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."
Think Glenfiddich 12 but a little less sweetness and a little more richness. Easy drinking. Superior to many higher priced single malts.
Chivas Regal without the peat: Says it all.... Sweet, aromatic, flowery, easy on the tongue and on the palate. Sipping whiskey for all occasions. Nothing too complex, but getting here is an achievement on to itself. Very smooth and sweet.
First I liked it but after tasting many others, this doesn't taste much. I'd say if you're New to whisky, you should get a bottle.
Very bland. Smooth, but doesn't taste like anything. Might as well get vodka.
One of my new favorites in this price range.. or any other. Big Vanilla blasts with butterscotch and toffee- a real confectionary treat. I'm partial to the sweeter Speyside Whisky's so it's no wonder that I find this blend of 3 Single malts (Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie) to be really Really tasty. Creamy, Malty, Goodness and one of the best bang for your Buck bottles that you'll find.
