Monkey Shoulder Scotch is a blended malt whisky created by master blender Brian Kinsman and owned by William Grant & Sons. This smooth, creamy, supple whisky is perfect for sipping neat, over ice or in whisky cocktails. It's a fun and flavourful whisky with an interesting history behind it.
The name ‘Monkey Shoulder' comes from a condition that used to affect malt men during the traditional whisky making process. The malt men used to turn malted barley by hand using large heavy malt shovels which could strain their arm and cause it to hang down like a monkey's shoulder – hence the name!
The blend itself is made from three single malts from Speyside distilleries: Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie. The three brass monkeys on the shoulder of the bottle represent these three malts that are used in Monkey Shoulder Scotch.
When it comes to tasting Monkey Shoulder Scotch you can expect hints of honey, vanilla and citrus. It has a subtle smokiness which makes it perfect for sipping neat or over ice cubes but its also really versatile so you can enjoy it in whiskey cocktails as well.
If you're loking for a great whisky that's full of flavour with some interesting history behind it, then grab yourself a bottle of Monkey Shoulder Scotch. You won't be disappointed!
Is Monkey Shoulder Whisky a Good Choice?
Yes, Monkey Shoulder is an excellent whisky. It is made with a blend of three single malts, which givs it a smooth and creamy texture. Its flavor profile is malty and sweet, with hints of vanilla, toffee and spice. It has a soft finish that makes it very easy to drink neat or over ice. It's also great for mixing into whisky cocktails as the complex flavors really stand out in them. As an added bonus, this whisky has a bit of history behind it – its name comes from the days when malt men turned the barley by hand and had to use their shoulders to do so – making this Scotch even more special. All in all, Monkey Shoulder is an outstanding whisky that will please any whisky fan's palate.
Is Monkey Shoulder Scotch or Irish Whiskey?
Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky, meaning it is a whisky made in Scotland from a blend of single malts. It is owned by the UK-based William Grant & Sons and created by master blender Brian Kinsman. The whisky is made from three Speyside distilleries: Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie. Therefore, Monkey Shoulder is a Scotch whisky and not Irish.
What Is Monkey Shoulder Scotch?
Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky, made by blending three of William Grant & Sons' Speyside malts – Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie. The expression is a vatted malt, whih means that it is crafted from a combination of single malt whiskies taken from the same distillery. Each of the three malts used in the blend contributes to the unique flavor profile of Monkey Shoulder.
Balvenie is a sweet and mellow whisky with notes of honey, vanilla, and light fruits. Glenfiddich offers a rich and complex flavor with notes of dried fruit, sherry-like sweetness, and subtle spices. Kininvie offers a more robust flavor with notes of toffee and nuts. Together, these three Speyside malts create an incredibly smooth whisky with rich layers of flavor that make it one of the most popular blended malts on the market today.
The Origin of the Name Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is a term used to describe a strain injury incurred by malt men while turning malted barley by hand with large heavy malt shovels. The injury has the tendency to cause one's arm to hang down in a similar manner as a monkey's, and so it was nicknamed ‘monkey shoulder'. This strain injury is now less common due to modern technology and machinery being used in the whisky-making process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Monkey Shoulder Scotch is a unique, flavorful and historically significant whisky that has been carefully crafted by master blender Brian Kinsman. Blended from three Speyside malts – Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie – Monkey Shoulder is supple, smooth and creamy, making it a great choice for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails. With its unique story behind it, it's no wonder that Monkey Shoulder Scotch is a beloved whisky worldwide.
