Pairing Review: Jack Ryan 12-Year-Old Whiskey & Plasencia Year of the Dragon Cigar

Finding complementary flavors can elevate both the smoking and drinking experience to new heights when it comes to pairing whiskey with cigars. The Jack Ryan 12-Year-Old Whiskey and Plasencia Year of the Dragon cigar make for an exceptional duo, each bringing its unique characteristics while harmonizing beautifully through their shared notes of orange.

Jack Ryan 12-Year-Old Whiskey

2023 has been a busy and rewarding year for Jack Ryan Whiskey, and our latest release is making its way to select outlets. Introducing Shelbourne (Batch #1 of a 3-part series), a 5-year-old, double-distilled single malt Irish whiskey. Finished in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, this whiskey is bottled at cask strength, a robust 57.5% ABV.
Jack Ryan 12-Year-Old Whiskey is a refined Irish whiskey, offering a complex palate that includes flavors of fresh pineapple, lemon, oranges, marmalade, and ginger snap, all underpinned by a silky, honeyed sweetness. The orange and marmalade notes, in particular, add a vibrant, citrusy brightness that complements the whiskey’s warm, lingering spicy finish.

Plasencia Year of the Dragon Cigar

The Plasencia Year of the Dragon cigar celebrates fine tobacco craftsmanship. This limited-edition cigar features a Nicaraguan blend that offers a rich, earthy base with notes of cocoa, leather, and espresso. As you progress into the second third of the smoke, the cigar reveals a delightful surprise: vibrant orange and fruity notes emerge, adding a refreshing layer of complexity to the experience.

The Perfect Pairing

Pairing the Jack Ryan 12-Year-Old Whiskey with the Plasencia Year of the Dragon cigar creates a symphony of flavors that dance across the palate. During the second third, the whiskey’s citrusy orange and marmalade notes find a perfect partner in the cigar’s evolving orange and fruity flavors. As you sip and smoke, these shared notes create a seamless transition between the whiskey and cigar, enhancing the enjoyment of both.

The whiskey’s honey sweetness and warm, spicy finish beautifully complement the cigar’s rich, earthy undertones, while the ginger snap adds a touch of spice that mirrors the cigar’s complexity. This pairing offers a balanced experience, where neither the whiskey nor the cigar overpowers the other, allowing you to appreciate the intricate layers of flavor in both.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the combination of Jack Ryan's 12-Year-Old Whiskey and Plasencia Year of the Dragon cigar is a pairing worth savoring. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a moment of relaxation, this duo promises to deliver a truly memorable experience, with the shared orange notes serving as the highlight of this elegant partnership.