{"id":56716,"date":"2024-09-25T10:00:52","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T09:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/post\/what-is-monkey-shoulder-whisky-and-why-is-it-so-popular\/"},"modified":"2024-09-26T16:24:04","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T15:24:04","slug":"what-is-monkey-shoulder-whisky-and-why-is-it-so-popular","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/post\/what-is-monkey-shoulder-whisky-and-why-is-it-so-popular\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Monkey Shoulder whisky and why is it so popular?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve been hanging around whisky circles or even the occasional cocktail bar, you&#8217;ve probably come across <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/whiskies\/monkey-shoulder-blended-scotch-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Monkey Shoulder whisky<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s one of those whiskies that shot to fame in the last decade or so. It was a go-to in my scandalous days when I was a bartender, and I\u2019m not alone in the trade for having reached for it many a time. It\u2019s become a regular first whisky for novices and a handy mixable option for seasoned drinkers alike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But what\u2019s the story behind this funnily-named <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/country\/scotch-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scotch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and why has it become so popular?<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_56718\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-56718\" class=\"size-large wp-image-56718\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-1024x643.jpg\" alt=\"Monkey Shoulder whisky, one of the most popular whiskies on the market\" width=\"770\" height=\"484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-1024x643.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-768x482.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-380x238.jpg 380w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-1100x690.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-56718\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our spotlight is on Monkey Shoulder whisky today<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><b>What is Monkey Shoulder?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/distilleries\/monkey-shoulder-branded-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monkey Shoulder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/country-style\/scotch\/blended-malt-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>blended malt Scotch whisky<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. That means it\u2019s made from a combination of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/country-style\/scotch\/single-malt-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">single malts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with no grain whisky involved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact blend recipe isn\u2019t something the brand reveals, but we know its owners are William Grant &amp; Sons and that it uses whisky from its three <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/region-style\/speyside\/single-malt-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speyside distilleries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/distilleries\/glenfiddich-whisky-distillery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glenfiddich<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/distilleries\/balvenie-whisky-distillery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balvenie<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/distilleries\/Kininvie-whisky-distillery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kininvie<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These are well-respected names in the whisky world, so it\u2019s starting with a solid foundation. The original Monkey Shoulder was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels, vatted together in small batches for up to six months before bottling at 40% ABV. We can\u2019t confirm that exact cask makeup is still 100% correct, but the profile hasn\u2019t changed much over the years so we\u2019d say that\u2019s in the right ballpark.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The whisky was launched as a response by William Grant &amp; Sons to the growing whisky market of the early 2000s, which was coinciding but not necessarily collaborating with the rise of cocktails and mixed drinks. Looking to bridge that gap, the drinks giant sought to create a fun, unintimidating brand that still tasted good so bartenders would want to use it. Using its fine malt distilleries Monkey Shoulder stood out from other blends (made with grain whisky). The ageing of the whisky in first-fill bourbon casks only added to its quality, while its name and look completed its status as a bold, refreshing new alternative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What was known as \u201cBatch 27\u201d in the blending room was released as Monkey Shoulder in 2003 and the brand hasn\u2019t looked back since. Monkey Shoulder was part of a changing, evolving Scotch scene, one of the pioneers of the movement away from the tartan and tweed image it always had. In early 2016, Monkey Shoulder was named the \u2018trendiest\u2019 Scotch whisky brand in the world in a poll of the world\u2019s best bars by trade title Drinks International.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A peated variant, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/whiskies\/monkey-shoulder\/monkey-shoulder-smokey-monkey-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, followed, as did the fascinating <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/spirit\/monkey-shoulder\/monkey-shoulder-fresh-monkey-blended-grain-spirit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monkey Shoulder Fresh Monkey Blended Grain Spirit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, essentially new make spirit (what whisky is as it comes off the still but before it&#8217;s matured in oak barrels) reimagined and embraced in a new way (it&#8217;s worth its own blog which I will get to one day).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_56719\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-56719\" class=\"size-large wp-image-56719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Cocktail-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"Bartenders were important to making Monkey Shoulder whisky popular\" width=\"770\" height=\"515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Cocktail-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Cocktail-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Cocktail-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Cocktail-374x250.jpg 374w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Cocktail-1046x700.jpg 1046w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Cocktail.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-56719\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bartenders helped make Monkey Shoulder popular<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><b>Why the Name \u201cMonkey Shoulder\u201d?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The name \u201cMonkey Shoulder\u201d has an interesting backstory that harks back to the traditional methods of whisky making.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the old days, maltmen would spend long hours turning the barley by hand during the malting process. This repetitive motion would often result in a condition that caused their arms to hang down like a monkey&#8217;s\u2014hence the nickname \u201cmonkey shoulder.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thankfully, modern whisky production is a bit easier on those working that malt, mostly because barley largely isn\u2019t floor malted anymore. Even when it is there\u2019s pesky little things like labour laws and understanding getting in the way of developing conditions like monkey shoulder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Did Monkey Shoulder Become So Popular?<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Approachability<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the key reasons for Monkey Shoulder\u2019s rise to fame is its <\/span><b>approachability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For many whisky newcomers, single malts can seem intimidating. The bottles typically reveal nothing more than a distillery name, which a newbie won\u2019t recognise. The character and complex flavours are things they\u2019ll come to love, sure, but can take time to appreciate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monkey Shoulder bridges that gap. It\u2019s smooth and mellow, with hints of vanilla, honey, and a touch of spice \u2013 making it incredibly easy to sip neat or on the rocks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. A Whisky Made for Cocktails<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monkey Shoulder has also become wildly popular with bartenders, which is a big reason you see it popping up so often on cocktail menus. Its versatility means it works brilliantly in everything from a classic <\/span><b>Old Fashioned<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to a <\/span><b>Whisky Sour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. At the end of this article, there\u2019s a classic Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour recipe for you to try.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a world where many whiskies are seen as \u201ctoo good\u201d for mixing, Monkey Shoulder leans into its cocktail-friendly reputation. And let&#8217;s be honest, having a whisky that plays well in cocktails but still tastes great on its own is a winning combination.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_47449\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-47449\" class=\"size-large wp-image-47449\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/monkey-musk-1024x639.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"770\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/monkey-musk-1024x639.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/monkey-musk-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/monkey-musk-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/monkey-musk-380x237.jpg 380w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/monkey-musk-1100x687.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/monkey-musk.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-47449\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Monkey Shoulder isn&#8217;t afraid to push boundaries. Hence <a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/post\/top-ten-silliest-stories-from-2022.aspx\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">releasing a fragrance<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><b>3. Innovative Marketing<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s impossible to talk about the success of Monkey Shoulder without mentioning their clever marketing. From their playful brand name to their vibrant and cheeky social media presence, they\u2019ve carved out a distinct identity in a market that sometimes feels a bit stuffy. They\u2019ve managed to make whisky fun and accessible, rather than something elitist. Even the triple monkey design on the bottle stands out on shelves, making it instantly recognisable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. High-Quality at a Reasonable Price<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another huge factor behind Monkey Shoulder\u2019s popularity is its <\/span><b>affordable price point<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Whisky lovers know it\u2019s possible to spend a fortune on bottles, but Monkey Shoulder provides excellent value for money. You\u2019re getting a high-quality blended malt for a price that doesn\u2019t break the bank, which makes it a no-brainer for casual drinkers and whisky collectors alike.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. A Modern Whisky for a New Generation<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While whisky has traditionally been seen as a drink for an older generation, Monkey Shoulder has successfully rebranded the experience for younger drinkers. Its fun, modern approach combined with a classic Scotch whisky heritage appeals to those looking to get into whisky but without all the pomp and ceremony. The brand has also tapped into the cocktail culture, which is a major part of why it resonates with a younger audience.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_56717\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-56717\" class=\"size-large wp-image-56717\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-DJ-1024x708.jpg\" alt=\"A DJ plays a Monkey Shoulder whisky event, demonstrating its popularity \" width=\"770\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-DJ-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-DJ-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-DJ-768x531.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-DJ-361x250.jpg 361w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-DJ-1012x700.jpg 1012w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-DJ.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-56717\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Monkey Shoulder whisky has always been unconventional<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><b>What Does Monkey Shoulder Taste Like?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know why it\u2019s become so popular, let\u2019s talk about what you can expect when you pour yourself a dram.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monkey Shoulder is rich and malty on the nose, with sweet notes of vanilla, honey, and orange zest. There\u2019s a bit of a cinnamon spice kick to it, and you might pick up some subtle oakiness too. On the palate, it\u2019s smooth and creamy, with flavours of butterscotch, toasted barley, and a hint of baking spices. The finish is fairly long, with lingering sweetness and a soft touch of spice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All in all, it\u2019s the kind of whisky that\u2019s easy to enjoy, whether you\u2019re drinking it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Should You Try Monkey Shoulder?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You be bananas not to. *Taps mic*. I said you\u2019d be bananas\u2026 oh never mind.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look, there\u2019s no reason not to for most people. Monkey Shoulder is a box ticker in a cool bottle. It&#8217;s approachable. Versatile. Good value for money. It was also something of a game changer for Scotch, meaning it\u2019s a little bit of whisky history too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All these reasons have made Monkey Shoulder one of the most popular whiskies on the market today. So, next time you\u2019re looking for something to enjoy with friends or a whisky that works just as well in a cocktail as it does on its own, give Monkey Shoulder a try.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_56720\" style=\"width: 780px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-56720\" class=\"size-large wp-image-56720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Jam-Sour-1024x678.jpg\" alt=\"Innovative cocktails like the Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour make the whisky popular \" width=\"770\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Jam-Sour-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Jam-Sour-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Jam-Sour-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Jam-Sour-378x250.jpg 378w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Jam-Sour-1058x700.jpg 1058w, https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Monkey-Shoulder-Jam-Sour.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-56720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><b>Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour recipe<\/b><\/h3>\n<h3><b>Ingredients:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50ml Monkey Shoulder whisky<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20ml fresh lemon juice<\/span><\/p>\n<p>2tsp Jam<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/syrups-and-cordials\/monin-pur-sucre-de-canna-pure-cane-sugar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sugar syrup<\/a>\u00a0(1:1 ratio) to taste<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frothing agent: 1 egg white or 2tsp aquafaba (the vegan alternative)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ice<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A dash of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/bitters\/angostura-orange-bitters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Orange bitters<\/a> (you can add more for the garnish, optional)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lemon twist for garnish<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Instructions:<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shake all the ingredients without ice for about 10 seconds. This will help emulsify the egg white\/aquafaba creating a frothy texture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for another 10-15 seconds, until chilled. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, like an Old Fashioned or coupe glass.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add a few drops of bitters on top, stir them into the foam in a funky pattern and garnish with a lemon twist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoy!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can buy <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.masterofmalt.com\/whiskies\/monkey-shoulder-blended-scotch-whisky\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Monkey Shoulder whisky<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> here.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;ve been hanging around whisky circles or even the occasional cocktail bar, you&#8217;ve probably come across Monkey Shoulder whisky.\u00a0 It&#8217;s one of those whiskies that shot to fame in&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":56722,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[893,746,19],"tags":[1959,134,133],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is Monkey Shoulder whisky and why is it so popular? | Master of Malt blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is Monkey Shoulder whisky and why is it so popular? 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