Monkey Shoulder

Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky that stands out for its smoothness, versatility, and approachable character. Created by William Grant & Sons in 2004, it's made from a blend of top Speyside single malts, resulting in a rich and malty flavor profile without any grain whisky. Its name pays homage to the malt men of the past. Monkey Shoulder is equally enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a wide range of cocktails, making it a favorite among bartenders and whisky enthusiasts alike.  

The name "Monkey Shoulder" harks back to the traditional, labor-intensive process of malting barley by hand. Malt men would repeatedly turn the barley with shovels, a task that sometimes led to a temporary shoulder strain known as "monkey shoulder." While this condition is now rare thanks to modern techniques, the name serves as a tribute to the heritage and hard work of these craftsmen. Monkey Shoulder was created by William Grant & Sons to offer a premium blended malt that was both accessible to new whisky drinkers and versatile enough for cocktails, moving away from the more formal perception of Scotch whisky.  

• Nose: Elegant and stylish with notes of marmalade, creamy vanilla, honey, spiced oak, and a hint of aniseed.
• Palate: Very malty and creamy, with suggestions of berry fruit, juicy toasted barley, cloves, and butterscotch. Manuka honey, hot-buttered toast, and dried apricot develop.

Neat: Savor the full flavor profile by enjoying it straight at room temperature. On the Rocks: Add ice to chill the whisky and slightly mellow the flavors. With a Splash of Water: A few drops of water can open up the aromas and subtle nuances of the whisky. In Cocktails: Monkey Shoulder's balanced character makes it an excellent base for classic and contemporary whisky cocktails such as: Old Fashioned: Monkey Shoulder, sugar, bitters, orange peel. Whisky Sour: Monkey Shoulder, lemon juice, sugar syrup, egg white (optional). Ginger Monkey: Monkey Shoulder, ginger ale, orange wedge. Monkey Splash: Monkey Shoulder, soda water, orange wedge.

• Spicy Foods: The whisky's sweet and malty notes can complement the heat of spicy Indian snacks or dishes.
• Grilled Meats: The rich character pairs well with grilled or barbecued meats.
• Cheese: Try it with mature cheddar or other hard cheeses.

Monkey Shoulder is a standout blended malt Scotch whisky that successfully bridges the gap between premium quality and easy-drinking versatility. Its smooth, rich flavor profile makes it a winner neat or in a wide array of cocktails. With a nod to whisky-making heritage and a modern, approachable attitude, Monkey Shoulder is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced whisky enthusiasts looking for a reliable and enjoyable Scotch. Sources and related content