“…Jameson’s Irish, that is”… is what this t-shirt, that I somehow lost along the way, said.  I bet I left it up in my old room at Mum’s house upon one visit, and instead of her washing it or leaving it alone in the corner until the next time I came back, she threw it OUT!!  “Arrrgh!” You’ve undoubtedly had a similar parental experience, eh?

That shirt was a “classic”! Since my nickname is rather similar to “Jameson” I’ve developed an affinity and a “taste” for it at this time of the season.  Therefore,  last year I wrote to Jamesons requesting a replacement for the one I lost, and all they could tell me was that they “don’t make that shirt anymore” – very weak.  How could they not continue such a great slogan?  I hope their promotion person got his walking papers after that decision! lol  I must have procured it upon a promotion at one of the Top 40 radio stations that I jocked at in the 1980s or at an Irish Pub whose bar I tended, and I still look for it every year at this time as if it will materialize miraculously.  The back of it simply looked like this:

I could call this post, “my Shamrock T-Shirts” because I still have two that are rare St. Patrick’s Day-related that I will never let out of my sight – or trunk – as I only wear them once-a-year.  The are both from 1999 and bartending-related.  One at the top of this post from when I became an “Official Toastmaster” as Guinness Stout went from pub-to-pub on the mission of setting a “Guinness” world record for pints toasted, and the one at the bottom which simply celebrates my favorite St. Patrick’s Day lager beer, Harp.  The best bodied beer that I only drink once a year – mainly because it is expensive! lol  

Since my Dad was born on St. Patty’s Day (a posthumous happy congratulations, Pop!) and dubbed the “Rastamon Leprechaun” I have a special fondness for this true first day of spring each year.  Jameson’s is the best Irish whiskey, in my opinion, and I love it in Irish coffee with whipped creme atop, or as a shot to back-up a brew – as in boilermaker – a trick I leaned from an Irish detective in Worcester Massachusetts who was a fan of my overnight radio show once upon a time.  He would insist that I join him “for a shot” after I got off the radio at six A.M., and being a solo black guy in that neck of the woods, I figured that “you never know when you might need a friendly constable” to help get out of a jam.

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By the way, the lady in the Green Hat was a great friend and Irish bartender on Long Island, New York, by the name of Nancy. May she rest in peace.

I love this “holiday” because of its sheer revelry, fun spirit and camaraderie of beverage.  If you choose an Irish Coffee, then the “Top O’ The Mornin’ To ya!” Growing up in New York City, with its considerable Irish population, tons of Irish bars and fantastic traditional Parade on THEE Fifth Avenue, I believe that I am part Irish…Jameson’s Irish. Although, during the past five years, I’ve come to fancy the smoother Tullamore Dew after one of my Irish brothers turned me on to it! 
The luck o’ the Irish to you today (St. Patrick’s Day) and I hope that we both find our “pot-o’gold” at the end of the rainbow very soon.

What is your favorite St. Patrick’s Day beverage, recipe, parade or luck-inducing tradition?  Don’t forget the corned-beef and cabbage!