Shanky’s Whip Review
Meet Luke
Luke is a Level I Certified Whiskey Specialist with a passion for exploring and unearthing the best whiskeys around. Luke has a preference for Rye whiskeys but has tasted over 250 different whiskeys to date varying from bourbons to scotches. He continues to expand upon his whiskey knowledge by tasting dozens of bottles monthly and reviewing them here on Barrel and Brew as he pursues his Masters of Whiskey certification.
Let me start by admitting that I purchased this 50ml bottle of Shanky’s Whip for two reasons. The name and the bottle design. The name, Shanky’s Whip, reminded me of something out of Runescape, and the bottle is reminscent of those comics on Bazooka Bubblegum. It was intrgiguing to say the least, so I picked up a shooter to give it a try.
Before I dive into a review of Shanky’s Whip, I’ve got to figure out what it is in the first place. We’ll cover the basics and then determine whether or not Shanky’s Whip is worth drinking!
Shanky’s Whip Overview
- Spirit: Blend of vanilla liqueur & Irish whiskey
- Owned By: Shanky & Shireman / Biggar & Leith
- Distilled By: Unknown, but in Ireland
- Aged: Parts are aged a minimum of 3 years
- ABV: 33%, 66 proof
- Mashbill: unknown – Whey is used in the mash. Natural flavors and caramel coloring
- Price: $25-30
What is Shanky’s Whip?
Shanky’s Whip is a blend of black Irish whiskey – whiskey aged in charred barrels – un-aged liquor, and natural flavors and caramel coloring.
Really, Shanky’s Whip is a liqueur with a whiskey base – similar to a flavored whiskey.
Shanky’s Whip Story
Shanky was a Jockey, one that seemingly enjoyed his victories in a pompous fashion. It’s said that he was banned from riding horses at the track, so he came back riding an ostrich, claiming, “It’s not a horse”.
Is this really what happened? I’m not so sure, but it makes for a good story.
Shanky’s Whip was launched in 2021 by Shanky & Shireman – a company formed under Biggar & Leith.
Shanky’s Whip Tasting Notes
According to the Shanky website, the idea was to create some kind of blend between Irish cream liqueur and Irish whiskey. A spirit with lacked the burn of Irish whiskey, but also one that lacked the creamy texture of cream liqueur. They wanted to make the taste of a liqueur, but for the spirit to drink like a whiskey. Let’s find out if they did.
Nose: Vanilla extract, bubblegum & cotton candy ice cream. Whipped cream. Cherry & vanilla cola.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel. Hefty vanilla sweetness. Not much too it other than vanilla extract. You can hardly tell this is whiskey.
Finish: Once again, just vanilla.
Taste Summary
I suppose I didn’t really need to do the tasting notes with a liqueur, it’s about what you’d expect from a vanilla liqueur – lots of vanilla. More liqueur than whiskey.
I think Shanky’s Whip accomplished what they set out for, though. This tastes like a cream liqueur through and through, but it’s not quite as creamy as, say, Bailey’s or Kahlua.
An Irish Car Bomb – a popular drink – is a pint of Gunniess with a shot of 1/2 Bailey’s and 1/2 irish whiskey dropped into it. Shanky’s Whip would be a perfect replacement, and make for a stronger drink. Use 100% Shanky’s Whip instead of a 50/50 blend of Irish whiskey and Irish cream.
Is Shanky’s Whip Good?
This sin’t something I’m going to drink neat or on the rocks. Not that it’s bad, it’s just not that type of whiskey – it is a liqueur after all. The key, then, is figuring out the best way to drink Shanky’s Whip.
- Irish Coffee
- Irish Car Bomb
- Shanky’s and Coke/Dr. Pepper
- Shot
These are the four ways I see myself consuming Shanky’s Whip (If you want to be more creative/festive, there are plenty of other ways to use it. These are simply easy/popular drinks).
In terms of an Irish Coffee and Irish Car Bomb, Shanky’s is simply acting as both the Irish whiskey and the cream liqueur. Being a blend of liqueur and Irish whiskey certainly helps Shanky’s act as both.
The vanilla is very reminscent of vanilla coke, and I imagine it’d go great with a regular coke or Dr. Pepper. Lastly, you can just rip it as a shot, but be prepared for a lot of vanilla.
Ultimately, Shanky’s Whip works as an intersting mixer. It’s higher quality than Skatterbrain‘s flavored whiskey, and it’s more convenient and cheaper than buying both Jameson and Bailey’s – even though I’d rather the true Irish whiskey and cream liqueur.
Summary
If you’re not someone who likes liqueur and/or flavored whiskey, there’s really no need to buy Shanky’s Whip.
On the other hand, Shanky’s is a much higher quality than a lot of flavored spirits. The vanilla extract is still strong, but it doesn’t taste as cheap as other options.
It’s not something I’ll keep around my liquor shelf, but it’s not a bad option for St. Patty’s Day. I reckon a bottle may be in my future come next March.
