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."
This is actually a decent scotch. I know some will rate this harshly for a variety of reasons, but experienced scotch drinkers understand that ever scotch has a sweet spot, whether adding water, specific ice cube count and so on. Monkey Shoulder is a great scotch for cocktails and one that I would add a heavier amount of ice and let sit to mild down the spices. Perfect next to a camp fire! I gave this 4 stars based on price and availability as well as it's profile and versatility when making cocktails.
Not sure what you guys said, but I just bought 3 again. It's farking good, mate
I was looking for something cheaper than Old Pulteney. This was recommended as an everyday drinker. It comes in very sweet. I kind of see the banana that others are taking about. I has some spices that follow up and then it's just gone. It's much darker than scotches I usually drink. I probably should have found a bar with it to try it first. I think many people would like it though. I hate to say it as I'm not extremely whiskey savvy, but all in all it seemed a bit unremarkable.
I would definitely throw up with this dram
Excellent! Pour it over 2-3 ice cubes, let it sit for 20 minutes...outstanding. At a “daily tipple” price point.
