Description

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 40%            Age: No age statement              Country: Scotland

The Whisky

Break the rules of tradition with Monkey Shoulder “The Original”. Often mistaken for a standard blend, this 700ml expression is actually a Blended Malt (formerly known as a “Vatted Malt”), meaning it is crafted exclusively from single malts with zero grain whisky added. It is famously a marriage of three iconic Speyside distilleries—Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie—all owned by the William Grant & Sons family.

Presented at 40% ABV, Monkey Shoulder was specifically designed to be the “ultimate mixing malt.” However, its high quality pedigree has earned it a permanent spot on the back bars of serious enthusiasts who appreciate it neat. The name is a playful tribute to the maltmen of yore who, after long shifts of manually turning barley with heavy shovels, would develop a temporary strain known as “monkey shoulder.” Today, the three brass monkeys on the shoulder of the bottle represent the three malts that give this whisky its smooth, approachable soul.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Bright, zesty, and incredibly inviting. You are greeted by a vibrant burst of orange zest and mellow vanilla, followed by the scent of honeyed cereal and spiced oak. As it breathes, a delicate floral note of freshly cut grass emerges, rounded out by a hint of ripe pear and apricot jam.

Palate: The mouthfeel is silky-smooth and wonderfully “creamy.” It delivers a primary burst of malted barley and butterscotch, which quickly evolves into a mid-palate of berry fruits and toasted brioche. The influence of the first-fill bourbon casks provides a sophisticated layer of nutmeg and cinnamon spice, perfectly balancing the sweet, marmalade-like core of the Speyside malts.

Finish: Medium in length and exceptionally clean. The finish lingers with a final flourish of oak tannins and vanilla fudge, finally tapering off with a refreshing, minty herbal trail that leaves the palate revitalised.

The Heritage

Monkey Shoulder is produced at the Dufftown home of William Grant & Sons. A unique factual detail: While the original recipe was strictly a “triple malt” of Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie, the modern batching process is now more flexible, allowing the Master Blender to source from the wider family of Grant’s distilleries to ensure the signature “smooth and rich” profile remains consistent. This commitment to flavour over rigid rules has made it the #1 trending Scotch among the world’s best bars for nearly a decade.

Overall Review

Monkey Shoulder The Original is globally reviewed as the “gold standard for versatility,” praised for its incredible value and effortless drinkability. Critics have lauded its “rich, malty character and lack of burn,” marking it as a mandatory purchase for those looking for a high quality “daily driver” or the perfect foundation for a Penicillin or Old Fashioned cocktail.