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."
For the money, cannot be beat. Really satisfies, for those who enjoy the intelligent and relaxed sipping of single malt Scotch whisky. OK, it is not a single malt, but rather something better: a MIX of three very good single malt scotches (Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie), all three by Grant, the family-owned maker of the world's biggest seller, Glenfiddich.
MS is interesting, heavy alcohol, thin syrup light flavor but decent
Awesome whiskey I ordered a Jameson and I am glad they were out monkey shoulder nis on a whole other level of greatness I really enjoyed it.
Before the collapse, I was a VP and drank the good stuff. Now I'm a working stiff and can't afford that. Had found a local single malt that I liked, but the price went up. MS is excellent for my budget and I do appreciate that! Finally a scotch I can enjoy.
I like this blend , it's quite thin and light compared to others ,nice tastes when drinking neat , like a 2nd rate Jonny walker black label
