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."
its smooth and easy to drink
As a novice scotch drinker this was by far the best scotch I've ever had (Walker Black-Dewar's-JB-Famous Grouse)a great-fruity-slight pettee flavor with an obvious anise/vanilla finish.
When I purchased monkey shoulder the very first time I was looking at spending around $50 as I normally drink single malt whisky I was going to try and find something I could drink on my own any night of the week without blowing the budget. Monkey shoulder at $41 it is the best value for money considering the fact that johnnie walker cost about the same. To all the whisky snobs "please compare apples with Apple's"
Don't listen to those snobs ! I've been drinking some of the best Scotches, this, for the the money is a 10!!! I was blown away by it's finish. Please don't buy any..I want more !
Over the past yr I have been exposed to about 20 different hi end scotches, ranging from 35.00 a bottle to 100.00 I play on a soccer team and we tailgate after the game and drink some scotch. Anyway, bought a bottle of this and it is quite good, easy all the way around and a fine choice to drink everyday. Its around 30.00 a bottle and it has some of the qualities in the more expensive scotches that I had.
