. Other specialty U.S. gins like Gray Whale and Mr. Pickles will also be cleared out.
Liqueurs
The LCBO imports Kahlua from Arkansas.
LCBO
Despite originating from Mexico, the LCBO imports Kahlua from Arkansas, putting this popular coffee liqueur on the list to go. Other iconic liqueurs like Sour Puss, Rumchata and Kamora will be MIA too, along with many more. Let's just say your cocktail game might need a rethink.
Coolers
Mott's Clamato Caesars are, ironically, made in New Jersey.
Popular pre-mixed options like High Noon and Mott's Clamato Caesars (which, ironically, are made in New Jersey — how Canadian of them) are set to disappear from your summer plans.
Beer & cider
Samuel Adams Boston Lager.
LCBO
While many iconic U.S. beer brands are actually brewed locally (including Budweiser, Pabst, Coors and others), imports like Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard and Kona are among the few still affected. It's not a total wipeout, but it's enough to make a dent in your beer fridge.
Wine
Bread & Butter wine is from California.
Wine lovers, brace yourselves — over 1,000 bottles are set to vanish from the LCBO's shelves. From Napa Valley to New York's Finger Lakes, some of the most popular American wines will soon be off-limits.
That means saying goodbye to California favourites like Bread & Butter, J. Lohr and Josh Cellars, as well as big-name bottles from Oregon, Washington and New York states. Even budget-friendly go-tos like Beringer Main & Vine and Barefoot Cellars are getting the boot. Whether you're a red, white or rosé drinker, your go-to bottle might be on its last pour.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on January 22, 2025.
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