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."
Trying it for the first time, some friends told me it is exellent.
Whilst not boasting the qualities of some nicer blended scotch whiskys, we must remind ourselves that we are paying just under £25 for this bottle - making it, in my opinion, very reasonable! As an easy drinking house scotch I think this does very well, sweet on the palate but with a bit of spice on the finish. I feel I would need to have that Scottish experience detailed by Monkey Shoulder before I could make a comparison - maybe you could sponsor it!
was bought this for my birthday last year and keep stocking up! Have to keep the bottles as well as they are beautiful! Recommended for the general whiskey drinker!
Tried it out last night at me pals, bottle empty this morning :)
It tastes rough and cheap. Wodka-ish,if you like. I will not buy this again as there are better brands to be had for this money.
