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, that went down easy. Very easy to drink, something that would be easy to nip at every night. On the otherhand, it didn't stand out either. The nose hits smooth and ready for the mouth. On the tongue it is more smooth, a little fruit and sweets. If I drank a whole bottle, I might find out more of what is going on, but with a taste it was just easy. Finish lasted for a bit, mostly by leaving my palate happy and knowing it had a drink. Given its price it's a great deal for a daily drink. But for those special occasions, it simply doesn't stand out. Final Note: I am doing the 2015 advent calendar. As a result, I get one drink at it to decide if I like it enough to buy more. Sometimes I need to drink something three or four times to make up my mind. Thus, my rating is based on a one-time drink experience.
Bland, pretty wimpy. Is this meant for mixing? There's nothing to this. It's tasteless.
Bought it because I liked the Cage presentation, but it tasted very ordinary. I wondered later if someone somewhere had taken out the real Monkey Shoulder whisky & substituted a cheap blend as the stopper was not sealed in any way.
How disappointing! Cheap tasting blend that I for one won't buy again.
Hands down the best malt wisky I have had in ages. A little difficult to come by here in Utah (USA) but worth the effort!! It is delightful straight, on the rocks, or mixed. You can't go wrong with Monkey Shoulder...
