Winey Democrats

Just in time for holiday imbibing, I came across a pair of articles  (here and here) discussing the relationship between drinking, likelihood to vote, and political party affiliation. I'm not sure what actions can be taken based on the conclusions drawn, but the data tells an interesting story.

Did you know that Democrats drink more than Republicans? Or that they are likelier to choose clear liquors, whereas Republicans tend toward the darker ones?

Democratic drinkers are more likely to sip Absolut and Grey Goose vodkas, while Republican tipplers are more likely to savor Jim Beam, Canadian Club and Crown Royal.

For the detail-minded among you, this information comes from a report by National Media Research, Planning and Placement — an Alexandria-based Republican consulting firm. The data is drawn from a survey of over 50,000 consumers.

The results are fascinating: Analyzing voting habits of those who imbibe, (researchers) found that 14 of the top 15 brands that indicate someone is most likely to vote are wines...

... high-turnout Democrats tend to patronize Washington state vineyards Columbia Crest and Chateau Ste. Michelle, whereas high-turnout Republicans go for California wines Kendall-Jackson and Robert Mondavi.

And, perhaps not surprisingly, given the relative youth of those involved, people who take shots of Jagermeister or Don Julio (Tequila) are much less likely to vote.

Rum appears to be the most bipartisan drink. Both Bacardi and Captain Morgan Spiced Rum fall right in the middle of the political spectrum.

Fittingly, the beverage preferred by high-turnout voters who skew the most Democratic is a wine named Smoking Loon...

Click to embiggen.