Monkey Shoulder Whisky

Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky from William Grant & Sons, created to make malt whisky feel more approachable, versatile and cocktail-friendly. Launched in the early 2000s, it takes its name from the old maltmen’s shoulder strain said to result from turning barley by hand, a nod to Scotch whisky craft delivered with a deliberately modern tone.

Unlike blended Scotch, which may include grain whisky, Monkey Shoulder is made entirely from single malt Scotch whiskies. Its style is rooted in Speyside malt, with small batches blended and married to create a smooth, rounded profile rather than a distillery-specific expression. The original bottling remains the core of the range, supported by variants such as Smokey Monkey in selected markets.

The whisky is soft, malty and easy-going, with notes of vanilla, honey, orange peel, barley sugar, gentle spice and light oak. It is designed to work well in mixed serves, from highballs and whisky sours to Old Fashioneds, while still being approachable enough to drink neat or over ice.

Monkey Shoulder has become a defining name in modern blended malt because it strips away much of the formality that can surround Scotch. It is not aimed at collectors or traditionalists alone, but at drinkers who want malt whisky with flavour, flexibility and a more relaxed personality.