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."
Great taste, smooth from start to finish. The bad reviews must be from people with a palate of a mule!
I agree with the negative reviews below. I expect more taste and a heavier mouth feel from a whiskey. This is a vodka drinker's whiskey.
Pleasantly surprised by the smooth and sweet aftertaste. I will buy it again. Al those ridiculous negative reviewers are idiots. I usually drink single malts, with the doublewood as my #1 favourite but also whiskies from around the world and Bourbons. I rarely buy blends, but this is one I will really be buying again. And I will recommend it to other REAL Whisky, Whiskey and Bourbon enthusiast!
idk what it takes for a person to not enjoy this. Take it for what it is, a fine blend. And at a good price. I think it's outstanding. It's just what I want to drink daily instead of the ones I would rather save. Know what I mean?
Great price for a blended whisky that blends flavor with taste. I can identify the tail hit of peppermint and the vanilla is on your first sip.
