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."
Very very average Scotch considering price,you can get far far better. Short finish too.
Flavor explosion in my mouth!!! Honey sweetness, smoky earthiness, and a bright spiciness. What’s not to like? Great scotch.
Just as advertised, quality at a great price!
I tried this whiskey after the 18year old Glenfiddich. This is a stereotypical whisky, burns!! Toffee and smoke in the nose.
An unpleasant sting to the tongue and short, no fun. I could easily note the vanilla, however all that molested my tongue was an acetone wash. No matter how much I've tried to enjoy this my flavour open orchestra begins off-tune and disperses to a quick end, with tears.... It's rather okay in cocktails. Sadly not exploding with the hype I was handed by others, a friend keeps homemade whiskey in their bottle now....only had one bottle, it's empty and replaced, probably for good reason. I'm curious as to why so many vouch for this whiskey? And those that dislike it....are like me, 0.5-3 stars in pure shock. I'm wondering if there have been impacts to tamper with the flavour profile of some bottles, shipping, storage etc. Because those that enjoy it, seem to note every flavour and kiss their bottle!
