Last Updated on: 11th June 2024, 01:03 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover everything about the Monkey Shoulder in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Monkey Shoulder: Reliable Workhorse for Mixing and Casual Enjoyment
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky known for its versatility and affordability. While it might not be the most complex dram, it offers a pleasant drinking experience and excels in cocktails.
Strengths:
- Pleasing Aroma and Flavor: Monkey Shoulder boasts a pleasant aroma and flavor profile, making it enjoyable to sip neat or on the rocks.
- Versatile for Mixing: Its well-balanced character allows it to blend harmoniously in a variety of cocktails.
- Good Value: The reasonable price tag makes Monkey Shoulder a budget-friendly option for everyday enjoyment or experimenting with mixed drinks.
Possible Weaknesses:
- Shorter Finish: The finish can be slightly underwhelming, with a hint of bitterness and pepperiness for some palates.
- Less Complex: Discerning whisky drinkers might find Monkey Shoulder lacks the depth of flavor compared to single malts.
Verdict:
Monkey Shoulder is a dependable blended malt that prioritizes drinkability and affordability.
Its pleasant taste profile and versatility in cocktails make it a great choice for everyday sipping or casual gatherings.
While the finish might be a bit short and spicy and the complexity might not be top-notch, the overall experience is enjoyable, especially considering the budget-friendly price.
For those looking for a reliable mixing whisky or a casual dram, Monkey Shoulder is a worthwhile addition to your home bar, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Best Budget-Friendly Scotch Whiskies
- Learn more: Monkey Shoulder Website
What’s special about the Monkey Shoulder?
Monkey Shoulder is not categorized as a Single Malt Whisky, as it is a blend of Single Malts crafted at three Speyside distilleries: Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie.
In accordance with the regulations governing Scotch Whisky production, a Single Malt must be exclusively produced at a single distillery.
Therefore, while Monkey Shoulder cannot bear the official Single Malt designation, it can be considered an “unofficial Single Malt,”.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Marmalade, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon
- Palate: Malt, vanilla, orange, honey, oak
- Finish: Caramel, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Cocktails
- Similar to: Copper Dog
The aroma of Monkey Shoulder reveals notes of marmalade, complemented by gentle hints of vanilla, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon.
When sipped, it exhibits a smooth and creamy texture, with a subtle initial warmth.
The palate experiences the emergence of flavors such as vanilla, orange, and honey, followed by a nuanced touch of oak spice bitterness.
The finish, while relatively short, presents a subtle caramel note alongside the lingering presence of oak spice bitterness.
Monkey Shoulder FAQ
What is Monkey Shoulder?
- A blended malt Scotch whisky made with whiskies from Speyside distilleries, including Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie.
- Known for its smooth, easy-drinking taste profile with notes of vanilla, honey, and citrus.
Alternatives
- Dewar’s White Label offers a similar taste profile at a lower price point.
- Famous Grouse is another affordable blended Scotch option.
- Jameson Irish Whiskey is a good alternative for those who enjoy a smooth whisky for cocktails.
How to drink
- Enjoyed neat, with a splash of water to enhance sweetness, or in cocktails like the Rob Roy.
- A great choice for mixing due to its versatility.
Age
- No age statement, but component whiskies are likely aged for at least 3 years.
Alcohol content:
- Bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).
Does Monkey Shoulder expire?
- Proper storage ensures longevity, but consume the remaining 25% sooner to avoid flavor changes.
Origin of the Name:
- Named after the “monkey shoulder” injury maltmen suffered from hand-turning barley in Speyside malt houses.
Awards:
- Won awards including the International Spirits Competition Gold Medal (6 years) and International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (3 years).
How did I review Monkey Shoulder?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Monkey Shoulder: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Scotch Blend |
| Age statement | No |
| Proof | 80 |
| ABV | 40% |
| Is it good? | OK |
| Is it top-shelf? | No |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Yes |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | No |
| Good for beginners? | Yes |
| Good for cocktails? | Yes |
| Good with Coke? | Could work |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | Yes |