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 is to date the best blended whisky I have tried! I am a single malt drinker and rarely does a blend cross my lips. Monkey Shoulders has the maltiness I expect and enjoy in a quality whisky, with a smooth finish that lends itself to long sips. It pairs well with my favorite cigars or with a bowl of cavendish in my favorite briar. Monkey Shoulders has now become my standard whisky which I offer to guest. WELL DONE Mr. Grant!
Normally drink Balvenie Doublewood but was bought Monkey Shoulder as a present. Very full and warm taste. A hint of peat on the nose but not overpowering. Lingering aftertaste. Very enjoyable blend of 3 malts. Would buy if I was unable to get my Balvenie Doublewood or even for a change.
Weak, thin, no mouth feel, no nose, no revealing flavours or character. Water annhilates even the wispy nothing that it tastes of neat. Ice? Well you might as well drink vodka. What is the point of a malt with no nose, no taste, no finish?
This is such a dull drink. Truly boring. No peat (obviously), no real malt either. Its very much reminiscent of Johnny Walker only JWB smells better and tastes of something at least. Boring boring bland. Perfect for the Chinese market I suppose. Avoid like the plague.
This has been one of my favorites. I love that people say it's complete junk or absolutely fantastic. I'm one of the latter. This has been a favorite go-to for a moderately priced whisky. I too agree with others that there is some sweetness up front that lingers, but pleasantly so. Other tastes of pepper, orange, some honey, etc. A very moderate and enjoyable whisky that doesn't try too hard to be something it isn't. I find it to be an excellent value and better than others of it's price range.
