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."
As well as adding gifts to lucky MoM orders, #WhiskySanta is granting wishes on social media every day! Hit the button above and let them know what you'd like. It could be yours!
In the evening pour MS, open La Rochefoucauld Maxies and enjoy great thoughts with a fine whiskey with salted chocolate. Triple pleasure.
Sierra de Madrid....Sitting in front of an open fire, after a night out with the girls... listening to a newfound jazz singer (Samara Joy) and enjoying my Monkey Shoulder ...pure bliss!! Then I read the shoe lady's escapade..... can't stop laughing.....what a perfect evening...thank you MS.... I'll be back
A wonderful blended whisky, either neat or with a mixer. So nice to drink, it is now my go to choice. A great value whisky when on special.
Well I’m a single malts man ,of over 25 years of single malts pleasure… but this is the best blended malt I’ve ever had , may i thank the blenders …. Wonderful!
New to whisky so struggled to get much on the nose but very pleasant nonetheless, an easy dram and ideal for new starters venturing into whisky.
