Monkey Shoulder Whiskey

Monkey Shoulder: A Speyside Malt Medley for Savvy Sippers

Calling all whisky enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs! If you're looking for a versatile and flavourful blended malt Scotch whisky, look no further than Monkey Shoulder. This playful spirit, bottled in a unique three-monkey design, boasts a rich heritage and a taste profile that's both complex and approachable.

A Legacy Steeped in Speyside Tradition

Monkey Shoulder, created by William Grant & Sons, draws inspiration from the Speyside region of Scotland, renowned for its gentle rolling hills, crystal-clear waters, and long history of whisky production. The name itself is a charming nod to the "monkey shoulder" posture adopted by malt men in the past who manually turned malting barley during the whisky-making process.

While the exact malt whisky composition remains a closely guarded secret, Monkey Shoulder is known to be a blend of single malts predominantly from Speyside distilleries. This marriage of malts results in a whisky bursting with character, perfect for enjoying neat, on the rocks, or as the star ingredient in creative cocktails.

Unveiling the Flavours: A Multi-Sensory Experience

On the Eye: Monkey Shoulder presents a warm, golden amber hue, hinting at the rich depths of flavour to come.

On the Nose: As you raise the glass to your nose, a wave of inviting aromas unfolds. Expect a delightful interplay of sweet and spice, with notes of honey, vanilla, and zesty orange mingling with hints of cinnamon and clove. A touch of oak wood influence peeks through, adding a touch of complexity.

On the Palate: The first sip of Monkey Shoulder is a smooth and creamy revelation. The malty character takes centre stage, balanced beautifully by hints of honeyed sweetness and a touch of citrus zest. A gentle wave of warming spice builds in the mid-palate, without overpowering the overall harmony. The finish is satisfyingly long and lingering, leaving a pleasant echo of vanilla and oak on the tongue.

The Art of the Serve: Unleashing Monkey Shoulder's Potential

The beauty of Monkey Shoulder lies in its versatility. Here are some ways to experience its delightful flavours:

• Neat: For the purists, a dram of Monkey Shoulder poured neat allows the full complexity of the whisky to shine. Use a tulip glass to capture the aromas and savour the smooth, luxurious mouthfeel.
• On the Rocks: A touch of dilution can further open up the flavours of Monkey Shoulder. Add a single, large ice cube to a tumbler glass and pour your whisky. The ice will slowly melt, releasing a touch of water that enhances the sweetness and spice notes.
• Classic Cocktails: Monkey Shoulder's mixability makes it a bartender's dream. Here are a couple of classic cocktails that showcase its versatility:
  • The Rusty Nail: A simple yet sophisticated blend of Monkey Shoulder and Drambuie (a Scotch liqueur with honey and herbal notes). Combine equal parts of each spirit in a rocks glass filled with ice, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon twist.
  • The Monkey Colada: A tropical twist on the classic Piña Colada.  Combine 50ml Monkey Shoulder, 30ml pineapple juice, 20ml cream of coconut, and 20ml fresh lime juice in a blender with ice. Blend until smooth and creamy, and pour into a chilled hurricane glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry for a touch of flair.

Beyond the Classics:  Monkey Shoulder also lends itself beautifully to more adventurous cocktails. Experiment with different flavour combinations, using fresh fruits, herbs, and other spirits to create your own signature Monkey Shoulder concoction.

In Conclusion: Monkey Shoulder - A Whisky for Every Occasion

Whether you're a seasoned whisky aficionado or just starting to explore the world of Scotch, Monkey Shoulder is a delightful dram waiting to be discovered. Its smooth, approachable character and versatility make it perfect for sipping neat, enjoying on the rocks, or using as a base for creative cocktails. So, raise a glass, delve into the world of Monkey Shoulder, and explore the delicious possibilities this Speyside gem has to offer.