Lucky Smokes – Top 7 Cigars for St. Patrick’s Day
The Top 7 Lucky Cigars You Picked for St. Paddy’s Day
Celebrated in more countries than any other holiday, St. Patrick’s Day is observed annually on March 17. The indulgent festivities that surround it are due largely in part to the long-standing tradition of lifting Lenten restrictions on food and alcohol consumption for the day. All we know is, you better have a pretty good excuse lined up when you call off following a bender stupor.
Most tobacco publications take advantage of this celebration by showing you Claro and Candela leaf-wrapped cigars that fit the festivity’s green theme, but I decided to put the spotlight on you. Over the course of a few days, I canvassed a handful of customers at Famous Smoke Shop’s retail store and asked them what they were smoking on St. Patty’s Day and why. Only one green choice. Who’da thought?
Alec Bradley Black Market Filthy Hooligan Shamrock
Wrapper: Candela, Nicaragua Habano, & Nicaragua Maduro
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra
Filler: Panama & Honduras
Body: Full
Customer Review from Maddox Engleman: “ It’s not St. Paddy’s Day til my humidor runs green. It’s a tradition. Every year!”
What to expect: Shamrock’s three braided leaves give a distinct spicy and tangy nature with relentless complexity. It’s like smoking three cigars for the price of one. Aside from their festive green-tinged nature, they’re far beyond a gimmick and ooze savory flavors.
CAO Flathead Steel Horse Apehanger
Wrapper: Connecticut Habano Grueso
Binder: Brazil Arapiraca
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, & Nicaragua
Body: Full
Customer Review from Joe Bilsky: “It’s reasonably priced and full-flavored – a smooth smoker. It’s always been consistent where other cigars haven’t been, so I keep going back.”
What to expect: CAO’s Flathead Steel Horse has been a hit since its unveiling and hasn’t lost momentum yet. These smokes are noted for dark, rich notes of cocoa, cedar, oak, and coffee. Don’t take our word for it…just ask Joe.
Blind Man’s Bluff Connecticut
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic & Honduras
Body: Mild
Customer Review from Kyle Magda: “ It’s got so much flavor. It’s a good smoke, it doesn’t drag me down, and it’s very smooth all the way through. It was the first cigar that was recommended to me here at Famous and I’ve loved it ever since.”
What to expect: Caldwell is one of the fastest-growing boutiques in the biz, and the popularity of these cigars is proof. Creamy notes of cedar, sweet oak, and leather with just a touch of spices underscore this blend. If you haven’t tried one, it seems that Kyle knows something you don’t.
Oliva Serie V Melanio
Wrapper: Mexico San Andres Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Customer Review from Bob Workman: “Two things. I like the flavor, and I like the strength. It’s smooth and it burns well. Normally I’d go for a regular Serie V, but for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s going to be the Melanio.”
What to expect: Melanio has been highly-rated and sought-after for many years. Black pepper, toast, coffee, and fresh bread are ready to please your palate. If you’ve been on the fence about trying one, let Bob’s 30 years of experience serve as a hint.
Liga Privada No. 9
Wrapper: U.S. Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
Body: Full
Customer Review from Tom Mowatt: “It’s the one cigar that’s perfect for every occasion – a great all-season smoke. It smells and tastes really good every time I light one up. They’re great!”
What to expect: The flagship of Drew Estate’s non-infused blends, No. 9 is full-bodied and bold in flavor. Espresso and earthiness take the lead, and there’s a slight sweetness on the finish. No wonder Tom keeps coming back to them time and again…
Padron 3000 Maduro
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Customer Review from Mike Kahn: “ They’re always consistent, they always taste good, and they’re full-bodied. They have a perfect draw and aren’t too expensive.”
What to expect: One of the staples in the cigar industry, Padron has been trusted for decades. With ample servings of hazelnut, sweet cream, cocoa, and coffee, these cigars smoke like chocolate bars. Mike will tell you – it’s all he buys.
Padron 1964 Anniversary Maduro
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Full
Customer Review from MaryEllen DeSilva Anderson: “They’re consistently my favorite smoke. Those and Oliva Serie V are my go-tos!”
What to expect: With its trademark cocoa and coffee finish, Padron 1964 is robust, bold, and exudes flavors of cedar, nuts, and a slight sweetness. MaryEllen is showing the boys how it’s done!