Monkey Shoulder is commonly available, so you probably already know of it. Just how much do you know about it though? What if we told you this could be the perfect gift for someone who’s new to whiskies, while being the staple of your homemade whisky-based cocktails to boot?
Blended for versatility
Named for an occupational injury that workers on the malting floor would occasionally suffer in the early days of whisky production, Money Shoulder is produced by blending and marrying various Speyside single malts. The process of blending combines these single malts and their characteristics, while marrying them (i.e. ageing the blended whisky further in a cask) completes the development of the desired flavour profile.
In Monkey Shoulder’s case, the result is an accessible whisky that’s surprisingly suited for various cocktails. On the nose, this whisky presents notes of fresh fruits and vanilla, with the latter extending to the palate while supplemented by honey, oak, and a touch of spice. A short, smooth finish follows.
Mix it up
With a flavour profile that complements a wide range of tastes and textures, Monkey Shoulder is perfect for whisky-based cocktails and, by extension, a very suitable gateway to the world of whiskies. In fact, the brand itself has a range of cocktail recipes for any budding bartender to attempt on its website, and some of them are surprisingly easy to make. The Ginger Monkey, for instance, enhances the classic whisky ginger with citrus flavours to complement Monkey Shoulder’s notes of vanilla, and barely takes a minute to prepare. In the same vein, the Lazy Old Fashioned puts a speedier twist on the Old Fashioned to create a comparable cocktail that’s far more convenient to make.
Some whiskies are rare and expensive, and best brought out only on special occasions. Monkey Shoulder, on the other hand, is the do-it-all that can be enjoyed for any occasion, and suitable for both novice and seasoned connoisseur alike.
Monkey Shoulder is available directly at William Grant & Sons’ Lazada flagship store.