Freshman Democrat Invests in Progressive Distillery

In Washington, freshman Democrat Josh Riley has acquired shares in a distillery known for its “female-owned, queer-led” ethos, which produces politically charged spirits like “Fascist Tear Vodka” and “Opposition Gin.”

Details about when Riley made this investment remain unclear, but he’s connected to co-founder Pia Calthorne.

Representing a district that includes Binghamton, Catskill, Hudson, Ithaca, and Monticello, Riley’s shares in Calthorne Restoration LLC range from $1,001 to $15,000, as indicated in financial disclosures.

The distillery, located in Northeast DC just a few miles from the White House, has garnered some niche support among liberal circles in the area.

One marketing tagline claims, “This isn’t just a cocktail bundle. It’s a statement. A middle finger to politicians that billionaires back, trying to control what you say, do, or drink.” The Spirit Pack, priced at $159, includes “Fascist Tear Vodka,” “Opposition Gin,” and “Assembly Gin.”

Co-founded in 2016 by Carusone, who previously served as Chief of Staff for Gabby Giffords, the distillery has been labeled as “the biggest crowdfunded distillery in US history.”

Additionally, the spirits’ sales revenue contributes to left-leaning causes. Notably, proceeds from “Jin Disputes” benefit a national network of abortion funds, aiming to assist low-income women.

Another noteworthy product is “Citizens’ Pride Vodka,” which supports trans equality.

The “Fascist Tear Vodka,” in particular, has become a talking point, drawing inspiration from conservative media figures and their own catchphrases.

The distillery has generated buzz recently, even taking a jab at California Governor Gavin Newsom through social media after one of his press conferences featured AI-generated content related to alcohol consumption.

On a grimmer note, Riley’s investment surfaced amid heightened violence directed at ICE and its personnel, including a recent tragic incident involving a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas.

Other offerings from the distillery include “Madame Whiskey,” featuring a likeness of former Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as “Rodham Rye,” paying homage to Hillary Clinton.

This April, the distillery stirred some conversation by mocking Trump through its marketing, leading to the unexpected creation of “Fascist Tears” after popular demand for a parody product.

Efforts to get a response from Riley’s team or Calthorne regarding this investment went unanswered.