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."
Well . . . the nose is vanilla and malt (mostly), and flowering Heather -- perhaps a bit of cocoa, and, like the chaps say, some winter spice. Frankly, it's the best thing about it. On the palate it's heavy, with definite separation of malt, vanilla, alcohol, and maybe a dash of butterscotch, and possibly something else. But the experience is overpowered by vanilla and alcohol. The finish is something like malt, vanilla, and alcohol. If vanilla and alcohol are your thing, you're gonna love it! Always neat -- a_m_oral (in the Fraser Valley)
I get quite a kick out of the negative reviews.... This is a blended malt...no additional grain. For those saying that Chivas or JW Black are smoother...thats because of grain whisky added. If you don't like the flavor profile, thats acceptable. Not everyone likes Balvenie and Glenfiddich. But to downgrade it because of your own lack of knowledge is just plain funny. For a blended malt at this price...you cannot beat it.
1st time drinking this Malt whiskey and must admit it's one on the nicest, smooth, pleasant malt I've drank and will certainly be getting another bottle or three
Tried it the first time last Saturday. Found it to be a very satisfying sipping scotch. Had it on the rocks and would never mix it with anything except maybe a drop of water.
Smooth and rich is correct, it's a fine whisky, although calling it a scotch is a little misleading. It's pretty sweet as far as whisky goes, I prefer it on the rocks, however my gf likes it mixed with Dr. Pepper and a little lemon juice. Quit being so whiny and drink it, it's quite a bit of bang for your buck.
