Also related: Congress was overrun and the Capitol was looted by a pro-Trump mob last week after the mob was encouraged by the president. Live pipe bombs were found at the RNC and DNC.
It is not crazy to be afraid.
It is, however, beyond appalling that it has come to this.
More here: Republicans appear to be genuinely afraid for their lives if they cast votes opposing Trump.
Reminds me that one of my favorite DC bars, before barmageddon, used to list a bunch of Martini variations. You could get a 50/50, a house (2:1) -- all fine and good, but also they offered an Embury (7:1).
There have to be less than 500 people in DC who know offhand what an Embury Martini is. It's a reference to David Embury, author of one of the most important mid-century cocktail books.
One of the things I love about single barrel whiskey is you never know quite what you're going to get. Barrel to barrel, proofs are different, flavor profiles are shown in different balance. It's like watching the same actor, but in a different role.
That's even more true with selected barrels. I've been lucky enough to pick up a couple of Beast Masters Club barrel picks over the past few months, and...oh man.
If you're a bit of a whiskey nerd, it's also just fascinating to taste uncut and (ideally) unblended whiskey. It gives you a sense of the huge variety top-notch blenders are working with to make commercial blends. It's like seeing raw, behind-the-scenes movie footage.
Traditionally, this is Manhattan season. Far be it for me to disagree with tradition. A well-made Manhattan is a good drink any time of year, and even better at the onset of fall.
But what if you've had a lot of Manhattans? What if, somehow, you just don't want a Manhattan?
You could always drink a Black Manhattan, which subs herbal, bitter Averna for the sweet vermouth. Or a Boulevardier, which is sort of a cross between a Manhattan and a Negroni. Or a Left Hand, a chocolatey, rich, desert version of a Boulevardier.
WhistlePig isn't quite the best rye I've ever had, and it's slightly too pricey, but it might be the most flawless and consistent. Hard to think of another rye that better defines the upper end of the category.
As rye goes: Redemption is medicinal. Old Forester is fine but has a funky aftertaste. Sagamore is genuinely interesting but better in theory than in concept. Bulleit and Dickel are workhorses. Old Overholt is the best $18 you'll ever spend, but not exactly a fancy sipper.
Rittenhouse is ideal for cocktails. I use it in nearly every rye-based drink I make, and it never fails as base ingredient. But it's weak on the nose, and a bit tame for sipping straight.