Aberfeldy 12 vs Monkey Shoulder

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 12:59 pm

This comparison delves into Aberfeldy 12 and Monkey Shoulder, offering insights into their distinct profiles to assist in selecting the whisky that best aligns with personal preferences.

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Verdict:

• Monkey Shoulder is celebrated for its versatility and affordability, priced at approximately $37, making it an excellent choice for cocktails or those newly acquainting themselves with Scotch.
• Aberfeldy 12, on the other hand, priced around $45, provides a refined single malt experience characterized by its smoothness and sweetness, making it suitable for sipping with a splash of water.
• While Aberfeldy 12 emphasizes the traditional single malt experience, Monkey Shoulder appeals to a broader audience with its blend that is especially suited for mixed drinks, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Aberfeldy 12

• Profile: Showcases a nose rich in honey, toffee, vanilla, and pear, leading to a palate that combines caramel sweetness with apple, citrus, and a balanced presence of oak spice, finished with a hint of roasted nuts.
• Alcohol Content: 80 proof (40% ABV), providing a balanced strength for its flavors.
• Recommended Consumption: Best enjoyed with water to enhance its flavors and aromatics.
• Facts: Utilizes a mix of Sherry, Bourbon, re-fill, and re-char casks for aging, contributing to its nuanced flavor profile.

Monkey Shoulder

• Profile: Features a nose with marmalade, vanilla, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon, transitioning to a palate of vanilla, orange, honey, and oak, with a caramel and oak spice finish.
• Alcohol Content: 80 proof (40% ABV), suitable for both neat sipping and cocktails.
• Recommended Consumption: Ideal for cocktails, where its flavor profile can complement a variety of mixers.
• Facts: A blend from three distilleries, designed for mixing, without an age statement.

Conclusion:

Aberfeldy 12 and Monkey Shoulder each cater to different whisky-drinking experiences.

Aberfeldy 12 is a quintessential single malt Scotch that offers a gentle introduction to the category with its smooth, sweet profile, perfect for those who appreciate a nuanced sipping experience.

Monkey Shoulder stands out as a versatile blended malt Scotch, ideal for cocktail enthusiasts or those looking for a quality Scotch at a more accessible price point.

Ultimately, the choice between Aberfeldy 12 and Monkey Shoulder hinges on personal preference for style (single malt versus blended malt) and how the whisky is intended to be enjoyed (neat versus mixed).