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Adams and Reese Alcohol and Hospitality Team Leader Rob Pinson was interviewed by News Channel 5 Nashville on how potential tariffs could impact the whiskey business in Tennessee. Whiskey is a major export for Tennessee as the state is the number one exporter of distilled spirits, valued at over $800 million, according to the Department of Agriculture.
“It directly impacts those that are exporting to the impacted countries,” said Pinson in the interview. Pinson represents at least 30 Tennessee distilleries. He suggested major exporters may take the biggest hit, and in addition, smaller distilleries may struggle with tariffs in a different way, as prices rise for raw materials.
“When they buy products that might be coming from other countries, like China, Mexico, Canada, Europe ... like glass,” said Pinson. “So the tariffs we impose on those countries could make those items more expensive or harder to get because now they cost a lot more.”
At Adams and Reese, Pinson represents both local and national clients with their licensing and regulatory needs. Working extensively with distilleries, breweries and wineries on licensing matters, he helps his clients navigate through the complex approvals for manufacturing, self-distribution and other compliance issues at all levels. He provides counsel to alcoholic beverage manufacturers and retailers in transactional matters in which licensing issues play a critical role.
Pinson helped form and is an associate member of the Tennessee Distillers’ Guild. He assists the Guild in planning for and obtaining the licensing for numerous annual whiskey festivals across the state, including coordinating with city officials and other involved businesses. Additionally, he assisted in the formation and development of the new Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a group of approximately 25 distilleries working to promote the whiskey tourism industry in the state.