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."
Warm fruity aroma, smooth and slightly spicy taste. Lingers. Not as sturdy as Dalwhinnie or Balvenie but in the same arena at a great price.
I can't say enough good things about this blend. I just tried the 21yr Balvenie and recognized a bunch of front notes but was surprised by the heat at the end. Monkey Shoulder has figured out how to follow the sip with tremendous calm. If that's what you're looking for, in addition to sublime character and Speyside appeal, I highly recommend.
Good for mixing. Not a good sipping whisky
Just got home from a trip throughout Scotland. You learn a lot about what you like with scotch and what you don’t. We LOVE Monkey Shoulder and it’s what we brought home with us for gifts.
I’ve yet to taste a finer whisky, single malts included. There seems to be a lot of snobbery going on by the other reviewers who seem to judge a whisky by name and price. I’d never heard of it until 6 months ago. The bottle looked interesting in Morrison’s. Not looked back since. Give it a go !
