Monkey Shoulder stands apart from traditional Scotch whisky. From its launch, the brand had a clear ambition: to modernize the world of blended malt and offer an accessible alternative for both curious enthusiasts and bartenders.
A Brand Designed to Break the Rules
The name is a nod to the workers in Scottish distilleries. In the days of manual malting, the repetitive motions could cause a shoulder strain, nicknamed "monkey shoulder." It’s a tribute to those who worked behind the scenes to shape the history of whisky.
This project was led by William Grant & Sons, a major industry player also known for Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. The goal with Monkey Shoulder was clear: to create a versatile malt whisky perfect for cocktails.
A 100% Malt Blend
Unlike traditional blends that combine malt and grain whiskies, Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt, meaning it's composed exclusively of malt whiskies. It brings together three Speyside distilleries: Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Kininvie.
The whisky is aged in American oak casks that previously held bourbon, which imparts classic notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit. When tasted, Monkey Shoulder reveals a smooth, rich, and approachable profile that's enjoyable neat or in cocktails.
The Bartender’s Choice
Monkey Shoulder made its mark in bars. Immediately embraced by bartenders upon its release, it quickly became a go-to for mixology, moving away from the image of whisky reserved solely for sipping neat.
A few classic cocktails:
- Old Fashioned: The whisky's woody and spicy notes are perfectly at home here.
- Whisky Sour: A balance of freshness, acidity, and smoothness.
- Monkey Colada: An original twist with pineapple, coconut, and malt whisky.
The bottle also contributed to its success: adorned with three brass monkeys. Its aesthetic breaks from the classic codes of Scotch whisky.
Monkey Shoulder has successfully carved its own path. By appealing to a new generation of drinkers without sacrificing quality, the brand has opened up possibilities for blended malt. It’s a whisky that is both simple and well-crafted, capable of winning over both connoisseurs and newcomers.
La Maison du Whisky possède trois boutiques dans Paris :
Dans chacune de ces boutiques vous pourrez découvrir une vaste gamme de whiskies, rhums, sakés et autres spiritueux.
Parce qu’un whisky peut se décrire en mille mots, nos conseillers se feront un plaisir de vous faire découvrir les whiskies écossais incontournables de La Maison du Whisky.
Suivez notre agenda de dégustation pour les dégustations à venir, ou rendez-vous au Golden Promise Whisky Bar qui propose un large choix de whiskies et autres spiritueux au verre.
