Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:53 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 the differences between Dewar’s 15 vs Monkey Shoulder in this in-depth comparison and decide which Scotch blended Whisky is better for You!
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
Dewar’s 15 vs Monkey Shoulder: Comparison
Dewar’s 15 Year Old: Blended Scotch with apple, honey, and pear aromas. Tastes of pear and cinnamon, ending shortly but sweetly.
Monkey Shoulder: Speyside Scotch with marmalade and vanilla notes. Malt and vanilla flavors lead to a caramel finish.
Verdict: Dewar’s 15 and Monkey Shoulder offer unique profiles for Scotch lovers. Dewar’s appeals to those preferring fruitier undertones, while Monkey Shoulder suits those who enjoy sweet, vanilla-infused sips. Both stand out in their smoothness and approachability, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Monkey Shoulder Alternatives
Dewar’s 15 Year Old: A Smooth and Fruity Blended Scotch Whisky
- Nose: Apple, honey, pear, caramel
- Palate: Pear, honey, cinnamon, orange
- Finish: Short, dry, fruity, honey
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Dewar’s 12
Inviting Aroma: Dewar’s 15 opens with a pleasant scent of fresh apples, sweet honey, and warm caramel with a hint of cinnamon. The alcohol aroma is subtle and well-integrated.
Smooth Palate: This whisky boasts a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel. The taste is a delightful mix of ripe pears, sweet honey, crisp apples, and juicy oranges with a touch of cinnamon spice.
Clean Finish: The finish is clean and crisp, with lingering notes of sweet orange and a slightly dry sensation. While shorter than some prefer, it remains easy to drink and enjoyable.
A Step Up: Compared to other Dewar’s offerings, the 15-year-old is noticeably smoother and more complex. You won’t find any harsh flavors here, making it a great sipping whisky.
Considering Your Options: Within this price range, there are other blended Scotches with similar or even more intricate flavor profiles. Additionally, for a slightly lower price, you could explore the Aberfeldy 12 Single Malt, a key component in the Dewar’s blend. Single malts offer a more distinct flavor experience for some drinkers.
The Choice is Yours: Ultimately, the best choice depends on your taste and budget. If you prefer a smooth, approachable, and fruity blend, Dewar’s 15 is a great pick. But if you seek a truly unique and complex flavor, or the best value, exploring other options might be a good idea.
About Dewar’s 15:
- A blend of up to 40 different Scotch whiskies aged for at least 15 years.
- Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, then married in oak casks for a smoother taste.
- Produced by Bacardi, a Bermuda-based company.
Monkey Shoulder: A Sweet and Easy-Drinking Speyside Scotch
- 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: Jameson
Fruity & Spicy Aroma: Monkey Shoulder opens with a delightful scent like fresh orange marmalade. Imagine sweet orange peel combined with warm spices like vanilla, nutmeg, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a welcoming and inviting aroma.
Smooth & Creamy Palate: This whisky has a smooth, creamy texture that feels pleasant on the tongue. There might be a slight initial warmth, but it fades quickly, leaving a refreshing coolness. It’s a gentle introduction to whisky, especially for those new to it.
Sweet & Refreshing Flavors: The taste offers a mix of sweet vanilla and juicy orange, like a creamsicle dipped in honey. A touch of oak spice adds some complexity without being overpowering.
Clean & Easy Finish: The finish is clean and leaves behind a lingering hint of caramel and oak spice. While some may prefer a longer finish, this keeps Monkey Shoulder easy to drink.
A Great Base for Cocktails: Adding a drop of water enhances the sweetness and mellows the spice, making it even smoother for beginners.
Great for Beginners or in Cocktails: While seasoned whisky drinkers might find it simple, Monkey Shoulder is a fantastic choice for those new to Scotch or those who prefer a sweeter whisky. It truly shines in cocktails, where its versatile flavor profile blends well with various ingredients.
Monkey Shoulder in a Nutshell:
- A blend of Speyside malt whiskies with no age statement.
- Named after a maltmen’s injury that resembled a monkey’s slumped shoulder.
- Produced by William Grant & Sons, the makers of Glenfiddich and Balvenie.
- A great introduction to Speyside Scotch, especially for those who enjoy sweet and easy-drinking whiskies.
How do they differ?
- While both whiskies are blends, Dewar’s consists of 40 different grain and malt whiskies, whereas Monkey Shoulder is a blend of single malts from Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kinnivie.
- The Monkey Shoulder cannot be classified as a single malt due to Scotch whisky regulations, which mandate single malts to be produced at a single distillery.
- Generally, whiskies made from malted barley are smoother compared to those made from grain.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Dewar’s 15 | $37 |
| Monkey Shoulder | $30 |