Joseph P. Kennedy, the father of President John F. Kennedy, played a significant role in the importation of Scotch whisky to the United States right after Prohibition ended in 1933. After Prohibition, Kennedy capitalized on the newly opened market for alcoholic beverages by securing exclusive rights to import Dewar's Scotch whisky and Gordon's gin through his company, Somerset Importers.
Kennedy’s business acumen and connections allowed him to negotiate favorable terms with the British distilleries, giving him a significant advantage in the American market. His involvement in the importation of these brands not only contributed to their popularity in the U.S. but also significantly boosted his wealth and influence.
This venture into the liquor business is one of the factors that helped the Kennedy family amass their fortune, which later supported their political ambitions. While there have been various rumors and myths about Kennedy's activities during Prohibition, his legitimate business dealings in the alcohol industry after Prohibition are well-documented and played a key role in the growth of certain liquor brands in America.
