Naked Malt vs Monkey Shoulder

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:28 pm

Unearth the distinctions between Naked Malt and Monkey Shoulder in this comprehensive comparison, enabling you to 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, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Written by: J Highland

Naked Malt vs Monkey Shoulder: Comparison

Naked Malt: Showcases a blend of notable distilleries (Macallan and Highland Park) with a rich nose of peach and apple, and a palate blending honey, baking spice, and a hint of peat. It’s a versatile, affordable choice, offering depth and minimal burn, appealing for neat sipping or as a high-quality cocktail base.

Monkey Shoulder: A smooth blend from Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie, marked by a spicy nose and a creamy palate of malt, vanilla, and orange. Designed for cocktails, it delivers quality at a great value, though it might fall short for those seeking a complex sipping whisky.

Verdict: Naked Malt edges out for those seeking a nuanced sip at a good price, blending single malts from prestigious distilleries into a coherent, enjoyable sip. Monkey Shoulder shines in the mixology scene, proving itself a staple for crafting premium whisky cocktails.

Related: Cheap Scotch Whisky Best Picks

Naked Malt: A Whisky Blend for Every Occasion

• Nose: Peach, apple, coffee, vanilla
• Palate: Honey, baking spice, peat, apple
• Finish: Short, oak spice, baking spice
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks
• Similar to: Famous Grouse
• Smoke Level: 😮‍💨

A Fruity & Warm Invitation:

Naked Malt entices the nose with a delightful medley of fruity notes like peach and apple, interwoven with hints of coffee and vanilla.

Smooth & Satisfying:

The texture offers a pleasant mouthfeel with a subtle oiliness. The initial taste showcases a gentle warmth, followed by flavors of honey, baking spice, and apple. A subtle touch of peat adds a layer of intrigue, harmonizing well with the overall profile.

Balanced Finish:

The finish is relatively short, featuring lingering notes of baking spices and a hint of oak spice with a light bitterness. This minimal heat makes it pleasant for sipping neat.

Sipping or Mixing:

Naked Malt’s versatility shines through, offering enjoyable sipping and serving as a suitable base for cocktails due to its affordable price point. The subdued peat smoke allows other flavors to take center stage, creating a well-balanced experience.

Value & Quality:

The attractive price tag coupled with the blend’s inclusion of single malts from renowned distilleries like Macallan and Highland Park makes Naked Malt a worthwhile addition to any whisky collection.

Behind the Blend:

• Speyside Symphony: This whisky is a blend of single malts originating from Speyside distilleries like Glenturret, Glenrothes, Highland Park, and The Macallan.
• Double Oak Finish: Matured in first and second-fill American and European oak casks, it receives a final touch through a six-month finish in first-fill oloroso sherry butts, contributing to its depth of flavor.
• Previously the Naked Grouse: This blend was previously known as the Naked Grouse, undergoing a name change in 2020.
• Strength Variation: Depending on the market, Naked Malt is bottled at either 86 proof in the United States or 80 proof elsewhere.

Explore the delightful flavors and versatility of Naked Malt, a Speyside blend offering both sipping pleasure and cocktail potential.

Monkey Shoulder: A Blended Whisky

• 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
• Smoke Level: Zero

Aromatic Mix:

Monkey Shoulder opens with a playful and inviting aroma, reminiscent of marmalade sweetness intertwined with warm spices like vanilla, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon.

Smooth & Balanced:

The palate offers a smooth and creamy texture, carrying subtle flavors of vanilla, orange, and honey. A gentle oak spice adds a touch of complexity, leaving a slightly bitter note.

Short & Spicy Finish:

The finish is short, featuring lingering notes of caramel alongside the oak spice bitterness. While this peppery character might not be ideal for sipping neat, it elevates cocktails like the highball, where a touch of spice complements the drink.

Cocktail Hero:

While not a single malt whisky, Monkey Shoulder delivers exceptional value for its price. Its smooth profile and subtle sweetness make it an excellent choice for crafting high-quality cocktails, particularly those seeking a touch of spicy warmth.

Behind the Blend:

• Speyside Blend: This is a blended malt whisky, meaning it combines single malts from Speyside distilleries like Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie. It carries no age statement.
• The “Monkey Shoulder” Name: This playful name originates from an old maltmen’s injury, where their constant turning of the malting barley would leave one arm hanging, resembling a monkey’s pose.
• Part of the Family: Owned by William Grant & Sons, the same company behind renowned Speyside single malts like Balvenie and Glenfiddich.

Looking for a versatile and affordable Speyside whisky for your next cocktail creation? Look no further than Monkey Shoulder.

What do these whiskies have in common?

The Naked Malt and the Monkey Shoulder cannot be classified as single malts since they are blends sourced from various distilleries, although they exclusively use malted barley in their production.

Generally, whiskies crafted from malted barley offer a more sophisticated and smoother flavor than those that combine grains like corn and rye.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Naked Malt	$35
Monkey Shoulder	$35