Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky from William Grant & Sons, a small-batch blend of Speyside single malts made for mixing and bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV).
The name honors whisky heritage: years ago, malt men who turned the barley by hand on the malting floor sometimes developed an injury that left an arm hanging down a bit like a monkey's, and they nicknamed it monkey shoulder. The condition no longer exists, but the three brass monkeys on the shoulder of the bottle celebrate it, and nod to the three Speyside single malts, Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie, from which the blend was originally drawn.
Today the recipe is a closely guarded mix of Speyside single malts, matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and vatted together in small batches. Originally crafted to make the perfect Old Fashioned, it is rich and vibrant without being overly fruity.
Smooth and balanced, it brings honey, orange and vanilla, with gentle spice and malty sweetness, finishing soft and easy. Its aroma and palate make it ideal for elevating any cocktail, and equally good on its own.
Scotch whisky must be distilled and matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks, and any age statement on the label refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Honey, orange, vanilla.
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Palate: Malty sweetness, vanilla, gentle spice.
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Finish: Smooth and balanced.
Specifications
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Producer: William Grant & Sons
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Region: Speyside, Scotland
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Style: Blended malt Scotch whisky
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Cask: First-fill ex-bourbon
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Built for the Old Fashioned, it also shines in a Whisky Highball, a Penicillin or a Rob Roy, or neat with a cube or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blended malt?
A blend of single malt whiskies only, with no grain whisky.
Where does the name come from?
A malting-floor injury once common among malt men who turned barley by hand.
What does it taste like?
Honey, orange and vanilla, smooth and balanced.
Explore more in our Scotch collection.
