Glenmorangie X vs Monkey Shoulder: Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:29 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.

Explore the in-depth comparison of Glenmorangie X vs Monkey Shoulder to determine which Single Malt suits you best!

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, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Written by: J Highland

Glenmorangie X vs Monkey Shoulder: Comparison

Glenmorangie X: Designed for cocktails with a light profile of malt, orange, and vanilla. A straightforward malt whisky, it provides a subtle base for mixed drinks without overwhelming complexity.

Monkey Shoulder: A creamy and spiced blend perfect for cocktails, offering notes of vanilla, orange, and honey. Excelling in mixed drinks, it brings a smooth yet spicy complexity to any cocktail.

Verdict: Both Glenmorangie X and Monkey Shoulder are crafted with mixing in mind, offering distinct flavor profiles that cater to cocktail enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Glenmorangie X: A Mixable Malt with Subtlety

Nose: Malt, orange, oak
Palate: Vanilla, ginger, malt, orange
Finish: Short, oak spice, caramel
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Glenmorangie 10

Glenmorangie X is a single malt Scotch whisky designed specifically for mixing in cocktails. It offers a light and easy-drinking profile with hints of malt, orange, and spice.

Aromatic Profile:

Subtle: Malt, orange, oak

Palate:

Light-bodied: Vanilla, malt, orange, ginger spice
Short finish: Oak spice, caramel

While intended for cocktails, Glenmorangie X’s subtle flavor profile may not add significant complexity to mixed drinks.

A Straightforward Choice:

This expression is relatively mild and lacks the depth and character some might prefer, making it less suitable for sipping neat. However, it offers affordability and a neutral base for those seeking a simple malt whisky for their cocktails.

Glenmorangie X: The Facts

Single malt Scotch whisky with no age statement.
Owned by the LVMH group, which also includes brands like Moët & Chandon and Hennessy.

Monkey Shoulder: A Blended Malt Whisky for Mixing Magic

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: Chivas Regal

Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky known for its smooth, creamy taste and versatility in cocktails.

Aromatic Profile:

Fruity: Marmalade, orange
Spiced: Vanilla, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon
Hint of: Oak

Tasting Notes:

Smooth and creamy on the palate.
Subtle flavors of vanilla, orange, and honey.
Slight peppery finish with oak spice bitterness.

While not the ideal choice for sipping neat due to the peppery finish, Monkey Shoulder excels in cocktails, particularly highballs where its spicy kick adds complexity.

A Great Value:

Despite not being a single malt, Monkey Shoulder offers excellent value for money making it a popular choice for casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Monkey Shoulder: The Facts

Blended malt whisky with no age statement.
Named after the “monkey shoulder” injury sometimes sustained by maltmen while turning barley.
Owned by William Grant & Sons, the same company behind renowned brands like Glenfiddich and Balvenie.

How do these whiskies differ?

Although both releases are made from malted barley, the X is classified as a single malt while the Monkey Shoulder is not, due to the regulations governing Scotch Whisky.

To be considered a single malt, the whisky must be produced at a single distillery.

In the case of Monkey Shoulder, the malts come from Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie, making it ineligible to be labeled as a single malt, despite being a de facto single malt.