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."
Me as new drinker found that this is a very good start for everyone who would like to enter into a deeper whisky world. Really like it, sweet, and cheap.
Keeping in mind it's a somewhat budget scotch, this three malt blend is a standout. I fail to agree with the negative reviews People with closed palates don't make good scotch drinkers l guess.
I generally drink Glenlivet or Glenfiddich, with a Laphroaig or Lagavulin thrown in from time to time for that fine old burned cotton flavor. While I'm not insensitive to the difference in 12-year-old and 15-year-old versions, I don't find that it's worth the extra $20 for everyday stuff. Last night my liquor store was out of everything but 15-year-old Glenfiddich at $72 for the 750ml. I noticed this bottle of "Monkey Shoulder" for $35, and thought what the heck, a Scotch with a name like that deserves a try. I was pleasantly surprised. While it might not be up to the standard of some of the connoisseurs here, I find it's a cut above Dewar's, Cutty and Red Label in the same price range. If the Glenlivet is to you a barely-acceptable alternative to be drunk when proper Scotch isn't available, then don't waste your money. If, however, you're looking for a good medium-priced Scotch, you might find yourself agreeably surprised by this one. This is as of fall 2015, however, and this appears to be a new brand. We all know that once the brand gets established as among the best in its price range, the makers are likely to gradually cheapen the blend. It might be a case of enjoy it while it's still enjoyable.
just bought a bottle. It's that bad it needs coke or dry for me to be able to consume it.
I'm two bottles into this blend and it is quite palatable for the beginner in the "scotch" market. I've used it mainly for mixed drinks and it had produced satisfying results.
