What is Monkey Shoulder whisky and why is it so popular?

If you’ve been hanging around whisky circles or even the occasional cocktail bar, you’ve probably come across Monkey Shoulder whisky. 

It’s one of those whiskies that shot to fame in the last decade or so. It was a go-to in my scandalous days when I was a bartender, and I’m not alone in the trade for having reached for it many a time. It’s become a regular first whisky for novices and a handy mixable option for seasoned drinkers alike. 

But what’s the story behind this funnily-named Scotch, and why has it become so popular?

What is Monkey Shoulder?

Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky. That means it’s made from a combination of single malts, with no grain whisky involved. 

The exact blend recipe isn’t something the brand reveals, but we know its owners are William Grant & Sons and that it uses whisky from its three Speyside distilleries: Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie. These are well-respected names in the whisky world, so it’s starting with a solid foundation. The original Monkey Shoulder was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels, vatted together in small batches for up to six months before bottling at 40% ABV. We can’t confirm that exact cask makeup is still 100% correct, but the profile hasn’t changed much over the years so we’d say that’s in the right ballpark.  

The whisky was launched as a response by William Grant & Sons to the growing whisky market of the early 2000s, which was coinciding but not necessarily collaborating with the rise of cocktails and mixed drinks. Looking to bridge that gap, the drinks giant sought to create a fun, unintimidating brand that still tasted good so bartenders would want to use it. Using its fine malt distilleries Monkey Shoulder stood out from other blends (made with grain whisky). The ageing of the whisky in first-fill bourbon casks only added to its quality, while its name and look completed its status as a bold, refreshing new alternative. 

What was known as “Batch 27” in the blending room was released as Monkey Shoulder in 2003 and the brand hasn’t looked back since. Monkey Shoulder was part of a changing, evolving Scotch scene, one of the pioneers of the movement away from the tartan and tweed image it always had. In early 2016, Monkey Shoulder was named the ‘trendiest’ Scotch whisky brand in the world in a poll of the world’s best bars by trade title Drinks International.

A peated variant, Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey, followed, as did the fascinating Monkey Shoulder Fresh Monkey Blended Grain Spirit, essentially new make spirit (what whisky is as it comes off the still but before it’s matured in oak barrels) reimagined and embraced in a new way (it’s worth its own blog which I will get to one day). 

Why the Name “Monkey Shoulder”?

The name “Monkey Shoulder” has an interesting backstory that harks back to the traditional methods of whisky making. 

In the old days, maltmen would spend long hours turning the barley by hand during the malting process. This repetitive motion would often result in a condition that caused their arms to hang down like a monkey’s—hence the nickname “monkey shoulder.” 

Thankfully, modern whisky production is a bit easier on those working that malt, mostly because barley largely isn’t floor malted anymore. Even when it is there’s pesky little things like labour laws and understanding getting in the way of developing conditions like monkey shoulder. 

Why Did Monkey Shoulder Become So Popular?

1. Approachability

One of the key reasons for Monkey Shoulder’s rise to fame is its approachability. For many whisky newcomers, single malts can seem intimidating. The bottles typically reveal nothing more than a distillery name, which a newbie won’t recognise. The character and complex flavours are things they’ll come to love, sure, but can take time to appreciate. 

Monkey Shoulder bridges that gap. It’s smooth and mellow, with hints of vanilla, honey, and a touch of spice – making it incredibly easy to sip neat or on the rocks.

2. A Whisky Made for Cocktails

Monkey Shoulder has also become wildly popular with bartenders, which is a big reason you see it popping up so often on cocktail menus. Its versatility means it works brilliantly in everything from a classic Old Fashioned to a Whisky Sour. At the end of this article, there’s a classic Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour recipe for you to try.

In a world where many whiskies are seen as “too good” for mixing, Monkey Shoulder leans into its cocktail-friendly reputation. And let’s be honest, having a whisky that plays well in cocktails but still tastes great on its own is a winning combination.

3. Innovative Marketing

It’s impossible to talk about the success of Monkey Shoulder without mentioning their clever marketing. From their playful brand name to their vibrant and cheeky social media presence, they’ve carved out a distinct identity in a market that sometimes feels a bit stuffy. They’ve managed to make whisky fun and accessible, rather than something elitist. Even the triple monkey design on the bottle stands out on shelves, making it instantly recognisable.

4. High-Quality at a Reasonable Price

Another huge factor behind Monkey Shoulder’s popularity is its affordable price point. Whisky lovers know it’s possible to spend a fortune on bottles, but Monkey Shoulder provides excellent value for money. You’re getting a high-quality blended malt for a price that doesn’t break the bank, which makes it a no-brainer for casual drinkers and whisky collectors alike.

5. A Modern Whisky for a New Generation

While whisky has traditionally been seen as a drink for an older generation, Monkey Shoulder has successfully rebranded the experience for younger drinkers. Its fun, modern approach combined with a classic Scotch whisky heritage appeals to those looking to get into whisky but without all the pomp and ceremony. The brand has also tapped into the cocktail culture, which is a major part of why it resonates with a younger audience.

What Does Monkey Shoulder Taste Like?

Now that you know why it’s become so popular, let’s talk about what you can expect when you pour yourself a dram.

Monkey Shoulder is rich and malty on the nose, with sweet notes of vanilla, honey, and orange zest. There’s a bit of a cinnamon spice kick to it, and you might pick up some subtle oakiness too. On the palate, it’s smooth and creamy, with flavours of butterscotch, toasted barley, and a hint of baking spices. The finish is fairly long, with lingering sweetness and a soft touch of spice.

All in all, it’s the kind of whisky that’s easy to enjoy, whether you’re drinking it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail.

Should You Try Monkey Shoulder?

You be bananas not to. *Taps mic*. I said you’d be bananas… oh never mind.

Look, there’s no reason not to for most people. Monkey Shoulder is a box ticker in a cool bottle. It’s approachable. Versatile. Good value for money. It was also something of a game changer for Scotch, meaning it’s a little bit of whisky history too. 

All these reasons have made Monkey Shoulder one of the most popular whiskies on the market today. So, next time you’re looking for something to enjoy with friends or a whisky that works just as well in a cocktail as it does on its own, give Monkey Shoulder a try.

Monkey Shoulder Jam Sour recipe

Ingredients:

50ml Monkey Shoulder whisky

20ml fresh lemon juice

2tsp Jam

Sugar syrup (1:1 ratio) to taste

Frothing agent: 1 egg white or 2tsp aquafaba (the vegan alternative)

Ice

A dash of Orange bitters (you can add more for the garnish, optional)

Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake all the ingredients without ice for about 10 seconds. This will help emulsify the egg white/aquafaba creating a frothy texture.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for another 10-15 seconds, until chilled. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, like an Old Fashioned or coupe glass.

Add a few drops of bitters on top, stir them into the foam in a funky pattern and garnish with a lemon twist.

Enjoy!

You can buy Monkey Shoulder whisky here. 

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