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."
Very distinguished from most blends. What a value. Schwing! Very smooth and pleasant, with just a bit of bite, yeah. Ceamy malt for sure. Some citrus and cinnamon spice. Warming finish free of oaky burn. To sum it up: Nice.
Ok, this whisky misses the distinction that single malts have. having said that, sometimes you just want a smooth, easy to drink, down to earth, genuinely great tasting drink. When I feel philosophical, I will reach for my Old Pultney 21-year-old, but for a gentle evening of reading, this is great. It's easily my favourite of the Grants range, and to be honest, I wish they didn't own it as I really am not a fan of the Grants flagship range.
Those three are Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie. Not a single trace of cheaper corn or wheat. That is why this is so very good, and a consistant award winner.
Much better than Chivas Regal which retails around the same price. Rather than witter on about tasting notes, I'll list Whiskeys I like and those I hate. If you feel the same, odds are you will like this one. Like: Jura superstition, Old Pulteney, Glen Moray. Most Speysides. Hate: Grants , Teachers, Claymore, Jameson.
Just bought my first bottle of Monkey Shoulder. I enjoy the three single malts that go into this whisky and thought I would give it a try. Love it. Easy to drink.
