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 think monkey shoulder is a great whiskey at a good price, I prefer mine with ice
One of the best whisky’s there is
First off I've been drinking scotch and bourbons for a while. I have to say this was over hyped by far. Maybe it's the bottle i got ? Nose is great. Palate is not. All it's doing is giving me a very uncomfortable feeling on the top of my tongue. Like stinging or something being too spicy for some reason. I bought this seeing a lot of youtube videos recommanding this for a great value.. and I am so disapointed in this product.
On the nose it is spicy with distinct vanilla and cinnamon nuances, very sweet and creamy. White chocolate and honey nuances can be noted as well Surprisingly and amazingly beautiful and elegant. The absence of grain whiskies shows. Neither peatiness nor bitterness from reused casks is observed. On the palate it is very sweet, still vanilla and cinnamon nuances can be noted. Wonderful combination of Speyside malt whiskies. Finish is medium to long still a little spicy and faint oakines can be noted. It is such a sweet whisky that even lady drinkers would enjoy it as well as male drinkers.
I've never tasted an actual monkey shoulder, but I think this "Scotch" must come close. Notes of sweat, jungle funk, tropical disease, and screaming poo-throwing definitely come through clearly. I would not buy this again. I wish I had not bought it the first time.
