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."
My daughter got me a bottle for Chistmas. Very good drink, over Ice or straight. I will be a repeat offender!
I'm not sure about detailed taste, it overall quite decent whisky. The problem though is, that in the morning I had the worst hangover ever. I only had a bottle of white wine and 10-15 cl of this whisky, and I literally could not get up in the morning - my head was killing me.
i make my mind up about whisky on taste alone,this is a lovely drink enjoy it
Given to me a as a gift. Just had my first taste, ever! Initial smell a bit on the strong side, however my first taste was pleasing based on others that I have had in a similar price range. So I would say, give it a try, don't expect the taste of the finest scotch you have ever had, but I think it is extremely nice and it would be my pleasure to serve it and enjoy it again.
Blended but verrrry nice
