Review: Monkey Shoulder Whisky
Naming a whisky after a painful (albeit temporary) ligament injury might sound like a strange thing to do, unless of course said injury has a cool name like Monkey Shoulder. It refers to the result of the malt men spending too long bending over turning barley by hand, causing a repetitive-strain type injury to their shoulder. Although one component of the blend (The Balvenie) still prides itself on having its barley hand-turned, modern working practices mean that the whisky industry equivalent of tennis elbow is no more.
Along with The Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie whisky complete the blend. All three are aged in first fill bourbon casks before being blended in very small batches (27 casks at a time). The blend is then further aged before being bottled and badged with those three naughty-looking monkeys.
Nose: Plenty of floral and honeyed peach notes with a subtle yeasty and grainy undertone that offers a pleasing depth. Soft, smooth and rather sweet but holding short of becoming excessively so. A touch of sherry cask (strangely since bourbon casks are used), orange, chocolate and festive spice hint at its mixing potential.
Neat: A healthy whack of honeyed sweetness hits first but rapidly dries on the palate to reveal some English orchard fruits and citrus. A fair amount of malty notes follow, together with a much more subtle hint at olives in brine which offer an enjoyable, almost chewy mid-palate. Just as you think it is going to fade into obscurity, a surprisingly medicinal finish creeps in to surprise but not offend.
A blended whisky lives or dies by its mixing abilities in my book, and I’m pleased to report that Monkey Shoulder is a solid success. The fruity and honeyed notes make it a very approachable spirit that works well with a range of flavours. It neither asserts itself too aggressively, nor cowers into submission whenever partnered with other strong flavours, and is as such pretty forgiving when having a play around. This is definitely a spirit that you can experiment with. The signature cocktails below are good examples of how Monkey Shoulder is just at home in whisky-forward drinks such as the Malt Jockey (a twist on the Manhattan), or playing a supporting role in lighter tasting libations such as the Artist’s Special. As such, this whisky will appeal to a wide range of palates, from those who like something strong and whisky-heavy, through to those seeking an altogether lighter and more easy-drinking whisky. The medicinal aftertaste is softened in sweeter drinks, whereas it becomes more prominent in cocktails such as a whisky sour. This is a subtle observation however, and overall this whisky works well in a range of drinks and styles. Whatever your preference, this is definitely a blend to check out.
Signature Cocktail – Malt Jockey
40ml Monkey Shoulder, 30ml sweet vermouth, 7ml Maraschino liqueur, 2 dash chocolate bitters
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Signature Cocktail – Artist’s Special
40ml Monkey Shoulder, 30ml Amontillado sherry, 30ml lemon juice, 25ml redcurrant syrup
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a recurrent or two.
Monkey Shoulder offers a smooth and approachable flavour profile that makes for a great entry into the world of whisky. Whilst quite enjoyable neat, its real strength lies in cocktails where its friendly disposition means it is suited to a range of cocktails. This versatility as a successful cocktail base make it a worthy investment for all.
Rating: ★★★★
Monkey Shoulder is available to buy from Master of Malt.
★: Terrible, only drink for a dare.
★★: Meh, not undrinkable but best left alone.
★★★: Reasonable, middle of the road.
★★★★: Tasty stuff, well worth seeking out.
★★★★★: Incredible, booze doesn’t get better than this. You need a bottle in your life.
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Leave a Reply to Jon Cancel reply
Marvelous whisky! I am drinking now…Just arrived from Scothland.
First, and importantly, calling Monkey Shoulder a blended scotch is a misnomer. Malted barley is the ONLY grain used … no corn or wheat. Hence it is not a blended scotch. It is a MIX of three Grant single malts – Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie. More accurately, it is a pure malt, or triple malt (since it derives from single malt scotch from three different distilleries). It is very similar to single malt – a first cousin.
Second, it a very fine triple malt – has become our go to (and we appreciate a wide array of single malts, but do not drink blends). When we first came upon it in Cragellachie, we could not believe what a drinkable dram it is.
Third, please don’t mix it in cocktails; treat it with respect, like the top drawer single malts it closely resembles. Mix blended scotch if you like, but not this elixir.
Indeed. This is no ordinary blend. The closest thing that’s available is the Johnnie Walker Green, and at half the price, I’d wager, a much more superlative and delicious blend than it has every right to be.
As a long time American bourbon/rye drinker, I decided to branch out and try some whisky from Scotland. I found many blended Scotches to be a bit bland. I tried the Monkey Shoulder based on reviews and I have to say I am sold. I won’t list ten things I taste, but what a great flavor. The presentation is strong with the retro bottle and the three monkeys attached. I will be getting more as my first bottle went rather quickly.
if you like the Monkey , try some single malt Balvenie or highland park
if you like The Monkey whisky try a single malt Scottish whisky.
Belvienie or highland park
It’s rubbish. Much better scotch can be had for considerably less.
Here in southeast Florida, Monkey Shoulder at 43% ABV can be purchased for $30. As it is a blended malt Scotch, i.e., with no grain additives commonly found in ordinary and cheaper 40% ABV blended Scotch, I really don’t know how you can say that “much better Scotch can be had for considerably less.” It’s a terrific Scotch for the price. (Beware that in Europe however, Monkey Shoulder is bottled at only the minimum 40% ABV – still good, but not as tasty as what can be had in the U.S..)
Just tastes amazing with plain water
You are killing me!!! Absolutey one of the best. Or is it beast?!!! 🙂
This is the one of bestest whisky I have tried ……
I had it on the Rock’s
I had it with water
and I would say the best way to. have this as a cocktail …frozen toddy with crushed spices as Cinnamon clove n star with caramel rimmed red wine glass to inhaling the aroma and to satisfy your palette…..
Ar first I didn’t like this stuff. There was nothing wrong with the way it tasted but for some reason I just couldn’t get on with it. I bought a 5th and before it was done a few days later I was in love with this stuff. It truly is one the best Scotch bottles available at it’s price point that i am familiar with.
No nonsense Single malt. No pretensions- no aftertaste, just pure and simple taste, Smooth and goes well with just one cube of ice. Do not dunk tons of ice = just kills it. Two largish every evening soothes the nerves
For those philistines that don’t appreciate Speyside malts go drink the Buckie from Coatbridge…..
Gotta say, I don’t taste ANY of the briny or medicinal flavors. The flavor is nearly all sweet notes for me, and in the best way possible. Dried fruit, maple syrup, and buttery caramel from start to finish, with some spices thrown in for dimension. As someone who generally does NOT like scotch — it’s totally delicious.