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."
Definitely very creamy, both in arome (very nice) and in taste (interesting but maybe bit overkill). Heh, yes, there is a bit of vomit aftertaste after a while, but only if you really think about it, and it's faint. I'd say very interesting choice for fan of exploring different whiskeys, especially for the price.
I don't why people are complaining this is bomb and I tried many malts this is a blend of 3 malts but taste like a single malt
This stuff comes on lovely, then ... all of a sudden ... hits you with the god-awful taste of stale jock strap (don't ask how I recognize the taste)! I'm carting up the bottle and taking it back to the liquor store.
If you're looking for a fascinating captivating whisky well maybe this one isn't it. But for the money it's fantastic, certainly wouldn't turn down a glass. Be a good one to introduce a newbie to whisky.
It starts out ok, but finishes with an aroma and taste reminiscent of vomit. Adding water doesn't help, and neither does trying it a few months after opening. Very disappointed.
