Monkey Shoulder is a popular and highly regarded blended Scotch whisky that has made a significant impact in the whisky world due to its smooth, approachable character and playful branding. It’s a blended malt whisky, meaning it’s made from a blend of single malts from different distilleries, rather than a combination of malt and grain whiskies. This gives it a more complex and flavourful profile compared to typical blended whiskies.

Key Characteristics of Monkey Shoulder:

• Blended Malt Whisky: Unlike many blended Scotches, which are made from both grain and malt whiskies, Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt whisky, meaning it only contains whiskies from single malt distilleries. It’s crafted from a blend of three Speyside distilleries: Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie, which are all part of the same parent company, William Grant & Sons.
• Age: While Monkey Shoulder does not specify an age statement, it is usually made from whiskies that have been aged for around 3 to 5 years. The result is a smooth and balanced whisky that has enough depth to appeal to both casual drinkers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts.
• ABV: The whisky is typically bottled at an ABV of 40%, making it easy to drink and versatile in cocktails.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is inviting with a rich, fruity aroma of ripe apples, pears, and vanilla. There’s also a subtle hint of toffee and spice, which adds complexity to the overall scent profile.
• Palate: On the palate, Monkey Shoulder is smooth, creamy, and well-balanced, with flavours of honey, buttery toffee, and vanilla. The malted whisky blend contributes to a slight oakiness, while the fruitiness of dried fruits like raisins and apples comes through. There are also notes of spices, such as cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg, giving the whisky a pleasant warmth.
• Finish: The finish is relatively long and smooth, with lingering notes of honey, toffee, and a touch of spice from the oak. The overall feel is clean and refreshing.

Best Ways to Enjoy:

• Neat: Monkey Shoulder is smooth enough to enjoy neat, and drinking it this way allows you to savour the full range of flavours and the creamy mouthfeel.
• On the Rocks: If you prefer your whisky chilled, serve Monkey Shoulder on the rocks. This will slightly dilute the whisky, making it even smoother and refreshing.
• In Cocktails: Monkey Shoulder is an excellent whisky for mixing in cocktails, thanks to its smooth and balanced flavour. It works well in classics like the Whiskey Sour, Old Fashioned, or Rob Roy. Its versatility makes it a great choice for any cocktail recipe that calls for Scotch whisky.