Origin and Meaning Behind the Name
Ever wondered why a fine bottle of whisky is named after a weird term like Monkey Shoulder? It’s actually rooted in whisky history. “Monkey Shoulder” refers to a temporary injury suffered by malt men who turned barley by hand in distilleries. After long hours, their shoulders would droop — hence, the term “monkey shoulder.” Thankfully, the process has evolved, but the name lives on, celebrating the labor and love behind whisky-making.
A Brief History of Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is a modern brand with old-school roots. It’s a blended malt Scotch whisky — not to be confused with blended Scotch — created by William Grant & Sons. The original blend combined three single malts: Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie, all from Speyside. First launched in 2005, the brand aimed to break away from the elitist image of whisky and make it more accessible, especially to a younger crowd who’d normally reach for rum or vodka.
What made Monkey Shoulder a hit? Its smooth taste, stylish branding, and versatility in cocktails. It’s also reasonably priced for its quality — making it an instant favorite among whisky newbies and connoisseurs alike.
Monkey Shoulder Whiskey vs Whisky: What’s the Difference?
There’s no typo in that heading! “Whiskey” with an e is generally used for spirits from Ireland and the United States. “Whisky” without the e refers to spirits from Scotland, Canada, and Japan.
Since Monkey Shoulder hails from Scotland, it’s technically whisky. However, in global marketing and casual conversation, many people call it “whiskey” too. So if you see both versions being used online or in stores, don’t worry — they’re talking about the same delicious spirit.
Monkey Shoulder Scotch vs Bourbon: Know the Distinction
Is Monkey Shoulder a Bourbon or a Scotch?
This one’s easy — Monkey Shoulder is a Scotch whisky, specifically a blended malt Scotch whisky. That means it’s made entirely from malted barley and comes from a blend of different single malt whiskies, not from grain whisky. It’s produced and matured in Scotland, adhering to all the rules that define what Scotch is.
Why People Confuse It with Bourbon
Many newcomers confuse Monkey Shoulder with bourbon because of its sweet, smooth flavor. It lacks the peaty, smoky taste that some associate with traditional Scotch. The taste profile of Monkey Shoulder — rich in vanilla, honey, and baking spices — is much closer to bourbon in feel. That’s one of the reasons it’s often used in bourbon-style cocktails, and why bourbon drinkers tend to love it.
Types and Variants of Monkey Shoulder Available Worldwide
Monkey Shoulder isn’t just a one-trick pony. Over the years, the brand has released several creative variants that cater to different tastes and moods. Here’s a breakdown of the core and limited-edition expressions:
Monkey Shoulder Original (Batch 27)
The flagship expression. Smooth, sweet, and easy to drink. This is the one you’ll find in most bars and liquor stores. Made from a mix of three Speyside single malts, it’s designed to be super mixable and friendly for all kinds of drinkers.
Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey
A smokier take on the original, perfect for those who want a hint of that Islay-style smokiness without being overwhelmed. Great in smoky cocktails like a Penicillin or even just with ginger ale.
Monkey Shoulder The Fresh Monkey
This one is citrusy, crisp, and light. Made for warm-weather sipping or citrus-forward cocktails. Think refreshing highballs or whisky mojitos.
Monkey Shoulder The Bold Monkey
A punchier, more intense version with a richer, oakier profile. It’s got deeper caramel and spice notes, making it great for sipping neat or mixing into stronger whisky-forward cocktails.
Monkey Shoulder The Smooth Monkey
As the name suggests, this is the smoothest of them all. Super mellow with very little burn — excellent for beginners or people who like their whisky super approachable.
Monkey Shoulder The Lazy Old Fashioned (Pre-Mixed Cocktail)
Yes, Monkey Shoulder even has its own ready-to-drink bottled Old Fashioned. All the work done for you — just pour over ice and enjoy. Great for parties or lazy weekends.
Also Read: Jameson Whisky|Prices, Tours, Gifts, Drinks, and More
Monkey Shoulder Price
Price in the USA
In the United States, a 750ml bottle of Monkey Shoulder Original (Batch 27) typically sells for around $30 to $35. The Smokey Monkey variant might be slightly higher — about $35 to $40 — depending on location and availability.
International Price Overview
- UK: £26 – £32 for the Original
- Canada: CAD $45 – $55
- India: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 (varies heavily by state)
- Australia: AUD $55 – $70
- Singapore: SGD $65 – $80
These prices fluctuate based on taxes, import duties, and store markups. But overall, Monkey Shoulder sits in the affordable premium range — a sweet spot for many casual whisky drinkers.
Monkey Shoulder Review: What the Whiskey Community Says
Expert Opinions
Critics and experts often praise Monkey Shoulder for being a game-changer in the Scotch category. Renowned whisky critic Dave Broom called it “a blend that behaves like a single malt,” which is high praise. It’s often featured in top 10 affordable whisky lists, and bartenders love using it because of its versatility.
Whisky Advocate, a respected voice in the spirits world, gave it glowing reviews for its flavor-to-price ratio, highlighting its smoothness and cocktail adaptability.
Everyday Drinker Reviews
Check Reddit threads, whisky forums, or YouTube reviewers, and you’ll find that Monkey Shoulder is a universal favorite. People say things like:
- “My gateway whisky.”
- “Perfect daily sipper.”
- “Best value in the whisky aisle.”
It’s especially loved by people making the switch from bourbon or Irish whiskey to Scotch, thanks to its accessible profile.
Monkey Shoulder Cocktails: Mix It Like a Pro
Monkey Shoulder was practically designed for cocktails. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
Top 5 Easy and Delicious Monkey Shoulder Cocktails
- Monkey Shoulder & Ginger Ale
- 2 oz Monkey Shoulder
- Ginger ale to top
- Lime wedge garnish
Super refreshing, easy to make, and a great intro for new whisky drinkers.
- Lazy Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Monkey Shoulder
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Muddle the sugar and bitters, add whisky, stir with ice. Elegant and classic.
- Penicillin
- 2 oz Smokey Monkey
- 3/4 oz honey syrup
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ginger slice for garnish
A smoky, spicy twist on a sour — amazing for colder nights.
- Whisky Sour
- 2 oz Monkey Shoulder
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Optional egg white for foam
Shake vigorously. It’s tangy, sweet, and silky.
- Boulevardier
- 1 oz Monkey Shoulder
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
Stir with ice and strain. A bold and bitter drink for more advanced palates.
Bartenders’ Favorite Monkey Shoulder Mixes
Many bartenders also recommend pairing Monkey Shoulder with cola, soda water, or even tonic. It also shines in creative craft cocktails thanks to its smooth base and flexible flavor. At high-end bars, you’ll even find it in whisky tiki drinks, which proves just how adaptable it really is.
FAQs
1. Is Monkey Shoulder good for beginners?
Absolutely. Its smooth, sweet profile and lack of harsh smoke make it ideal for first-time whisky drinkers.
2. Can you drink Monkey Shoulder neat?
Yes, and many do. It’s balanced enough to be enjoyed neat without being too overpowering or spicy.
3. What are the age statements for Monkey Shoulder variants?
Monkey Shoulder doesn’t carry an age statement (NAS). However, the malts used are typically aged between 6 to 12 years.
4. How long does Monkey Shoulder last after opening?
If stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed, it can last 1–2 years without a significant change in flavor.
5. Is Monkey Shoulder gluten-free?
While whisky is generally considered gluten-free due to the distillation process, those with severe gluten allergies should consult their doctor before drinking.