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 picked up a bottle yesterday. I always worry a bit when I experiment with whisky in Monkey Shoulder's $32 price range. This one impressed me. On the tongue, it was somewhat creamy and mellow. The finish is surprisingly long for a budget scotch. Cinnamon and spice flavors giving way to a clean citrus vanilla finish. This one may become my favorite budget scotch.
disappointed.. for the same price other blends ie Chivas 12 or JW black are better buys. Somewhat initial bitter taste with an aftertaste. Got it on a recommendation of a friend, will not buy again.
I will always remember the 1st taste of this whisky. Wow that's the word. A pleasant surprise gift from my wife.
I'm a speyside fan and a novice drinker. I found this gem on sale for $26 at the supermarket. I drink my whiskey neat and I was blown away on the smoothness. Best bang for my buck, will be buying again.
I generally don't drink Scotch, in fact I don't really drink, however I was more taken back by the neat bottle and cork. I've just had my first taste, very smooth on my palate with long lasting flavor on the back of the tongue. Easy to drink neat, no real heat to this drink. Worth the AUS$44 I paid for it.
