Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky from William Grant & Sons, crafted using single malts from Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie—no grain whisky in sight. First launched in 2003 as a bartender-friendly alternative to traditional blends, it was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels and blended in small batches to create a smooth, versatile profile ideal for cocktails.
With bold branding that broke away from Scotch’s stuffy image, it became a trailblazer in the early 2000s whisky renaissance. Since then, it’s expanded with variants like Smokey Monkey and Fresh Monkey, keeping the brand fresh and relevant.
Designed for mixing, Monkey Shoulder enhances classic whisky cocktails (where it really excels) like an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour. If you're after a whisky that's fun, full of flavour, and has a bit of history behind it, then pick up a bottle of Monkey Shoulder. You won't be disappointed!
Its quirky name nods to a repetitive strain injury once suffered by maltmen turning barley by hand.
An elegant, stylish nose of marmalade, Crema Catalana (apologies, but it really is there), cocoa and malt. Plenty of vanilla and a sprinkling of winter spice (nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon) alongside a mouth-watering hint of aniseed.
Very malty, creamy delivery with a suggestion of berry fruit. Juicy toasted barley, cloves and butterscotch. Manuka honey, hot-buttered-toast and dried apricot develop.
Medium length, spicy oak and a hint of peppermint on the tail.
This is whisky to be enjoyed. According to the Monkey Shoulder website: "Some say it tastes just like riding bareback on the wild moors of Scotland with a flame-haired maiden on Christmas morning. Others agree it tastes like 007 wearing a tuxedo wetsuit."
My son bought this for me on Father's day, after he was unable to secure a bottle of my favourite Glenfiddich, and I bought another as we are both enjoying this! It is like smoky vanilla and honey sauce drizzled over a bowl of mixed red berries with a twist of peppermint and sprinkled with spice. Would not dream of diluting this with ice or water and personally treat this like a brandy. I used to drink Jack and Ginger regularly, now this is my favourite Whiskey for get-togethers but maybe I will keep my Glenfiddich on standby :) (Jack and Ginger - JD and Ginger Ale)
Good go to for sipping when the occasion (any time) doesn't warrant a single malt like Glenlivet, McChalan, or the like. Firey finish, excellent bouquet. Smooth going down. An excellent blend. Worth the money!
It's not just a blended whiskey, it's a blended malt scotch, and as that it is the perfect wing man to may single malts. I always keep a bottle, and always enjoy it
More like a premium blend than a single malt. This can be drunk neat but it's young and I think works best as a mixer. I'm not sure this is worth £27 though, not when you can pick up a Glenfiddich 12 from a supermarket for £25!
terrible taste
