There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Forthwest Whisky vs Shanky’s Whip: Head-to-Head American Comparison carries one worth telling.
Choosing between Forthwest Whisky and Shanky’s Whip can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| Forthwest Whisky | Shanky’s Whip | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | American | American |
| Age | 5 years | N/A |
| ABV | 40% ABV), aged 5 years, 700 ml, $29 | 33% ABV, blended and bottled in Cavan, Ireland |
| Price | $29.95 | $29.99 |
| Rating | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Forthwest Whisky: There is a lovely hint of vanilla, and some sweet brown sugar or light maple touch.
Shanky’s Whip: Sweet, caramel and vanilla extract and a hint of alcohol.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Forthwest Whisky: There is a nice hit of spice to the tongue, followed by a nice smooth caramel touch.
Shanky’s Whip: Sweet, creamy and velvety mouth-feel with a long finish. The sweetness is nearly over-powering, but it’s also pleasant. The flavors of vanilla and caramel cream predominate and here.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Forthwest Whisky: Comments: 80 proof (40% ABV), aged 5 years, 700 ml, $29.95 msrp This whiskey has a lovely light amber color
Shanky’s Whip: The whiskey is nearly an afterthought, though there is a slightly smoky, slightly spicy note around the edges.
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Both whiskeys are competitively priced for what they deliver, with Forthwest Whisky at $29.95 and Shanky’s Whip at $29.99.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both Forthwest Whisky and Shanky’s Whip have their strengths, and picking a clear winner depends entirely on what you value most in a whiskey.
We'd recommend trying both if you can. Each has qualities that make it worth a pour.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Forthwest Whisky vs Shanky’s Whip: Head-to-Head American Comparison is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
