There something about the Presidential election that makes me want to drink. In fact, it inspires me to. But I like to have fun with it by playing various roles and matching my beverages, both adult and otherwise, to those roles — it makes watching the elections more fun.
For example, at one point last night, I pretended I was Joe the Plumber. And in the spirit of acting stereo-typically, as Joe, I had a beer. An American beer — Budweiser. Oh wait, aren’t they foreign owned now? Doh! I also stepped into the role of Barack Obama and tossed back a Mai Tai — what could be more Hawaiian? I searched for a Goose Island beer – a great regional beer in Chicago — but it simply isn’t available in CA. But the Mai Tai was great. I put a little umbrella in it with a slice of pineapple, and just for a minute, I was Barack Obama.
I also cracked an Arizona Tea – my salute to John McCain. I know his wife distributes beer — but honestly, I can only take so much beer. I’m a wine guy. So, in honor of Senator McCain’s captivity during Viet Nam, I thought The Prisoner would be appropriate…or not. But it was delicious. Bitter-sweet in a way.
Ultimately, as usual, I opened some Humanitas. The message of hope for a better world was the inspiration behind this winery and, although biased, it really hit the spot. I had a glass of the 2007 ‘Oak-Free’ Chardonnay, and it was perfect for the optimism of the evening.
And because it was the biggest of all races, I closed with a glass of milk. It was a victory for all no matter what your political inclinations. It is comforting that all of those political advertisements are over — get ready for them to be replaced by the onslaught of Holiday ads!
I’d be interested to hear if anyone else does what I do — that is — match your beverage (preferably wine!) with the environment and chooses your wine to match the situation. It is a fun game — it mixes trivia with acting with the wine sensory experience…and honestly makes you think a bit beyond simply matching food & wine. Kinda fun — try it! And as always, drink charitably!
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