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."
I don’t always get the varied tasting notes, think you need a pretty good sensitive nose to get all those! But hey I like what I like, and I like this, a good everyday blended malt easy on the palate. Excellent whisky to have around!
For those that said this is vile or tastes like a bourbon... what the hell is wrong with you. It's an excellent gateway whiskey into Scottish and Irish style whiskey. It tastes nothing like a bourbon, and has beautiful balance. Lots of honey and used oak apple/pear notes.
I used to drink all of the Speyside scotch's. Now I only drink 2, Macallan double cask and Monkey Shoulder. For around 27 bucks if you don't like it, give or throw it away...or send it to me. It's always smooth w no bite. If you are into smoke and peat, this is not for you. For me, smoke and peat are best in your fireplace and garden, respectively.
PS: If you're looking for a cheap Scotch, try Speyburn. At about $30, it is a decent, sweet, and very drinkable example of Speyside Scotch.
I have been drinking all kinds of whiskey from every region for over 15 years. There is no way this whiskey is over 4 years old because it tastes remarkably similar to 4 years old bourbon/American whiskies, namely Evan Williams. It really ought to be classified a bourbon because the the overriding flavor profile is oak with almost no sweetness or maturity to back it up, which makes this whiskey harsh and extremely overpriced at $30. At $15 I'd give it 2 stars and would recommend you try Evan Williams White Label first.
