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."
Pleasant on the nose - zesty and hints of vanilla Very malty and sweet like butterscotch Finish is spicy with hints of peppermint
Lovely, with a fruity caramel taste. Delicious blend, and with a tiny bit of water it opens up and delivers some great flavours. I'm still a beginner when it comes to whisky drinking, so my palate isn't great. I find it hard to describe flavours more accurate than this. It's better than some single malts I've tried, and certainly better than many other whiskies in the same price range! The rating is given with price in mind. If I didn't take price into mind it would get 4/5.
My new Breakfast Scotch - perfect start to your day ;)
Fantastic ! A staple in my home now. Everyone I've shared with was thrilled. Good neat or on the rocks. The website suggest a mix with ginger ale AKA Ginger Monkey. It's really tasty! I'm still a noob I admit, but I am pleased with Monkey Shoulder. Try it and you will be O so happy!
Tried several, this one exceed quality, smell and creamy flavor, amazing blend, not fruity thank god, kick smooth and flavourful, one of the best.
