Suntory Toki vs Monkey Shoulder: Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:21 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 distinctions between Suntory Toki and Monkey Shoulder in my comprehensive analysis, and select your next whisky choice!

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

Suntory Toki vs Monkey Shoulder: Comparison

Suntory Toki: A silky smooth Japanese blend with subtle notes of apples, oak, and vanilla, ideal for newcomers to Japanese whisky or as a versatile base in cocktails. It’s approachable, with a swift, sweet finish that’s easy on the palate.

Monkey Shoulder: A Speyside blended malt offering a velvety texture with flavors of vanilla, orange, and honey, designed for cocktail enthusiasts. Its affordable price and balanced taste profile make it a staple for creative mixology.

Verdict: Suntory Toki and Monkey Shoulder both provide smooth, enjoyable experiences tailored to different tastes: Toki for those exploring the delicate nuances of Japanese whisky and Monkey Shoulder for fans of rich, versatile Scotch blends perfect for cocktails, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Suntory Toki: Smooth Introduction to Japanese Whisky

Nose: Apples, pears, honey, oak
Palate: Green apples, oak, vanilla, citrus
Finish: Oak, caramel, vanilla
Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Johnnie Walker Black Label

Suntory Toki is a blended Japanese whisky known for its smoothness and approachable character. It’s a great choice for those new to Japanese whisky or who enjoy effortless drinking.

Subtle aroma: Expect delicate notes of apples, pears, honey, and oak.

Velvety texture: The initial sip offers a silky smooth mouthfeel and unveils flavors of green apples, oak, vanilla, and orange zest.

Short and sweet finish: The experience finishes quickly with hints of oak, caramel, and vanilla, followed by a subtle barrel bitterness. Adding a drop of water brings out a touch of cherry.

Easy to enjoy: While not complex, Suntory Toki is remarkably smooth and lacks any harshness. It may not be the most distinctive whisky, but it delivers a gratifying introduction to the world of Japanese whisky.

Enjoy it your way: Suntory Toki is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in highballs.

Suntory Toki at a glance:

Blend of malt and grain whiskies
Smooth and approachable
Great for newcomers to Japanese whisky
Enjoyable neat, on ice, or in cocktails

Monkey Shoulder: Smooth Blended Whisky for Your Next Cocktail

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: Naked Malt

Monkey Shoulder is a unique blend of single malt whiskies from Speyside, Scotland, known for its smoothness and cocktail-friendly character.

Aromatic delight: Expect notes of marmalade intermingled with hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and warm spices.

Velvety on the palate: It offers a luxurious texture with flavors of vanilla, orange, and honey, balanced with a touch of oak spice.

Short and spicy finish: The experience ends with a brief burst of caramel followed by a lingering oak spice bitterness. While not ideal for sipping alone, this peppery kick makes it shine in cocktails like the highball.

More than just affordable: Despite being a blended malt and not a single malt, Monkey Shoulder offers excellent value for money and makes a fantastic choice for elevating your cocktails.

Monkey Shoulder in a nutshell: