Kaplowitz Media. continues its long-held tradition of endorsing no one.
Kaplowitz Media. also traditionally expresses no backing of any political group or ideology. For Kaplowitz Media. is a cigar blog. That said, KM (more so the K) understands that Election Day is the source of soaring emotions, sinking emotions, and fretting until either of those two ends.
Plainly, I'd like to posit here which sorts of premium tobacco expressions are best to smoke in order to get through instances of nervous trepidation, celebratory success, and/or terrible defeat; three instances that require drastically differing humidor choices.
More plainly still, what best to light up in the face(s) of worry, win, and woe? The worry of watching states turn red or blue on a screen, the win of your candidate of preference succeeding, the woe of your candidate of preference losing. First, let's all take a deep collective breath. Let's take those in long-slow big bunches.
A final thing prior to getting begun. These emotions, let us not forget, are seen outside of team-color ties and only slightly elevated yo mama roasts of recent political campaigns. So do please take these thoughts with you outside of that paradigm and good luck with the roller-coaster of life. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em.
[Cigar recommendations are links to full reviews of stated cigar offerings.]
Cigars to Pair with Worry
You're pacing. You're worn thin. You perceive you have a lot riding on a thing you have little to no control over. You have likely completely forgotten to right-size anything. You are so thoroughly immersed in your own worst-case scenario imaginations that you are virtually already living them. Or, perhaps, you're counting your eggs before they hatch and are prematurely celebrating--and only a small part of you knows you might be setting yourself up for a fall. Either way, your knuckles are white, and your nails chewed.
Grab something light. You're likely already a bit dizzy from poor breathing. You are also either half in faux grief or faux celebration. You're fidgeting and experiencing oral fixation. Keep your hands and (mouth)hole busy. A mild offering will allow many puffs and not add to light-headedness. Grab several small cigars and smoke them all for a calming sense of achieving something. Also, you need sweet comfort.
Recommendation: Los Statos Deluxe Connecticut
Pair with: NOT COFFEE
Cigars to Pair with Win
You're flying high and fully believe all your problems have been solved. Not only that but there's more of you than there is of them and that's super. You have allowed yourself to be run through the wringer and you've come through victoriously wrung. You feel like a million bucks, all told, and your choice of cigar should express that. With your mind coming down from racing, it has to still have something to fixate on, so complexity is your friend. As is a spicy sweetness. Nothing foggingly strong.
But it should be big, because you need to sit down and not do anything tasteless. No one likes a sore winner. Also, the big 'uns make you feel like a boss. I'll keep this short because I'm aware that right now, no one can tell you anything. Congratulations, I suppose, are in order.
Recommendation: EP Carrillo Essence Series Honduras
Pair with: Port Wine
Cigars to Pair with Woe
Your world isn't over, but maybe it feels like it is. It isn't. Nevertheless, you're done-for deflated. You have lost all hope in humanity and are outnumbered by people who have the unmitigated gall to disagree with you. "You know, morons." Hey, it wouldn't hurt to try and laugh along with a flick like Blazing Saddles in times like these. Whatever turns that frown upside-down. But I know, the feeling is horrible. Sorry.
You need numbed and perhaps dumbed. Grab something strong and heavy. Let it be an anchor in the storm, a bed to hide under, a cave to retreat unto. Let it engulf you and please stop listening to sad music and apocalyptical items which only serve to amplify. Feel sad, even hopeless, but do not dive too deep or ignite anger overly. Simply be still and light up a thing to facilitate said stillness. The morning will come--best to meet it hungover. Then to calmly take things from there.
Recommendation: Foundation Olmec Maduro
Pair with: Hot Cocoa
In closing, please remember that before, during, and after; as Charles Bukowski once penned: "What matters most is how well you walk through the fire."
::: very :::