The Original

About

Monkey Shoulder takes its name from an old occupational injury: the 'monkey shoulder' was the condition that afflicted maltmen who spent years turning barley by hand. William Grant & Sons chose this name as a tribute to the craft of a bygone era. The whisky itself is a blend of three Speyside single malts from Grant's own distilleries: Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie. This combination was deliberately assembled as an approachable, mixable Scotch—not a purist's single malt, but a whisky that works equally well neat or in cocktails. Maturation in ex-bourbon casks imparts the characteristic vanilla and caramel notes. In the glass, Monkey Shoulder shows a golden amber colour with aromas of honey, vanilla, and fresh fruit. The palate is smooth and vibrant, with ripe fruit notes and subtle sweetness. The finish remains light and pleasant, without heavy tannins. This is a whisky for those unafraid of a blend, and who value flexibility—equally at home in an Old Fashioned or a tumbler with ice.

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