01 / 09
The man, the myth, the problem
That's Shanky. A legendary jockey, by which we mean there are several legends and very few reliable records. After being banned from horse racing for reasons nobody now agrees on, he allegedly moved on to a faster, taller and considerably less cooperative mount: the ostrich.
02 / 09
Ostrich. Or emu.
Most definitely, OSTRICH.
03 / 09
Why the whip?
A jockey needs a whip. A man racing an ostrich probably needs several. Shanky's became known for the crack of the whip - and, eventually, for the bottle that borrowed his name.
04 / 09
A terrible idea at speed
The cart was Shanky's own design: two wheels, almost no suspension and absolutely no evidence of engineering approval. It was said to corner badly, stop worse, and become surprisingly effective once the ostrich decided where it wanted to go.
05 / 09
Luck of the ostrich
A horseshoe is supposed to bring luck. Shanky attached one to an ostrich. This may explain a great deal. We kept the horseshoe as our little symbol of good fortune - although the ostrich still takes most of the credit.
06 / 09
Made in Cavan, Ireland
The label may look like it escaped from an old fairground, but what's inside comes from Ireland. Shanky's is made in County Cavan - a beautiful spot that you should try to visit.
07 / 09
Dark by name, friendly by nature
Shanky's has a deep, dark colour and a rich flavour built around Irish whiskey, vanilla and caramel-style notes. It looks mysterious. It tastes much friendlier.
08 / 09
How to release the Shanky
This is the highly technical part. Twist the cap. Pour Shanky's ice cold, over ice, into coffee, or however you like it.
09 / 09
What is Shanky's Whip?
Shanky's Whip Original is a blend of Irish Whiskey, liqueur made from grain spirits, natural vanilla infusion, caramel and cane sugar.