Riley Invests in Distillery Mixing Politics Into Its Liquor Labels
The lefty distillery appears to have swiped at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Facebook/Republic Restoratives Distillery
WASHINGTON — Freshman Democratic Rep. Josh Riley has disclosed an investment in a Washington, D.C.–based distillery known for its left-leaning branding and politically charged products.
According to financial filings, Riley, 44, holds between $1,001 and $15,000 in shares of Republic Restoratives LLC, a “women-owned, queer-led” business that markets liquor with names such as Fascist Tears Vodka and Dissent Gin. The company has built its image around politics, boasting that it prefers its “ICE crushed.”
It is unclear when Riley purchased the shares, but he has professional ties to the distillery’s co-founder, Pia Carusone, a longtime Democratic strategist who worked on advertising for Riley’s two congressional campaigns.
Founded in 2016, Republic Restoratives promotes itself as the “largest crowdfunded distillery in U.S. history.” Alongside its politically themed spirits, the company openly supports progressive causes. Sales of Dissent Gin help fund the National Network of Abortion Funds, Civic Pride Vodka proceeds go to Advocates for Trans Equality, and Fascist Tears Vodka raises money for Vote.org.
The branding often takes direct swipes at conservatives and government agencies. Ads for Fascist Tears merchandise declare, “We Prefer Our ICE Crushed,” while other offerings include Rodham Rye, named after Hillary Clinton, and Madam Whiskey, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris. On April Fools’ Day in 2022, the distillery teased Fascist Tears Vodka as a joke — but customer demand turned it into a real product.
The company’s sharp-edged messaging comes at a time of heightened political violence, including recent attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities and conservative figures.
Republic Restoratives has also embraced Democratic allies, recently amplifying California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social media post featuring a parody “MAGA Tears” drink.
Riley’s office and Carusone did not respond to requests for comment.
And if you’re ready for this IRL @GovPressOffice shoot us a DM. We’ve got a bottle of Fascist Tears Vodka on hold for you. https://t.co/2LZBRynnQq
— Republic Restoratives Distillery (@republicrestore) September 4, 2025
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