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."
Not a bad scotch blended malt (mix of three single malts from Grants), but a little bit too sweet, it's all toffee and vainilla and too little oak. it must be matured for not so much time and clearly in bourbon casks
Ian: " The monkey shoulder blend is Unbelievable. On its own fantastic with water just as good!!"
Bought some samples for my father and his mates to try in South Africa as it is not available there yet (I believe they have just released Monkey Shoulder in USA?) I am already a convert and luckily purchased my full bottle from MoM before they sold out. Can't go wrong at £22/bottle. Unbelievable value. Definitely my new favourite blend (I would usually drink Johnnie Walker Black if I was to drink a blend but not any more) Hurry up and get some stock back in - you may need it soon. Here is what the "Ballies" in South Africa had to say: Dad: "very very good. 84 rating" (Whisky Bible? if you pay attention to these ratings) Ian: "..."
Very surprised saw this in Asda at £23 a bottle best £23 ever spent.
I see all these reviews with 4+ stars (8+ rating), and therefor I felt the need to express my own experience which is totally the opposite. I only had 1 glass (which I did not finish) and gave the bottle away, for me it was way too easy to drink. Too sweet in my opinion, especially the palate.
