Shanky's Whip Irish Whiskey

Shanky's Whip Irish Whiskey is a 33% ABV (66 proof) black Irish whiskey liqueur from Bailieborough, County Cavan, Ireland — a jet-dark blend of Irish pot still whiskey and aged Irish spirits with natural vanilla, caramel, and cream flavors. Its twist: the base spirit is distilled from whey, a cheese-making byproduct, giving a silky texture and subtle sweetness while staying completely dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• Proof / ABV: 66 proof / 33% ABV
• Size: 750mL
• Style: Black Irish whiskey liqueur — Irish pot still whiskey + whey-distilled spirit, natural vanilla, caramel, and cream flavors
• Origin: Distilled, blended, and bottled in Bailieborough, County Cavan, Ireland
• Dietary: Dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free (creamy flavor without dairy)
• Award: Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Smooth. Black. Irish.

The legend goes that Shanky was a roguish jockey who loved the taste of Irish whiskey but not the burn, loved cream but not the texture, and loved stout — which is, of course, black. The lightbulb moment became Shanky's Whip: a liqueur that pours like midnight and drinks like dessert, named for the whip in the jockey's hand (see the vintage matchbox-style label). It's the bottle that turns whiskey skeptics and liqueur lovers into the same happy audience. Explore the full Shanky's Whip collection and more Irish whiskey.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with pronounced toffee, butterscotch, and vanilla pod, with cream and soft oak from the whiskey base. The palate is silky and rounded — salted caramel, chocolate, and vanilla custard gliding into a warm, gently spiced whiskey finish. Long and sweet, with lingering toffee and vanilla fading into gentle whiskey spice.

How to Enjoy

Over ice for a short serve, shaken into an espresso martini, in an Irish Cold Brew (1 part Shanky's Whip, 4 parts cold brew), or floated over vanilla ice cream for an instant affogato. Also superb in coffee or an Irish Coffee riff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shanky's Whip contain dairy?
No — despite the creamy flavor, Shanky's Whip is entirely dairy-free (also gluten-free and nut-free). The cream flavor comes from a whey-distilled base spirit and natural flavorings.

What is the alcohol content of Shanky's Whip?
33% ABV (66 proof).

What does Shanky's Whip taste like?
Toffee, butterscotch, vanilla custard, and salted caramel over an Irish pot still whiskey base — dessert-like but whiskey-driven.

Is Shanky's Whip a whiskey or a liqueur?
It's a black Irish whiskey liqueur — a blend of Irish pot still whiskey and aged Irish spirits with natural vanilla, caramel, and cream flavors.

Pour something different — order Shanky's Whip Irish Whiskey from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.