Shanky's Whip Irish Liqueur 100 cl 33%

A jockey with no horse, an ostrich in harness and a whip cracking over the sand. That is the legend of Shanky, and it is exactly how he appears on the label, drawn like an old Irish matchbox. Inside the bottle sits something dark and sweet that looks like stout and tastes of caramel.

Expert description

Shanky's Whip The Original Black Liqueur and Whiskey Blend is an Irish Whiskey Liqueur based on Irish whiskey, natural vanilla and caramel, bottled at 33% ABV.

The brand belongs to Biggar & Leith, the company Elwyn Gladstone started in 2015. This is the one litre bottle, and the label calls it The Original. The liqueur is a blend of Irish pot still whiskey and Irish spirit, flavoured with natural vanilla and caramel, which also gives it that black colour. It is blended and bottled under bond in Bailieborough, County Cavan, by Shanky & Shireman.

There is no cream in the bottle, even though it drinks as if there were. The sweetness is high and the whiskey sits well in the background. Think of it as a spiced caramel liqueur with a splash of Irish whiskey, not as whiskey with sugar stirred in.

Taste

The nose opens with caramel and vanilla fudge, with white pepper and cinnamon behind. On the palate it is thick and sweet, like liquid toffee with baking spices and a touch of milk chocolate. The finish lingers on vanilla and toffee, and a little coffee and waffle shows up at the edges. The whiskey is there if you go looking for it.

Specifications

Name: Shanky's Whip The Original Black Liqueur and Whiskey Blend 100 cl
Producer/Distillery: Biggar & Leith
Bottler: Shanky & Shireman
Region/Country: Ireland
Type: Irish Whiskey Liqueur
Main ingredients/Flavourings: Irish whiskey, natural vanilla and caramel
ABV: 33%
Size: 100 CL
Sugar content: 168 g/l
Production method: Blend of Irish pot still whiskey and Irish spirit with natural vanilla flavour and caramel
EAN no.: 0810035511651
Serving suggestion: On ice, in coffee, with cola or in an Espresso Martini

Flavour profile

Sweet · Creamy · Caramel-led · Vanilla-led · Spiced

Did you know?

The brand has so many fans among bartenders that some have had Shanky or his ostrich tattooed on their skin. In the end the brand leaned into it.

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Frequently asked questions about Shanky's Whip

Does Shanky's Whip contain cream?

No, there is no cream in the bottle. The creamy feel comes from natural flavours and the thick, sweet texture.

What does Shanky's Whip taste like?

Sweet and spiced, with caramel, vanilla fudge and toffee up front. Baking spices and a hint of coffee sit behind. The whiskey is present but muted, so it reads more as a sweet liqueur than a classic whiskey.

Is Shanky's Whip a whiskey?

No, it is an Irish Whiskey Liqueur. Only a smaller share is Irish whiskey, the rest is Irish spirit, plus vanilla and caramel. At 33% ABV it is a little milder than a regular 40% whiskey.

How do you drink Shanky's Whip?

On ice, in coffee or with cola are the easiest ways in. It also works in cocktails, so try an Espresso Martini or an Irish Coffee. Some people even drop it into a glass of cold stout.

Who is Shanky, and who is behind Shanky's Whip?

Shanky is a legendary Irish jockey who, according to the story, drove around with an ostrich and a cart. The brand is owned by Biggar & Leith, and the liqueur is blended and bottled in Bailieborough, County Cavan, by Shanky & Shireman.