Irish Whiskey to Pair with Your Cigar
When people talk about pairing whiskey with cigars, they usually stick to bourbon or Scotch. However, whether you’re prepping for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or just looking for a change of pace, Irish whiskey is a fabulous partner to a fine cigar. So, without further ado, let’s examine some of the best Irish whiskeys to pair with your favorite smoke.
Jameson Caskmates (Stout Edition)
There’s a reason why Jameson is the most recognizable Irish whiskey. It’s smooth, rich, and you can pick up a bottle almost anywhere in the world for a reasonable price. While you can’t go wrong with classic Jameson, the robust flavor of the Jameson Caskmates (Stout Edition) adds an extra layer of complexity to the experience. Feel free to pair this whiskey with a quality Maduro or Habano cigar.
Redbreast 12-Year Irish Whiskey
Spicy. Fruity. Delicious. The Redbreast 12-year single-pot still Irish whiskey is a must-have for epicureans of all stripes. This is an excellent whiskey not just for a St. Patrick’s Day party but for any time you want to unwind with a whiskey on the rocks. You could pair this whiskey with just about any smoke and have a great time, but for our money, Redbreast pairs best with a smooth Connecticut shade cigar.
Midleton Very Rare 2022
Want something extraordinary? Then look no further than Midleton Very Rare 2022. Crafted by one of Ireland’s most prestigious distilleries and packed with zesty, fruity, spicy, floral, and rich flavors, Middleton Very Rare 2022 is an excellent choice for an unforgettable whiskey experience. Note, be prepared to spend north of $200 for a bottle. Regarding pairings, we’d recommend breaking out something close to the best cigar in your humidor to go along with this classic.
Powers Three Swallow
Characterized by notes of herbs and sweet spiciness, Powers Three Swallow is a quality Irish whiskey option for the adventurous aficionado. Oh, and the whiskey is named after the bird –– not how many drinks it’ll take you to finish the bottle. If you really want to go full Irish, consider pairing this whiskey with an Alec Bradley Shamrock or Filthy Hooligan –– two candela-based favorites that are always popular around St. Patrick’s Day.
Did we miss your favorite Irish whiskey to sip on while smoking a cigar? Then tell us about it in the comments! And don’t forget to sign up for Cigar World for more awesome content about your favorite cigar brands and events!