FOOD NEWS
The Ultimate Bottle Guide To Shanky's Whip
BY JENNIFER RICHMOND
History
Shanky’s Whip is an Irish whiskey, but unlike other Irish whiskeys with centuries of history, Shanky’s has only been around since 2021.
Blended and bottled in Bailieborough by Shanky & Shireman, the whiskey comes from a family-owned facility, but it’s distributed to 80 countries worldwide.
Origin Myth
The name comes from the legend of Shanky, a jockey who was told he would "never ride a horse again" because of booze, so he showed up to the next race with an ostrich.
This unconventional thinking inspired Shanky’s Whip, which combines Irish whiskey, cream, and Irish stout to create a unique black Irish whiskey that’s as smooth as silk.
Flavor
Upon first inspection, Shanky’s Whip has the appearance of a thick, rich stout with aromas of vanilla, caramel, and coffee and an almost syrupy thickness.
The whiskey is definitely on the sweeter side. While the notes of vanilla, caramel, and coffee are strong on the nose, they mellow on the tongue with a silky texture to match.
Enjoying Shanky’s Whip
Clocking in at only 33% ABV, Shanky’s Whip is best for giving a little oomph to cocktails and drinks, but it can also be enjoyed on its own or over ice.
Incorporate it into espresso martinis for a richer flavor, mix it with Coke for a spin on rum and Coke, or create an 80-1 Nutter shot with Shanky’s, Frangelico, and Irish cream.
Price
Coming in between $25 and $30 for a 750 ml bottle, Shanky’s Whip is neither the cheapest nor most expensive bottle on the shelf, but it’s worth picking up.
With a healthy 33% ABV and versatile notes, the bottle has plenty of bang for your buck, and you can put it to work in cocktails as either a whiskey or a coffee liqueur.