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."
Not much above mid chest and definitely below the shoulder. It is a blend and comparable to others in the price point. A GOOD Walker is better but I would not mix with Johnny. Probably really good as a top shelf mixer but do not expect much if drinking alone. Perhaps clean/clear ice carved from pristine Antarctic glaciers would allow the Monkey to properly blossom?
Great whiskey for the money, dont taste like blended att all, sweet, full in flawor, taste fruti, taste apple and more Just great!
I'v just discovered that my pallet has developed enough to enjoy malt whiskies and I purchased a small sample bottle from asda of your Monkey Shoulder.....I found it very very nice and on a par with the best I'v tasted. Next stop full bottle....Spot on. I must come and visit you.
Hi all! This whiskey is ok, it dont have a big bodey, but it is good for the price. Smooth and fruity and taste good. No long aftertaste but still it have a great taste. My points is 82/100
LOVE it, it's my favorite. Doesn't taste like "blended" whiskey. I drink it neat and enjoy every drop.
