WASHINGTON — Freshman Democratic Representative Josh Riley has accumulated shares in a D.C.-based distillery known for being “women-owned and queer-led,” selling politically-themed spirits like Fascist Tears Vodka and Dissent Gin, emphasizing its preference for “ICE crushed.”
Although the timeline of Riley’s investment in the distillery is unclear, the 44-year-old has connections with co-founder Pia Carusone, an established Democratic strategist who played a role in crafting campaign ads for his previous congressional bids.
Riley, whose district encompasses cities like Binghamton, Catskill, Hudson, Ithaca, and Monticello, holds between $1,001 and $15,000 in shares of Carusone’s Republic Restoratives LLC, as stated in his latest financial disclosure.
These revelations regarding Riley’s investment in a distillery with a bold political stance emerge in the context of rising violent incidents against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and conservative figures, such as activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 by a suspect who left behind a bullet casing inscribed with “Hey fascist! Catch.”
Recently, on Wednesday, a sniper opened fire at an ICE facility in Dallas, resulting in the death of one detainee and injuries to two others before taking his own life. The attacker, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, had inscribed the phrase “Anti ICE” on his ammunition, according to FBI reports.
Located in northeast D.C., approximately three miles from the White House, Republic Restoratives Distillery has garnered a significant following among progressive Beltway insiders.
“This isn’t merely a cocktail package; it’s a declaration. A middle finger to every billionaire-funded politician attempting to dictate your actions, words, and drinks,” describes one offering of their “spirit pack,” which includes Fascist Tears vodka, Dissent gin, and Assembly gin for $159.
Carusone, who had previously served as chief of staff for Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) during her recovery from a 2011 assassination attempt, co-founded the distillery in 2016 with her close friend Rachel Gardner, promoting it as the “largest crowdfunded distillery in U.S. history.”
Alongside their politically charged branding, the distillery allocates a portion of its liquor sales to support progressive causes.
For instance, funds from the sale of Dissent Gin are directed to the National Network of Abortion Funds, which assists low-income women in managing their pregnancies.
Sales of Civic Pride vodka benefit Advocates for Trans Equality.
The distillery’s standout product, Fascist Tears Vodka, mimics the branding of conservative commentator Ben Shapiro’s “Leftist Tears” merchandise, with proceeds directed to Vote.org.
They also offer “Fascist Tears” apparel, including T-shirts and mugs, with one ad stating, “We Prefer Our ICE Crushed,” directly referencing anti-ICE sentiments.
Earlier this month, the distillery promoted California Gov. Gavin Newsom following the release of an AI-generated video showing him enjoying a drink branded “MAGA Tears.”
Additional offerings include Madam whiskey, which features an image of former Vice President Kamala Harris on its label, and Rodham Rye, named in honor of Hillary Clinton.
Begin your day with essential updates
Morning Report provides the latest news, videos, and photos.
Thank you for subscribing!
On April 1st of this year, the distillery teased the idea of producing Gulf of Mexico Tequila, taking a stand against Trump’s renaming of the body of water to the Gulf of America.
“Last year on April Fool’s Day, we unveiled a fictional bottle named Fascist Tears,” the distillery’s Facebook remarked. “Your enthusiasm in the comments was overwhelming, so we decided to make it a reality.”
The Post has reached out to both Riley’s team and Carusone for commentary.
