Skye Plowman, head bartender at Trapline Lounge at the Explorer Hotel in Yellowknife, says people have noticed that the bar has stopped selling drinks with U.S. liquor products.

But she says it hasn’t been a problem, as most have been happy to pivot and try new Canadian twists on classic drinks.

It’s now been one year since the N.W.T. stopped purchasing all U.S. liquor products, amidst Canada’s ongoing trade war with the United States. The territory made the move in solidarity with other jurisdictions in the country to stand up against U.S. president Donald Trump.

Plowman, who’s been tending bar for 20 years, says her customers have adapted. She points to a particular drink: an Old Fashioned. Typically, it’s made with a Kentucky bourbon. Now, Plowman said customers are opting for a Canadian rye whisky instead. 

“It’s been a really great opportunity for the consumer to learn about these ryes that have always been here,” Plowman said. “Suddenly, bartenders had to find new whiskies that were Canadian that had flavours that could be well-supported in an Old Fashioned.”

Territory has no plans to mix things up

In an statement to CBC News, the territory said it has no plans to resume purchasing American booze. 

“For some products, the N.W.T. Liquor and Cannabis Commission has sourced alternatives from Canada and other international markets,” the statement said. “Any cost impacts vary by product and supplier.”

The statement also said that the commission has not noted any material changes in its expenditures or revenues from the U.S. liquor product restrictions. 

‘Perfectly reasonable’ policy response, says analyst

Jerald Sabin is a political science professor at Carleton University who focuses on northern and federal politics.

He says the territory’s liquor ban likely has little to no effect on America’s market, given how small the territory is. In fact, the ban probably affects N.W.T. residents the most, he says.

Still, he calls it a “perfectly reasonable” policy response.

“The cost to northerners is low [and] there are alternatives available,” he said. 

Working in tandem with other jurisdictions in Canada, Sabin said the ban can produce a larger impact on American state-level economies like Kentucky, which is known for bourbon, or California, with its wine industry.

While some provinces and territories remain steadfast against purchasing U.S. liquor, others have gone in a different direction.

In March of last year, Alberta decided to avoid purchasing U.S. goods and services. But by June, it lifted its ban on American liquor imports. 

Saskatchewan also reversed its decision to stop selling or distributing American-branded alcohol products made in Canada, after industry backlash.

For jurisdictions like the N.W.T. that continue to enforce the ban, Sabin says it makes for a strong political statement.

“Where we see an impact is really on the symbolism,” he said. “This offers the citizens of Canada and the North to feel like they’re actually participating in an act of solidarity with their government and their fellow citizens.”