Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:05 pm
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 Glenfiddich 12 vs Monkey Shoulder in this in-depth comparison and decide which 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
Glenfiddich vs Monkey Shoulder: Comparison
Glenfiddich 12: A gateway to single malt magic with floral, ripe fruit, and honey notes. Offers a fruity, smooth taste with a medium pear and oak finish. Ideal for newcomers, encouraging exploration with water.
Monkey Shoulder: A playful, smooth blend for any occasion. Features marmalade, vanilla, and warming spices on the nose, with a sweet, creamy palate of malt, orange, and honey. Great in cocktails, perfect for newcomers and veterans.
Verdict: Glenfiddich 12 and Monkey Shoulder offer unique entrances into the whisky world. Glenfiddich 12’s light, floral charm makes it an ideal starting point for single malt exploration. Monkey Shoulder’s versatile, playful profile suits a variety of tastes, especially in cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Cheap Scotch Best Picks
Glenfiddich 12: Gateway to Single Malt Magic
- Nose: Floral, ripe fruit, honey
- Palate: Fruity sweetness, pear, oak
- Finish: Medium, pear, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Jameson
Stepping into the world of single malts can be daunting. But fear not, for the Glenfiddich 12 stands as a friendly ambassador, welcoming you with its light, floral charm. So, is it the most complex dram out there? No, but for those curious about single malts, it’s a reliable and affordable stepping stone.
A Delicate Dance of Scents:
First, take a whiff. Imagine a gentle bouquet of flowers mingling with sweet, fruity notes of honey and ripe pears. It’s an inviting aroma, free of intense peaty blasts, perfect for easing into the single malt world.
Sweet & Smooth on the Palate:
Take a sip, and prepare for a smooth and mellow experience. The Glenfiddich 12 boasts a decent body, carrying forth the fruity sweetness you found in the aroma, now joined by a touch of pear and oak. It’s like biting into a ripe pear with a hint of toasted wood, a classic single malt profile without overwhelming complexity.
A Gentle Farewell:
The finish is moderate in length, leaving behind a lingering taste of pear and subtle oak. It’s not fiery or lingering, but rather a pleasant reminder of the flavors you just enjoyed.
Perfect for Newcomers:
So, who’s the Glenfiddich 12 for? Newcomers to single malts! It’s clean, sweet, and easy to drink, lacking the intense smokiness or peppery notes that can surprise first-time tasters. Plus, its affordable price tag makes it an effective introduction without breaking the bank.
Enjoyable, Not Mind-Blowing:
Remember, you won’t find earth-shattering complexity here. But what you will find is a reliable, smooth, and enjoyable single malt experience. Think of it as a gateway drug, whetting your appetite for further exploration into the diverse world of single malts.
So, if you’re curious about single malts and want a friendly introduction, the Glenfiddich 12 is definitely worth a try. It’s an effective and affordable way to unlock the magic of this fascinating spirit.
Monkeying Around with Flavor: Unveiling Monkey Shoulder
- 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: Jack Daniel’s
Let’s be honest, navigating the whisky world can be intimidating. Enter Monkey Shoulder, a smooth and playful dram that serves as a fun introduction for newcomers or a satisfying everyday sipper for seasoned veterans. Buckle up, it’s time to unleash your inner monkey!
Aromatic Adventure:
First, take a whiff. Imagine diving into a jar of luscious marmalade, the sweetness swirled with hints of warming spices like vanilla, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. It’s an inviting aroma that piques your curiosity.
Smooth & Creamy Entry:
Take a sip, and prepare for a velvety-smooth experience. Unlike some fiery drams, Monkey Shoulder boasts minimal heat, making it easy to appreciate the flavors.
Sweet & Spicy Symphony:
On your palate, a dance of sweetness unfolds. Think vanilla, orange, and honey intertwined, followed by a subtle kick of oak spice. It’s like a delicious dessert with a touch of complexity.
A Lingering Farewell:
The finish is short and sweet, leaving behind hints of caramel and a lingering oak spice. While it may not be the longest goodbye, it leaves you wanting more.
Unlocking Sweetness & Versatility:
Want to enhance the experience? A single drop of water works wonders, amplifying the sweetness while taming the oak spice. But Monkey Shoulder’s true strength lies in its versatility. It shines in cocktails, readily complementing various flavors, making it a perfect party pleaser.
A Blend, Not a Single Malt:
Just a heads-up, Monkey Shoulder isn’t a Single Malt Scotch but a blend of single malts from different Scottish distilleries. This means it offers a broader range of flavors compared to a single malt, making it more approachable for beginners.
So, is Monkey Shoulder worth it?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a smooth, sweet, and versatile whisky, Monkey Shoulder is the perfect way to swing into the world of Scotch. It’s ideal for newcomers and veterans alike, offering a fun and accessible experience, whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed in your favorite cocktail. Remember, a little monkeying around never hurt anyone (except maybe someone’s hangover!).
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Price | Whisky |
| Glenfiddich 12 | $52 |
| Monkey Shoulder | $37 |
What do they have in common?
Monkey Shoulder is a blend of single malts sourced from three distilleries: Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie.
These distilleries are under the ownership of William Grant & Sons, based in Scotland.
How do Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder differ?
Glenfiddich is classified as a single malt whisky, while Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt made from a combination of single malts.
Although both are made from malted barley, only whiskies produced at a single distillery can be labeled as single malts according to Scotch Whisky regulations.