Whisky: Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky
Producer: William Grant & Sons
Distillery: Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie
Region: Speyside (Dufftown)
Whisky Type: Blended malt
Age: NAS
ABV: 43%
Aged in Cask: 1st fill ex-bourbon
Price Range: $
Monkey Shoulder is a blend created by William Grants & Sons (the family that owns Glenfiddich and the Balvenie distilleries) in 2003. It is not a blend of malt and grain whiskeys, but a blend of malts from three Speyside distilleries (The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie)
The blend was created to provide character to cocktails given its rich, malty, and fruity flavor profile. One particular cocktail that comes to mind that would be ideal for this blend would be the iconic Penicillin. Add a splash of Laphroaig 10 on top, and you will be in whisky heaven.
Tasting Notes for Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky
As you may know, malting (roasting) the barley requires the person preparing the barley (a.k.a. the malster) to constantly turn the barley by shovel for several days to avoid the sprouts from getting tangled during germination. Over time, the malster’s shoulders will drop and look like those of a Monkey’s. This type of injury is known as “Monkey Shoulder” in the Scotch Whisky world.
The whisky displays “Batch 27” on the label to indicate it was made from 27 casks with nine casks from each of the three core single malts.
- Nose: Aromas of malt, honey, and fruits.
- Palate: Creamy vanilla, fruit, and oak.
- Finish: Short and Sweet. Simple, but good.
Conclusion:
Monkey Shoulder is a good blend of malts, ideal for those who feel intimidated by single malts due to the peat and smoke. An everyday sipper and versatile Scotch Whisky.
Although this blend had cocktails in mind, I can see myself enjoying it neat. A good option for newbies to the Scotch Malt category and those who want a cocktail with Scotch flavor. Slainte!
If you are interested in the Balvenie and Glenfiddich brands, here is a review of the best Scottish single malts for bourbon aficionados. For more information on Monkey Shoulder you can check the brand’s YouTube channel, where you can learn how to make cocktails such as a Monkey Splash or the Lazy Old Fashioned.
Check my Instagram account and let me know what you think about what I’ve tasted so far, as well as to see many pictures from distilleries around the United States and Canada.
Score: 3.5/5 ⭐
Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$
