Smokey Monkey

Monkey Shoulder was created in 2003 by William Grant & Sons to tap into the growing Scotch market of the early 2000s. The name honours whisky's heritage: maltmen who turned barley by hand on the malting floor developed a distinctive 'monkey shoulder' from the repetitive motion. Smokey Monkey is the brand's peated expression, blending single malts from Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie—all Speyside distilleries.

Unlike heavier Islay peated whiskies, Smokey Monkey uses peat from the Highlands, keeping the smoke gentle and integrated. The blend was developed with bartenders in mind, designed to shine in cocktails as much as in the glass.

The nose opens with bright citrus and fresh fruit, layered with soft smoke. The palate brings vanilla and peppery spice, creating a lively balance. The finish carries oak and a hint of salt, smoke lingering throughout. This is an approachable entry into peated malts—smooth, well-proportioned, and direct.