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 like it and could drink lots of it. A lovely blend with good flavour, but it has lost the bright highlights of Speyside Malts. A great whiskey intro, which won't put off the newbies from trying stronger flavours. Start here and explore the world of whiskey!
how can someone say it has a 'vodka' taste to it? not a drop of grain, right? anyways, great neat and great with a drop of pure water. don't think i'd ever use this in a cocktail. highly recommended! often on sale in PA for under $30
It was $5 off at the Pennsylvania State Store so I gave it a try. Very smooth and full of flavor. I miss that it does not have a burn but it makes it up in its elegance. Definitely thumbs up.
This is one of the best for a sub €25 budget. Easily accessible but not shallow. Bottle was bought over a year ago though so no indication if new batches are out and of the same quality...
This blend stands up to be enjoyed as a neat dram. Good flavour and great value for money. For me much better than a Jonny walker and a number of single malts I have on my shelf.
