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."
This is sublime stuff indeed...there's a lot going on here and it's almost a psychedelic rainbow of tastes...a skilled blend that reminds you of some of your favourite old friends you can't quite name...I'm shamefully at the time in my mid life when I can afford my indulgences and this is my "go to bed" tipple...sends me to a peaceful conclusion with a half read Russian novel ... Life rarely gets better
This isn't going to convert any hardcore single malt imbibers, nor is it meant to, I think. I can pick this up in the local airport duty-free shop (Malaysia) for the equivalent of about US$32 for a liter. At that price point, it absolutely delivers. I'll never pick this over some of my favored Japanese and Scotch single malts and blends for drinking with just a few drops of water. But for more creative drinks, I think this is a winner. I add a tiny bit of homemade ginger syrup and top up with mineral water (or soda) and it's really drinkable that way (perhaps dangerously so). The spicy bourbon-like character of the dram lends itself well to a bit of ginger, and I think this is a fine malt blend to experiment with for highballs and cocktails. Leave your single malt snobbery at the door for a night and give this one a whirl. That fancy Bruichladdich and your prized 18-year-old Speyside will still have you back tomorrow, don't fret.
This whisky seems to divide us into two distinct categories, I am firmly in the 'Yes! Absolutely delightful' group. My experience of malts is restricted to under £100/bottle, my preference when buying for myself is around £25. For me, good whisky is not determined by heritage, tradition, or numbers (age or proof); good whisky is something I enjoy drinking in a relaxed manner, preferably in good company. Whisky is also a matter of personal preference. My preference is for Speyside rather than Island malts, Glendronach from sherry casks is my favorite, however Monkey Shoulder is the bottle I most frequently buy - it's quite similar even if less distinct. Another reviewer described it perfectly in the following terms: Taste: creamy, subtle sweet sherry vibe (fruityish), cinnamon spicy, very very light hint of smoke at the tail end. Since discovering this tipple, I find the business of choosing a whisky really straightforward. If the retailer stocks it, I buy it, if not, I leave empty handed knowing that I will find it elsewhere. Being un-snobbish about whisky, I also enjoy the break with tradition that this brand offers.
Batch 27, you have to be kidding. I want my money back and extra for the trauma of tasting this poison.
Keep in mind that all whiskies are different and each person has a different palate.
