Coping With the Worst of the Election Season

As it gets closer and closer to November 4th, it’s inevitable that more and more of the worst parts of election season are now upon us. Conspiracy theories whose stupidity are matched only by their irrelevance will start entering the media cycle about once per day–and on the internet about once per hour, if not faster. Time which could be profitably spent discussing something important is instead spent by talking heads trying to figure out if Tina Fey and Sarah Palin have ever actually been the same room together. It’s frustrating, but there’s really only one cure: whiskey.

The problem is, times are tough financially right now, too. And as a general rule, whiskey is expensive. This is why I’ve taken it upon myself to talk up three great whiskeys which can help you get through election season without driving you into debt in the process.

First up, if you’re a bourbon man, I highly recommend Russell’s Reserve, which is a 10 year barrel aged bourbon made by Wild Turkey’s master distillers. It’s got a great balance of flavor, is nice and smooth going down, and best of all, usually goes for around $20.

Second, if you like a good single malt scotch, and you also like to accompany that scotch with a fine cigar, you can’t go wrong with the Dalmore Cigar Malt, which has a strong, malty taste behind which is a delightful medley of citrus, as well as a strong, smoky flavor throughout. It perfectly pairs with a good cigar, especially a cigar with some spice to it like the Don Lino Africa or a Camacho Corojo. Better still, most places sell a bottle of this fine stuff for $30–which is an absolute steal.

If you prefer an Irish whiskey, you absolutely cannot go wrong with Michael Collins. For about $20 a bottle you get one of the most complex, smooth tasting Irish whiskeys I’ve ever had the privilege to drink. They have a single malt, too, which I haven’t tried yet but intend to soon.

So there you have it–three great, inexpensive whiskeys to help you through the remainder of election season. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comments. I always like to try a new brand, and the bottles run dry a bit faster with the prospect of another Presidential debate this week.

Image Credit: Tomasz Mazurkiewicz

Update (Steve Verdon): In keeping with the idea of inexpensive, yet good, alcoholic beverages I feel I must point to Laphroig’s 10 year old single malt scotch whisky. Now this isn’t a whisky for everyone. It is one of the most…errr…flavorful whiskies out there. It has a strong taste of smoke and peat with a hint of the ocean to it. Most people either love it or hate it, but the price is pretty reasonable by scotch standards (my local Beverages and More sell it for $30.99). Recomended way of drinking it: room temperature with a splash of water. I’ve found it goes well with most types of cheese, chocolate and butter cookies, smoked salamon, and chocolate chip cookies.

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Alex Knapp
About Alex Knapp
Alex Knapp is Associate Editor at Forbes for science and games. He was a longtime blogger elsewhere before joining the OTB team in June 2005 and contributed some 700 posts through January 2013. Follow him on Twitter @TheAlexKnapp.

Comments

  1. rodney dill says:

    I’ll have to try the Dalmore Cigar Malt, I’ve seen it in the stores, but haven’t tried it yet. I just recently finished a bottle of Glenfiddich 15 year Single Malt. At $43 not exactly a steal, but ten dollars cheaper than comparable Scotch’s.

  2. Joe Buzz says:

    Dont over look Elijah Craig either. I find it a very good bourbon for the low $20/fifth range.

  3. tom p says:

    for my recent 50th, several freinds showed up to shove me down the slope of my 2nd 50, and they brought several bottles of single malt to help ease the way. One of the best was Ardbeg, a 10 year old Islay with a really nice peaty flavor that was also very smooth. I still have a little so I don’t know the price, but as a 10 yr old, it can’t be bad.

    Also, for when times get really bad, I like Crawfords (a blended, god furbid) Smooth with a nice flavor, and nothing more, but at $25/litre…

  4. sam says:

    Plutocrats. (But I am partial to Laphroaig.)

  5. Triumph says:

    In solidarity with our next Vice President, Sarah Palin, I will be forgoing whiskey in favor of crystal meth.

  6. Dave Schuler says:

    I do drink bourbon but I’m afraid my tastes in it are rather plebeian. I like Early Times better than anything but a few really expensive small-batch bourbons.

    If you’re partial to island whiskies (as I see some of the previous commenters are), I suggest trying Talisker. The difference between Talisker and, say, Laphroaig is not unlike the difference between drinking a fine cognac and chewing on a sherry barrel.

    Unless you’re talking about the 15-year old Laphroaig, which is a completely different subject.

  7. Alex Knapp says:

    If you’re partial to island whiskies (as I see some of the previous commenters are), I suggest trying Talisker.

    I adore Talisker. I received a bottle of 18 year old Talisker as a gift earlier this year and it was sublime.

  8. G.A.Phillips says:

    When I used to drink it was Rum&coke with 151 a mans rum, why wast time. A little moonshine never hurt any one ether just blinded them, but then again hanging out with brothers help me build a tolerance. And the there is alway mad dog or thunder bird with 7up, makes it go around more, the 7up I mean, them are fine wines for us poor folk.

  9. Billy says:

    Redbreast. Absolutely the best value on a Pot Still Irish Whiskey, even if it is about twice the cost of Michael Collins (if you find a good deal).

    Unless you’re talking about the 15-year old Laphroaig, which is a completely different subject.

    Meh – it still tastes like a sherry barrel to me. Give me an Aberlour 16 any day – same price, but much better.

  10. tom p says:

    Laphroaig… Talisker… Aberlour… You guys keep it up I am going to head for the whiskey cabinet a little early today… before noon even!

    A little moonshine never hurt any one ether just blinded them

    The best sourmash I have ever had came in a mason jar, so has the worst. Approach with caution!

  11. rodney dill says:

    Since we’re name dropping — Here’s my list, from best to (well there is no worst). I’ve had a few others by the glass but not enough of an opinion to place

    Glenlivet Nadurra (Cask Strength)
    Oban
    Glenfiddich 15 year
    Balvenie Double Wood
    Balvenie
    Glenlivet
    Glenfiddich 12 year

    Johnnie Walker Black (blended)