11 Best Irish Whiskey Brands for St. Patrick’s Day

If your Irish whiskey consumption has heretofore been limited to only that which you might call for as “Jame-o” and drink in shot form, perhaps this St. Patrick’s Day is a good excuse for an upgrade. Irish whiskeys are unfortunately often approached with the same wariness given to green beer and blinking shamrock headbands, but they needn’t be! A solid middle ground between caramelly American bourbons and smoky Scotches, Irish whiskeys are typically smooth, lightly flavored, and lacking the heavy peatiness that makes people think whiskey is only for cold-weather months. Take a look at our roundup below, and open your spring-ready heart to some easy Irish sippers.

1. Powers Gold Label on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange

It’s no wonder that the go-to whiskey in the Republic of Ireland has a little extra oomph, clocking it at 43.2% ABV. (What do you mean the best selling whiskey in Ireland isn’t Jameson’s?) Beyond the strength, a light spiciness makes it a perfect after-dinner whiskey with maybe a little ice or water.

2. Paddy’s Irish Whiskey on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

Celtic Whiskey Shop

Blended and triple-distilled for a smooth and mellow outcome, Paddy’s is exactly the kind of whiskey who wants to go by Paddy instead of Patrick. Easy sipper, but not so expensive that you’ll feel bad blending with a little ginger ale.

3. Tullamore D.E.W. on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange

Biscuity with caramel and toffee, Tullamore Dew is delicious just about every which way you’d have an Irish whiskey. Fun fact: The Dew in the name is actually the initials of the distillery’s general manager in the late 19th century. How’s that for employee appreciation?

4. Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Cask on Total Wine (price/availability varies)Buy Now

Celtic Whiskey Shop

Tyrconnell whiskeys date back to the early 18th century, though they were only recently revived by the Suntory conglomerate. A little extra time in the American oak barrel followed by a Madeira cask finish produces an Emerald Isle gem that has both nutty complexity and easy-going fruitiness.

5. Red Breast 12 Year on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange

Complex and creamy, this pure pot still Irish whiskey is spicy and full-bodied, with a long finish. It’s an Irish whiskey Scotch drinkers can get behind.

6. Greenore Single Grain on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

Last Try Wines

A light and lemony single-grain whiskey. With vanilla and spicy oak, this easy sipper wants for nothing but sunshine and a sweeping green vista to look out over.

7. Glendalough Premium Poitín on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

Glendalough

Lovingly called Irish moonshine, this rural spirit has had a cult following for years but was illegal to produce or ship to the United States until the ’90s. Now, there are a couple of producers, but we’re keen on Glendalough’s premium offering, made with sugar beets and malt grain.

8. Midleton Very Rare on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

Crown Wine and Spirits

You can’t discuss very good Irish whiskeys without discussing the Very Rare Midleton. Only 50 casks are produced each year, and much of that is already allocated to preferred vendors. Produced only in pot stills, it’s creamy and spicy on the palate with a long finish.

9. Jameson Black Barrel on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange

Here’s the thing: it’s not Jameson’s fault that user error has given it a reputation for being a shot instead of a sipper. In truth, it’s a fine brand, and their Black Barrel selection which is triple-distilled and aged in twice-charred oak barrels demonstrates the richest potential of Irish whiskey with notes of fudge and buttery toffee.

10. Green Spot on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange

With humble roots as a fill-your-own-bottle grocery store offering, this now-renowned critical darling is an excellent metaphor for why you should drink more Irish whiskey in the first place. A beautiful selection with bright notes of green apple and citrus tempered by malt and butterscotch.

11. The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey on Drizly (price/availability varies)Buy Now

The Whisky Exchange

A partnership between the famed, lauded New York City cocktail bar and one of Ireland’s leading Master Distillers, you can expect the kind of nervy, spicy whiskey befitting of its namesake: one of the most notorious gangs of New York. Use it in your Irish coffee to put yourself up for the fight. (Or try it in some other St. Patrick’s Day cocktails.)

For more St. Patrick’s Day food and drink ideas, visit our St. Patricks Day headquarters. And for more whiskey intel, read up on Why Indian Whisky Is Giving Scotland Some Stiff Competition.

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How to Butterfly a Pork Loin

Not only are stuffed pork loins one of the tastier ways to impress guests, they are certainly one of the more impressive. While this dish can seem like an intimidating task, don’t worry, there are some simple steps that will make it your new favorite go-to to impress your friends. In order to stuff this roast with cheese, veggies or meats in a way that still looks presentable, there are a few helpful steps to follow. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

How to Butterfly a Pork Loin

Choose a pork loin based on the amount of people you need to feed. When determining how large it should be, imagine slicing it like a loaf of bread, factoring in two to three slices per person. (And be aware that a pork loin is very different from a pork tenderloin, which is much smaller, even leaner, and far less commonly butterflied and stuffed, although it is possible.)

Place the pork loin on a cutting board so the longer sides are on your left and right (the shorter sides will be at the top and bottom), and use a large, sharp knife (like a boning knife, or carving knife) to cut almost all of the way through the center of the meat—leaving only a hinge so that the meat will stay closed when stuffed.

From there, pull open the pork loin and slice down the length of each side, maintaining an even 1/2- to 3/4-inch thickness. If needed, you can trim the fat cap in order to make the pork thinner, however make sure some of the fat remains in order to add flavor. Another way to achieve even thickness is to place the pork between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it with a mallet. Season the butterflied pork with salt and freshly ground pepper to prep for the stuffing.

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How to Stuff a Pork Loin (and What to Stuff It With)

While the ingredients that you stuff the pork loin with are up to you, some amazing options are spinach and provolone, or fennel and prosciutto—or make it porchetta-style and use fennel, rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest. Many pork loin stuffings use bread crumbs or even ground meat mixtures like Italian sausage, but you can play around with pretty much anything you like. Here are a few methods that will help you stuff your pork roast with the perfect amount of filling.

Blend the stuffing into a uniform consistency, either in a mixing bowl or in a food processor, then evenly spread it along the inside of the butterflied pork loin. If you’re using bacon or prosciutto, make sure to arrange the slices horizontally and space them evenly so there’s not too much overlap. The more stuffing you use, the harder it will be to tightly roll the pork loin, so don’t overdo it.

How to Tie and Stuff the Pork Loin

Depending on the length of the pork loin, you’ll probably need between four and six strings of butcher’s twine, also known as kitchen string, cut in pieces that are about three to four times the length of the roast. Once you’ve stuffed the pork loin, tightly roll the meat into a cylinder  and tie the twine around the top and bottom ends of the piece first, then two evenly spaced in the middle. Cut off the extra twine. You can prepare the pork up to this point in advance and store, covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

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How to Cook Stuffed Pork Loin

Rub olive oil, along with any spices you want, all over the tied pork loin, and place in a shallow baking dish, roasting pan, or on a rimmed baking sheet, lined with foil for easy clean-up if you like (but make sure it’s not too shallow in case the juices overflow).

Preheat the oven to 450°F and let the roast rest at room temperature while waiting for the oven to heat up. Roast until the pork is a light golden brown, which will take about 30 minutes, and then reduce the oven to 375°F. Keeping the pan or baking sheet in the middle of the oven rack, rotate the roast for the next 30 minute interval. You’ll know it’s done when you insert a meat thermometer into the middle of the roast and it hits an internal temperature of 145°F.

Take the meat out of the oven and lightly cover with a tent of aluminum foil. Let it rest for 30 minutes or more—this is important because it will keep the roast perfectly juicy for serving.

How to Serve Stuffed Pork Loin

Once you’ve let the roast rest for at least 30 minutes, with the twine still tied around the roast, cut it in slices with a serrated knife. Remove the twine as you cut close enough to pull it off with ease. Serve it up with simply roasted vegetables, perhaps some mashed potatoes, and get ready to WOW your guests!

Pork Loin Recipes

Check out some amazing recipes that are sure to become your new household favorites.

Fennel-and-Prosciutto-Stuffed Pork Loin Roast

Chowhound

This delicious recipe includes whole-wheat bread crumbs, fennel, and apples. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and will leave you going back for seconds and thirds! Get our Fennel-and-Prosciutto-Stuffed Pork Loin Roast recipe.

Slow Cooker Stuffing-Filled Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin

Southern Mom Loves

If you find yourself craving the flavors of Thanksgiving, but happily missing the work of cooking a feast, this recipe is for you. The cranberries and herbed stuffing will give you that perfect fall fix, and once the butterflying and filling is done, it’s easy to prepare—just set it in the slow cooker and forget it. Get the Slow Cooker Stuffing-Filled Cranberry Glazed Pork Loin recipe.

Pine Nut and Raisin Stuffed Pork Loin

CBC

Sweet Italian sausage, pine nuts, raisins, garlic, cheese, and bread crumbs make for an especially rich stuffing for this pork loin. Get the Pine Nut and Raisin Stuffed Pork Loin recipe.

Mushroom-Bacon-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Spend with Pennies

Does it get better than bacon? It turns out, the answer is yes—but only when it’s stuffed into a pork tenderloin with mushrooms and garlic. This recipe is deliciously juicy and one of our favorites. If you want something that serves a bigger crowd, scale up the stuffing for a pork loin and follow the cooking instructions for one of the other loin recipes (cooking times and temperatures for pork loin are different from those for pork tenderloin). Get the Mushroom-Bacon-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe.

Crock-Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

Chowhound

Our easy slow cooker pork tenderloin is rubbed with a mix of brown sugar, cumin, garlic, and chili powder; chicken broth, balsamic, and a little soy cook down to a delicious, dark sauce. If you want to butterfly and stuff the meat first, you definitely can. A filling with some fat will help keep it moist. Get our Crock-Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin recipe.

Shopping List

The tools that will help you butterfly, tie, and roast a pork loin like a pro.

Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, $44.95 on Amazon

This is great all-purpose chef's knife for cutting meat, chopping vegetables, and more, and if you take care of it, it'll last you a lifetime.

Buy Now

Regency Natural Cooking Twine, $4.99 on Amazon

Five hundred feet of 100-percent cotton ktichen twine for all your trussing needs.

Buy Now

Calphalon Classic Hard Anodized 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Nonstick Rack , $68.67 on Amazon

Perfect for everything from pork loin to prime rib, the durable hard-anodized surface of this roasting pan sears, browns, caramelizes and deglazes beautifully.

Buy Now

Habor Digital Probe Meat Thermometer, $10.99 on Amazon

This highly-rated meat thermometer has an instant read sensor and can be used for making candy, yogurt, and deep frying too.

Buy Now

Related Video: How to Make an Easy Roasted Pork Tenderloin

All featured products are curated independently by our editors. When you buy something through our retail links, we may receive a commission. For more great hand-picked products, check out the Chowhound Shop.

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Irish Potato Candies Are the Best St. Patrick’s Day Treat You’ve Never Heard Of

How to Plan a Long Weekend in Vegas to See Céline Dion

If you think I didn’t plan an entire trip to Vegas for the sole purpose of seeing Céline Dion, then you clearly don’t know me well. Hi, my name is Joey Skladany and I’m a stereotypical gay who’ll travel great lengths to hear a power ballad sung by one of the world’s most celebrated divas. Nice to meet you.

Aside from a “My Heart Will Go On”-induced coma, a boy’s got to eat, sleep, drink, and find other forms of entertainment in Sin City, which is why I’ve prepared the ultimate guide to planning a long weekend in Vegas. Those who are looking to see our favorite Canadian before she bids adieu to her residency in June should absolutely consult this list of the best hotels, restaurants, and activities that The Strip has to offer. Check out all of my picks below, because whatever happens in Vegas with me, doesn’t stay in Vegas. And for that, you’re welcome.

Where to Stay in Vegas

Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace

If you’re traveling great lengths to get to Vegas, convenience is of the utmost importance. Thus, it makes entirely too much sense to stay at the hotel that hosts the queen herself. Caesars Palace is so much more than a hotel on The Strip; it’s a historical institution. The property has been host to thousands of significant events, people, and moments in Vegas’s past, including secrets that certainly will never see the light of day. In addition to above-and-beyond service, luxury shopping, and a bevy of celebrity-backed restaurants, the property underwent a $100 million Palace Tower renovation, compete with luxurious new villas offering exquisite finishes, bespoke furnishings, and a curated art program. I can attest that the modern gray bathroom tile alone eventually became iconic (and not because I found myself staring at it after long nights out). When it comes to location, you also can’t get more central. Caesars is walking distance to nearly everything you need. And their pool. Their glorious, glorious pool. You’ll feel like you once ruled an entire civilization as you stand among the gardens, statues, atriums, and sea of beautiful people.

Where to Eat Lunch in Vegas

Jaleo

What can top tapas? Nothing, that’s what. So imagine José Andrés-style tapas paired with various sangrias among colorful and geometric, Spanish-inspired decor. Heaven. Those searching for a respite from the hustle and bustle of slot machines and craps tables can head up to the Cosmopolitan‘s third floor for a culinary experience like no other. Their new brunch menu is a star, featuring Torrijas con Plátano Caramelizado y Espuma de Ron: sweet-soaked, gooey Spanish toast with caramelized bananas and rum whipped cream—one of the best dishes we sampled the entire trip. Offering an extensive wine and creative cocktail menu,  Jaleo is also the perfect pre-show dinner spot for those catching an early evening performance.

Smoked Burgers & BBQ

Smoked Burgers & BBQ

Sometimes I have a random craving for barbecue and when that craving hits, I need it now. This makes me either demanding or pregnant—I’m not really sure. But one thing I’m sure about is Smoked Burgers & BBQ (located in Caesars’ Forum Shoppes) has some of the best brisket I’ve tasted in a while. Juicy, tender, smoked to perfection, and topped with a barbecue sauce that they should bottle and sell immediately on Amazon, this is a surprisingly delicious Southern option in an area crowded by underwhelming national chains. Order a fresh watermelon-based cocktail to wash everything down and consider today a great day.

Bill's Best Organic BBQ Sauce Variety Pack, $24.99

It's not from Smoked, but it's one of our favorite offerings from Amazon. And there's a flavor for everyone.

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Where to Eat Dinner in Vegas

Mott 32

Maximal Concepts

The attention to detail at Mott 32 is not only apparent in its stunning decor (hand-woven silk wallpaper) and statement-making furniture (wood paneling with plush upholstery and metal accents), but also its food and cocktails. Highlights include Hot and Sour Soup Dumplings and a sinfully tender Barbecue Pluma Ibérico Pork (one of their signature dishes), but I was most impressed by their inspired drink selection. The Hanami, featuring a balanced blend of Bourbon, gin, umeshu, yuzu, shiso, ginger beer, and chrysanthemum was unlike anything I’ve ever sipped, served in an oversized wine glass to accentuate its complex aroma. Needless to say, Hong Kong-based Mott 32 is an excellent addition to the swanky Palazzo, which also happens to be one of my favorite hotels on The Strip. Where else are you going to get a guaranteed suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views? Treat yo’self.

Bazaar Meat

Bazaar Meat

“I wish Instagram had Smell-o-Vision,” – me as I drooled over the various slabs of protein sitting on two open grills by the entrance. This SLS restaurant is so much more than a place to order food—it’s a place to engage in a cultural culinary experience. Our Magic Mojito cocktails (rum, mint, lime juice, and bitters strained over cotton candy) were some of the most unique of the trip, pairing effortlessly with bites presented in either deconstructed or unusual ways (they also have cotton candy foie gras). And while molecular gastronomy is certainly entertaining, the word “meat” is in their name, which means you won’t be leaving without your fill of beef and pork in every cut imaginable. Be sure to plan this meal around an empty stomach or you’ll have many regrets.

The Candery Cotton Candy Machine, $43.99 on Amazon

Enjoy your own cotton candy cocktails from the comfort of your own home.

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Mr. Chow

Caesars Palace

It’s okay to crave consistency in quality with your cuisine (and not be super adventurous), especially when a place like Mr. Chow *always* delivers. Their pink-hued Satay Chicken is a staple, but dishes like the ultra gingery Steamed Sea Bass and delectably sweet Glazed Prawns with Walnuts became new favorites (topped with their homemade hot sauce, of course). The stark white walls paired against the royal blue carpet are also stunning, as is the motorized ceiling decor—or “moon art,” as they call it—which is essentially a minimalistic spaceship ready to take your tastebuds into orbit. Don’t miss this Caesars Palace gem that is, truly, out of this world.

What Shows to See in Vegas

Absinthe

Caesars Palace

Had we not been traveling to see Céline, this show alone would have been worth the trip. Think of it as a crude, X-rated Cirque du Soleil, but with more death-defying stunts in an intimate, alcohol-friendly atmosphere. Also, every performer is super attractive, which just makes them even more impressive. It’s definitely a moment where you say, “good job, God…for giving them many, many talents.” This is a Las Vegas must-see.

The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil

There are plenty of Cirque du Soleil shows to choose from, but it’s always more fun when you can relish in nostalgia and hum along to the lyrics. The artistry of The Beatles LOVE, as with all Cirque shows, is next-level, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the music that defined a generation. While there aren’t many “omg,” sweat-inducing moments, The Mirage venue (in the round) is spectacular, providing an experience on the verge of sensory overload.

What to Do During the Day in Vegas

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit

Keeping in line with the Céline theme, it was only necessary for us to take a trip to Luxor’s Titanic museum. Frankly, we didn’t think we’d enjoy it as much as we did, spending nearly two hours reading about artifacts and firsthand accounts from survivors. It’s mind-blowing how so many items were retrieved, especially the Big Piece: a side of the ship that went through an extensive and meticulous preservation process. We were completely engrossed by everything we saw and would actually return to check out anything we may have missed. No record of Jack Dawson though, which makes sense considering great grandma Rose told us that would be the case.

COBI Historical Collection R.M.S. Titanic, $49.99 on Amazon

Build your own Titanic. Iceberg not included.

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Fly LINQ and High Roller

LINQ

If gambling and public intoxication doesn’t tickle your fancy, perhaps the thrill of a zipline will get your heart pumping. Fly LINQ offers an outdoor zipline (either seated or Superman-style) that sends you shooting 12 stories above its bustling promenade. Though the ride is short, it’s a cool experience that ends right at the iconic High Roller (which you should then hit up for some of the best views Vegas has to offer). Feeling thirsty? The world’s tallest observation wheel also boasts a Happy Hour ride where you can guzzle drinks while taking photographs. Just don’t lean against the glass, please.

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Smoky Bacon-Wrapped Baby Potatoes

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4 Skillet Chicken Freezer Meals for Busy Weeknights

Busy weeks call for freezer meals and skillet dinners! Southwestern, Italian, Herbes de Provence, and Chinese 5-Spice—each one of these skillet chicken dinner is packed with vegetables and on the table in about 35 minutes!

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Colcannon

Colcannon Potatoes are an Irish mashed potato recipe with mixed with greens and scallions and LOTS of butter and cream. You can't go wrong with this green-filled dish on St. Patrick's Day!

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