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."
This whisky was on sale and I bought it cheap and man it is good, light flavourful and friendly I think there are a lot of single malt snobs downvoting it and calling it rubbing alcohol, don’t listen to them they couldn’t tell the difference in a blind tasting I am sure!
I won't pretend to be a whisk(e)y expert but I know what I like and this suits me just fine. I lost my taste for Scotch years ago and tend to grab for a bourbon or Irish Whiskey when I want to relax but Monkey Shoulder was recommended by a local bartender and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I've since suggested it to friends whoa re much more serious about their libations and they agreed it's a nice drink and a great value.
Master of Malt, what is a tuxedo? Do you mean a Dinner Suit? Bond wouldn’t be wearing a tuxedo.
Confused as to why reviewers (and tasters} don't understand the difference between a Blended Scotch and a Blended MALT Scotch! Three (3), count them, SINGLE MALTS are the combined to make MS! There is NO GRAIN WHISKY in the bottle! OK? Now go from there! Consider Taste, Nose and all the other variables, and realize that at this price to value/ratio the SUPREME VALUE PROPOSITION. Smart shoppers are lining up now!
Very smooth neat!!
