St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally celebrated on March 17th. Due to the large number of Irish heritage in the US, the holiday has become widely observed across the country.

Some cities, such as Boston, Chicago, and New York, have large Irish-American populations. These cities are known to host elaborate St. Patrick’s Day festivities, including large parades and cultural events. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations often include parties and decorations using Irish flags, shamrocks, and other symbols associated with Ireland. 

Something the Irish are well-known for is their talent for brewing delicious whiskey. Make the most of this year’s celebrations by trying some of our recommended cigar and whiskey pairings.

What is St. Patrick’s Day?

This holiday has roots in Irish Catholic traditions and as such is a huge event in Ireland. Today, it’s widely celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States.

The date itself commemorates the death of Saint Patrick death, the patron saint of Ireland who was credited for bringing Christianity to the country.

As time has evolved, the celebration has become a fantastic celebration of Irish culture, marked worldwide by many traditions, including wearing green clothing, attending parades, consuming great food and drinks, and carrying a sense of Irish pride.

This celebratory occasion is also the perfect opportunity to celebrate your Irish friends, including their heritage and identity. One way to celebrate them is joining them for an indulgent smoke and a dram of brown liquor.

What is Irish whiskey? 

Irish whiskey is a type of whiskey sourced from Ireland with distinct characteristics and production methods. It’s generally made from malted barley and water, but other grains can be used. 

Another feature of Irish whisky includes unmalted barley, which offers a lighter, smoother flavor compared to other whiskey types. When manufactured, it is left to age in wooden oak barrels, which can provide additional delicious flavors and complexities to the spirit. 

Be aware that Irish whiskey available in many different styles, including single malt, single grain, blended whiskey, and pot still. The typical flavor profile for Irish whiskey is smooth and mellow, which means it can be perfectly paired with some premium smokes and is a popular choice for many whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

Best whiskey and cigar pairings 

You may usually prefer a single malt scotch or bourbon to pair with a cigar. However, when celebrating the Irish, it’s only fitting to opt for some authentic Irish whiskey to dance on your palate when you light up a stogie.

· Jameson 18 year old – A full-bodied, rich whiskey with flavors of oak, caramel, and vanilla, you can pair this with a robust, full-bodied cigar. 

· Redbreast 12 year old – This Irish whiskey is medium-bodied and has well-balanced flavors of oak, spices, and smooth vanilla that could be enjoyed alongside a medium-bodied cigar. 

· Bushmills 12 year old – An exceptionally full-bodied whiskey offering notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla — the perfect pairing for a full-bodied cigar. 

· Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy – The legacy is in the name. This full-bodied, rich whiskey has delightful flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel. A full-bodied cigar is the perfect pairing with this Irish whiskey.

Macanudo Inspirado Green Toro cigars

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper Type: Brazil

Binder: Indonesia

Filler: Dominican Republic

Strength: Medium 

Sizes Available: 6 × 50

Macanudo Inspirado is an excellent cigar that offers a rich and unique smoking experience. This hand-rolled premium stick is a top-quality Macanudo blend cloaked in a stunning zesty Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper.

When lighting this cigar, expect to discover delicious notes of chocolate, earth, roasted nuts, and black pepper with a delectable hint of tobacco sweetness. Enjoy bold and flavorful medium-bodied smoke with every indulgent puff. It’s perfect for combining with a pristine glass of Redbreast whiskey for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations!

Sin Compromiso Seleccion No. 5 Parejo

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper Type: San Andrés Mexican

Binder: Ecuador

Filler: Nicaragua

Strength: Full 

Sizes Available: 6 × 54

Sin Compromiso Seleccion No. 5 Parejo is carefully crafted with well-aged Nicaraguan long-fillers packed into a rich Ecuadorian Habano ligero binder and finalized with a dark and delicious San Andres Mexican wrapper. This is a widely popular cigar that is full-bodied and complex to coat your palate with exceptional notes of dark chocolate, sweet caramel, spice, and expresso.