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."
Tried this for the first time and absolutely loved it. I'm not normally one for anything other than single malts. The flavour was fantastic, finish was long lasting. My daughter had bought a bottle for a party. I asked for a dram and she brought me this. I didn't know what it was at the time but after I drank it, it was delicious. I was very surprised when I found out what it was. I take back everything I ever said about not trusting blending. Definitely worth a go!
Easy drink scotch I really enjoyed my first bottle,and will be purchasing another one soon!
Excellent smooth drinking malt whisky - but judging by other uncomplimentary comments elsewhere it is not for whisky snobs. My number one favourite whisky is Yamazaki 12 yo but I can’t afford to drink it too often. Monkey Shoulder however is a great everyday tipple - smooth , balanced & better than many single malts. In the end it’s all a matter of personal preference of course.you might gather I’m not fond of malts that taste like bonfires.
Perfect intersection of blends and single malts. Excellent straight with a cube or two, or makes perfect Rob Roy. If Grants produced 1.75 ltr size I’d not need standard blends.
I give it one star for how smoothly it goes down. The palate is a different story. Unfortunately the taste to me was a sickly sweet combination of isoamyl acetate (artificial banana flavor) and ethyl acetate (artificial pear flavor). Had one dram and tossed the rest.
