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."
If you look at the top 3 websites that review spirits, you will find over 300 4+ out of 5 star reviews, A's across the board from the professional reviewers... By any measure, this is an outstanding blend.
My tastes for Scotch are centered in the Macallan 18, Walker Blue Label, Talisker Disliller's Edition and Laphroaig experiences. There was a sale on Monkey Shoulder at my local importer so I figured, "Why not?" This was certainly a nice surprise for the money. Initial nose is sweet orange and subtle spice, a bit vaporous. The first sip is deceptively light, making it hard to pin down exact flavors. But as it breathes in the glass (using a small snifter helps) the tastes start revealing themselves. Honey, dark citrus, vanilla and light spice begin coming through the more you drink. But what is especially delightful is the sweet finish. The mouth is coated with honey-sweetness that is actually enhanced by the higher alcohol heat. It doesn't linger long, but I found myself comparing the flavor to Highland Park or Macallan, just a bit hotter and not quite as sophisticated. But, boy, is it close. For the less than $30 I paid, I'm stocking up on this unique triple malt. Will also make a great gift!
Don't get where all the good reviews are coming from. It's bad.
Nose: malt and honey Palate: sweet malty smooth lots of honey Finish: short slight oak and spice Good whisky and great value
Based on good reviews I bought a bottle. But it proved a big disappointment. It tastes cheap.
