The current presidential race pits former President Donald Trump against Vice President Kamala Harris in a bitter and strange contest that can be particularly disheartening for libertarians.
On one hand, much of the discourse between the two candidates has been lacking substance: Harris has wavered on various issues and avoided providing detailed proposals. Trump, on the other hand, continues to float ideas with varying levels of seriousness. Supporters of both candidates have suggested that their extreme ideas may not come to fruition. The actual governing strategies of either candidate remain somewhat of a mystery.
However, when the election does touch on policy issues, it seems that both sides are moving towards a new policy consensus, embracing neo-populist and neo-mercantilist ideas. While Trump and Harris differ on many points, they both share skepticism towards global trade and immigration, and are inclined towards using government influence to support or dismantle industries. Additionally, they have both entertained policies that resemble price controls, which could potentially harm industries or create challenges for consumers.
In essence, the election fluctuates between lack of ideas and poor ideas, prompting some to seek solace in a drink. If you’re going to end up with a headache, you may as well enjoy the preceding evening.
Looking for a suitable beverage? Consider trying Green Chartreuse, a high-proof, semi-sweet, herbal liqueur crafted based on a secret recipe by capitalist monks in France.
Similar to the election, Green Chartreuse is bitter, enigmatic, and somewhat eccentric. However, unlike the election, it offers a peculiar delight whether savored neat or incorporated into a mixed drink.
Furthermore, indulging in Green Chartreuse may prepare you for the aftermath of the presidential election, as obtaining a bottle involves navigating through high prices, government controls, and supply shortages.
The scarcity of Chartreuse stems from a deliberate decision by the Carthusian monks who produce it to reduce production and prioritize their religious obligations. Understandably, they are entitled to make choices about their product and their lives. They are not obligated to cater to everyone’s demands.
While the availability of Chartreuse may be limited, the monks are not halting production entirely. They are merely refraining from constantly expanding production to meet the growing demand due to the rising popularity of classic cocktails featuring Chartreuse.
In situations where demand exceeds supply, price adjustments typically occur to reflect the product’s value and scarcity. Consequently, Chartreuse prices may rise slightly, ensuring it remains accessible but at a higher cost.
Depending on your location, you may have observed an increase in Chartreuse prices, with some states experiencing a surge in prices exceeding $100 per bottle. However, prices have stabilized in certain areas, with bottles available for around $80.
Conversely, in states where liquor distribution is controlled by a single entity and prices are strictly regulated, acquiring Chartreuse can be a challenging endeavor. The absence of price signals hampers the market’s ability to balance demand and supply effectively.
The scarcity of Chartreuse in these controlled states has led cocktail enthusiasts to seek alternatives like Genepy and Strega, which, while decent substitutes, lack the distinct characteristics of Chartreuse that contribute to its unique appeal in mixed drinks.
This shortage not only affects home bartenders but also impacts bars, with some establishments in North Carolina being forced to remove Chartreuse-based drinks from their menus due to supply constraints imposed by state allocations.
In summary, price controls are detrimental to the quality of cocktails. There’s a valuable lesson here for both Harris and Trump regarding the inefficacy of centralized mandates and the consumer-hostile consequences of government intervention, although it’s unlikely that either candidate will internalize it.
To conclude, let’s turn to the most renowned Chartreuse cocktail, aptly named The Last Word.
The Last Word
- ¾ ounce green Chartreuse
- ¾ ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur
- ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
- ¾ ounce gin
Shake all ingredients over ice, then strain into a coupe glass.
For a more unconventional twist, swap the gin with mezcal, a smoky agave spirit from Mexico that can be likened to tequila’s edgier relative.
Regardless of your choice, The Last Word offers a refreshing break from the political noise, presenting a delectable rebuttal to the gloomy consensus of the current presidential election.
