Shanky's Whip The Golden Ostrich Irish Liqueur 70 cl 33%

A gold trophy for an ostrich. That is the idea behind this bottle: Shanky's first prize from the ostrich races, cast in ceramic and filled with black liqueur. It looks good on a shelf, but sooner or later somebody is going to open it.

The Expert's Description

Shanky's Whip The Golden Ostrich is an Irish Whiskey Liqueur at 33%, filled into a gold ceramic bottle in a limited edition.

The bottle is shaped like a pot still and styled as Shanky's first ostrich racing trophy. The back label says it was made to mark very special achievements, and that the liqueur is best served on the rocks. Inside is the same black Shanky's Whip that normally comes in the glass bottle, so it is the packaging that is special, not the recipe.

The liqueur itself blends aged Irish pot still whiskey with Irish spirit and is flavoured with natural vanilla and caramel. The colour is adjusted with caramel, which is why it pours jet black. It is blended and bottled in Cavan, Ireland. There is no cream in it, even though the thick, soft texture might fool you.

The name comes from Shanky, a fantastical Irish jockey. According to the legend he was thrown from his horse mid-race and came back with an ostrich, a cart and a whip, and won. The label, styled after old matchbox art, shows exactly that scene.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Toffee and butter arrive first, followed by creamy vanilla and a hint of sweet spice.

Palate

Thick and almost syrupy. Burnt sugar, caramel and milk chocolate take up most of the room, while the spiced Irish whiskey peeks through in the middle and stops it running off the track.

Finish

Long and sweet, with vanilla and caramel hanging on. Right at the end comes a faint note of toasted oak.

Specifications

Name: Shanky's Whip The Golden Ostrich
Bottler: Shanky's Whip
Region/Country: Cavan, Ireland
Type: Irish Whiskey Liqueur
ABV: 33%
Size: 70 CL
Natural colour: No
Edition: Limited Edition
EAN no.: 0810035511859
Serving suggestion: Neat on ice, or in an Espresso Martini

Flavour Profile

Sweet · Caramel · Vanilla · Toffee · Lightly spiced

Did You Know?

Shanky's Whip comes from Biggar & Leith, who also helped create Malfy Gin. One is black and sweet, the other lemon yellow and dry, so the family resemblance is hard to spot on the shelf.

See our full range of Shanky's Whip

Frequently Asked Questions about Shanky's Whip The Golden Ostrich

What does Shanky's Whip The Golden Ostrich taste like?

Sweet and thick, with toffee, vanilla and caramel up front. The Irish whiskey stays in the background as a lightly spiced note mid-palate, so it drinks more like a dessert liqueur than a whiskey.

Is there cream in Shanky's Whip?

No, no cream is added. The soft, thick texture and the vanilla and caramel flavours just make it taste like a cream liqueur. If you have an allergy, check the label.

Is Shanky's Whip whiskey or liqueur?

It is a liqueur. The base is aged Irish pot still whiskey and Irish spirit, flavoured and coloured with caramel, and it is bottled at 33%. Browse our full range of Liqueur.

How do I drink Shanky's Whip The Golden Ostrich?

On ice, just as the back label suggests. It also works as an ice-cold shot, with cola or in coffee. Try it in an Espresso Martini, where the dark, sweet character holds its own.

Is Shanky's Whip The Golden Ostrich a good gift?

Yes. The bottle looks like a trophy with a gold finish, and there is an ostrich with a cart on the label, so it is easy to give to someone who likes good design and a laugh. Add a pair of whisky glasses and it looks like a proper present.

Where does Shanky's Whip come from?

From Cavan in Ireland, where the liqueur is blended and bottled. The brand launched in 2021 from Biggar & Leith and is now sold in more than 80 countries.