Drinks they might like: Hail to the chief

In the spirit of Presidents Day: top-of-the-ticket American wines and whiskey. No super PAC required.

Consider the 2009 The Federalist Dueling Pistols, a red blend, fruity, peppery 50-50 union of zinfandel and syrah. The name refers to the final encounter between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. $35.

Duckhorn Vineyards' portfolio features the 2008 Paraduxx, a Napa Valley red blend of zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon. Balanced, dependable, with a distinctive personality. Theodore Roosevelt would approve of the wine and the blue wing teal label, too. $48.

The 2008 Rodney Strong Symmetry, an Alexander Valley red blend, combines power and finesse, and a long finish. The supple wine is primarily cabernet sauvignon, backed by malbec and some merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc for a successful alliance. FDR's kind of wine. $55.

Although its name suggests Tommy James & the Shondells, or at least Joan Jett, the 2010 Concannon Conservancy Crimson & Clover is about spice and lively fruit. The mostly petit sirah red blend stands up to strongly seasoned fare. A populist $15.

Going from grapes to grains: Jefferson's Rye, North American Straight Rye Whiskey, aged 10 years. Full-bodied, smooth, aromatic, a "very small batch" with spicy flavor. A presidential $40.