Here’s an idea. This St. Patrick’s Day, instead of waiting in a blocks-long line for the privilege of paying an exorbitant cover charge to wedge sardine-style into some sweaty, overpriced "authentic" Irish watering hole, then throwing back innumerable plastic cups of badly poured Guinness (or worse, watery green beer) only to throw ’em up again later, stay home and relax. No ersatz U2-cover-band histrionics at Scuzzy McGillicuddy’s. Sit back, put on some real Irish music — the Dubliners, maybe, or the Wolfe Tones (or the Virgin Prunes or the Radiators from Space). Then pour yourself a drink. Ireland’s two finest distillers have recently unveiled new products that are well-suited for the occasion.

Dublin’s John Jameson & Son has been in the whiskey business for more than 220 years, so its artisans know what they’re doing. But with the Jameson 18-Year-Old Master Selection, they’ve outdone themselves with an astoundingly flavorful and complex elixir. It blends three triple-distilled whiskies (full-, medium-, and light-bodied), each of which has slumbered in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks for at least 18 years, sometimes as long as 23. This randy three-way then honeymoons in bourbon barrels for an additional six months, which rounds off its complementary flavor characteristics into a gorgeous, burnished whole. The drink’s pale copper color is a scintillating beauty to behold, and it gives off a florid fragrance that’s airy but robust. The pleasing palate, with notes of vanilla and brown sugar and hazelnut, effloresces into a finish that’s lasting and deeply spicy. This is no ordinary Irish whiskey; it’s the product of lots of time, toil, and tender loving care. It’s not exactly cheap, but if you’re rolling in green this Paddy’s Day, settle for nothing less.

And since March 17 is a special occasion, feel free to follow your drink with dessert. Bushmills, from the North’s County Antrim, may be Jameson’s competitor — and, to some silly sectarians, the "Protestant" whiskey to "Catholic" Jameson — but its new Irish Cream Liqueur is a luscious and delicious indulgence that complements Jameson’s nutty sweetness with admirable ecumenism. Made with fresh cream, sugar, cocoa, and, of course, Bushmills whiskey, this confection from the world’s oldest licensed distillery is satin-smooth and sinfully rich, its vanilla-chocolate sapors concealing the gentlest bite of fine brown liquor. Sláinte.

Jameson 18-Year-Old Master Selection and Bushmills Irish Cream are available for $65 and $18.99, respectively, for 750-ml bottles at better area liquor stores.