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."
A good friend of mine bought a bottle not too long ago, we were really hyped to taste it. All my expectations were turned once I smelled it. Reminds me of a molded cheese, with a really bad smell. Since I don't like those kind of cheeses, I was really disappointed, although my friend was kinda fine with the whiskey.
Delicious!
Calling this a scotch is a stretch. I agree with the last review. Nose-barely noticeable. Flavor-alcohol burn. Finish-long and disturbing.
On a recent visit to the land of our fathers I fell upon a bottle with a name more akin to Bitter, don't normally do the blend thing but it's got some good Speyside Malts so got the bottle, glad I did too, its a drink for anytime and very smooth too! Won't drag me away from all the other bottles which are enjoyed individually but very useful for social interaction, doubt I will do a Cocktail tho that would in my mind be a criminal offence, Malt is best on its own or a dash of water....... Monkey Shoulder does what it says on the bottle....
I hate doing negative reviews, but................... I bought a bottle of Monkey Shoulder on the advice of a couple of idiot radio DJ's. This stuff is horrid. There are no subtle flavors as advertised. The bottle I bought is going to sit on the shelf and eventually evaporate. If I could give negative stars, I would.
