Shanky's Whip Black

Whip Black from SHANKY'S is sold in the whiskey aisle, but at 17% ABV it is a creamy, sweetened liqueur and not a straight whiskey. Treat it like a cream liqueur. It won't behave like a bourbon, rye or Scotch, and it isn't built for neat sipping at cask strength. The producer's description points to a rich, creamy body with a smooth texture and pronounced sweetness. Expect that sweetness to lead and any spirit character to sit underneath it. The label doesn't specify the exact flavor infusion, so check the bottle for it, and don't expect the grain, char and oak structure of an aged whiskey. The best way to serve it is chilled. Pour it over a few ice cubes in a rocks glass, or shake it with ice and strain it into a small coupe or cordial glass for a colder, slightly thinner pour. The ice and dilution take the edge off the sweetness and keep the cream from feeling heavy. A Glencairn is unnecessary here. It is designed to concentrate the aromatics of high-proof whiskey, and a 17% liqueur has little of that to show. Serve it neat only if you like a thick, dessert-style pour, and keep the portion small. In mixed drinks, it replaces cream liqueurs more than it replaces whiskey, so a classic Old Fashioned, Manhattan or Highball would lose the structure those drinks depend on. It works well poured over ice with a splash of cold brew or espresso, or stirred into hot coffee or cocoa. It also works as a float on a stout or porter, or as a dessert pour over vanilla ice cream. Because it is sweet, balance it with something bitter, roasted or tart rather than adding more sugar. After opening, keep the bottle cool and give it a shake before pouring, since cream-based liqueurs can separate over time.