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."
Outstanding at the price point. It is now my “go to” whiskey. For me flavor profile is better than Chivas, Black Label or Aberlour, Grant’s has another winner,
Tip it down the sink
If you are just starting out on your whiskey journey, start here with Monkey Shoulder.
I read all the hype with this one, so when a picked up a bottle on offer at reduced price i was quite pleased. Open the bottle , small pour into tasting glass, there was a large wiff of acetone [ nail varnish ], quite a strong taste of banana . This blend is young, 4yr old max. If i had to guess i would think 85% Kininvie, 10% Glenfiddich, 5% Balvinie. I tried it with a small drop of water which improves maters. When i think i could have purchase Dalwhinnie winters Gold-single malt at 43% for £4 more !!, or Johnnie Walker black label for £1.50 more, its a no brainer. Worth a shot but this will be a mixer for me / or with loads of ice. So i will be a wiser Monkey next time :0
Nice entry level whisky. Smooth and sweet.
