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."
I guess, I should feel lucky getting it locally for under $27/.75L. @43% it's a little harsh, but with a twist in a good way. Well, I generally believe the "magic" 40% of alcohol lets judging the taste the best. There are exceptions of course, but Monkey Shoulder ain't one of them. Still it's a good value for under $27/bottle.
Lovely sweet, malty, rich. Very nice neat or over a little ice. The good qualities of both Balvenie and Glenfiddich.
Aeberlour 12, glenfidich 15, balvenie double wood, Caribbean cask, glenlevit 15, glenmorangie lansanta, and Ruben, monkey shoulder... Personally, these whiskies all have a similar character. Monkey Shoulder, fits the bill.... Nice, affordable, blended scotch. Been on the hunt for this! Taste: creamy, subtle sweet sherry vibe (fruityish), cinnamon spicy, very very light hint of smoke at the tail end, added this to the shelf. If you like the ones I listed before my thoughts. Highly recommended.
Loved it!!! Smooth when poured gently over a single ice cube. Good nose and no difficult follow through. Am usually a single malt drinker, but this blend is an awesome introduction to masterly blended whiskey
I am a cook. I took all the ingredients of Monkey Shoulder's "Nose" and mixed them together. Then I did the same for the "Palate" and "Finish" From the "Nose" concoction I inhaled deeply, from the Palate (with the aid of a drop of distilled water) I sipped and then, for a moment, lingered expectant of the promised finish and ready to compare with my third potion of orange, etc. I wasn't disappointed, the experience was almost exactly the same as sampling a dram of your excellent Monkey Shoulder, (only without the burn of alcohol) Your taster's are almost bang on in they'yr nomenclature, Though may I suggest for the "Finish" to add a drop of morning dew from the horn of a sleeping Unicorn !!
