The Dolin distillery had already experienced its first major shake-up back in 1930. The Savoie-based company, founded in 1814 and situated in Chambéry since 1830, had to adapt to new taxes on exports to the United States during Prohibition, according to local history. At the time, its flagship drink, vermouth, was a true success in America. It had won a gold medal at Philadelphia's Centennial Exhibition in 1876, and the American market only strengthened over time - that is, until these short-lived disturbances.

Is history repeating itself in 2025? Dolin has been a source of pride for Savoie, especially with its non-alcoholic syrups and génépis. Yet in the US it is still Dolin's vermouths − white, red and dry − that have been in demand. With a turnover exceeding €18 million in 2024, "exports represent 50% of sales, of which 70% is for the US market," said the distillery's president and CEO, Pierre-Olivier Rousseaux. "We only export vermouth there. It's a very important market for us."

As a result, the announcement by President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 2, of a 20% increase in tariffs on imports from the European Union was received not with anxiety, but with caution, the CEO noting − with "a little frustration" − the difference with the United Kingdom tariffs (only +10%). "There is no substitute for vermouth in the United States," said Rousseaux confidently. "The only suppliers are in Italy, in Turin, and us, in Chambéry." For now, Dolin can rely on its pending orders − whose shipments have not been suspended at this point − in addition to its strong financial health.

You have 30.06% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.