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 bought it based on the reviews. Next time I'll spend a bit more and get the single malt. The nicest thing I can say is that it's an average whisky. If you are torn between this and a single malt, spend the money and upgrade to the single malt.
Very good with just a drop of water or with some ginger ale
This whisky is a moderately priced blend and it goes without saying that the quality and complexity reflects the price. However, I have to strongly disagree with some of the critical reviews on here - this a superbly balanced whisky. The sweetness, richness, spice and oak are full and measured and you'd be hard pressed to find let alone expect much better for the price. The only danger is getting a case of monkey shoulder yourself pouring it down your throat dram after dram...
Good whisky, but far to sweet to my taste. The wife enjoyed it!
I sip it like a true gentleman. Neat, never over ice. By far my favorite blend. Smooth. I don't know how to disect the different flavors it is made up of, but that's irrelevant. It's top shelf Scotch.
