DC-based distiller Republic Restoratives: 

To commemorate the inauguration of America’s first female, black, AND South Asian Vice President, we’ve collaborated with talented local artist, and AKA soror, Lex Marie (@thelexmarie) to create a whiskey fit for toasting history: Madam.

Jessica Sidman, writing for Washingtonian:

Madam was initially created for the 2021 inauguration when Harris became the first female Vice President. They chose the name Madam—not thinking it could also be an apt name for a potential presidential whiskey as well.

Since Joe Biden ended his campaign and Harris announced hers, sales have been brisk: 

Within 24 hours, the distillery sold out of the 300 bottles it had in stock for direct-to-consumer sales. They’ve been scrambling to bottle up more whiskey with an additional 200 ordered in the days since. 

There are many ways we can demonstrate enthusiasm for a political candidate. I didn’t have boffo sales of themed whiskey on my scorecard.

One of the owners and distillers of Republic Restoratives is Pia Carusone, who was chief of staff to former Rep. Gabby Giffords. Carusone spoke on local DC news station WUSA9 about the whiskey, the sales, and, of course, the politics of it all.

I think it’s telling this whiskey is exploding in popularity now. People appreciated the historic election of the first female Vice President (who also happened to be Black and South Asian), but they seem downright jubilant about the possibility of electing her President.

I presume many of these bottles were purchased as collectibles, never to be opened. As a whiskey lover, I’m hoping the juice—a 92º bourbon-rye blend (58% rye, 37% corn, 5% malted barley)—is good too. And yes, I did order a couple of bottles: One to hold onto, and one to toast with on January 20, 2025.

(Via @bloodravenlib.)