Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky

Monkey Shoulder is a modern blended malt from Speyside, crafted from select single malts and married for seamless richness. Lush citrus, honeyed malt and velvet spice glide at 40% ABV, making it as polished for neat sipping as it is perfect for elevated cocktails. A stylish, crowd-pleasing gift that brings premium Scotch character with contemporary flair.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Sun-kissed orange and vanilla cream rise first, wrapped in honeyed malt and a drift of warm spice. The palate is silky and generous: toasted barley and butterscotch folding into cocoa, clove and hints of anise, with flashes of apricot and hot-buttered toast. A long, gently warming finish lingers on spicy oak and a cool peppermint lift.

Key Details

• Producer: William Grant & Sons
• Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
• Region: Speyside, Scotland
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: Predominantly first-fill ex-bourbon casks; small-batch marrying for integration
• Serve: Neat or on the rocks; exceptional in highballs and Old Fashioneds

Cocktail Pairings

Built for mixing yet luxuriously smooth: brighten a Ginger Monkey with ginger ale and orange; batch a Lazy Old Fashioned where vanilla and spice shine; try a bittersweet Boulevardier for depth; shake an Espresso Martini twist for mocha richness; keep it effortless with a tall Scotch & Soda; or go tropical with a playful Monkey Colada—fruit, vanilla and malt in perfect balance.

Craftsmanship & Story

Named in tribute to the old maltmen’s shoulder strain, Monkey Shoulder blends Speyside single malts chosen for creamy texture and vibrant fruit. Batches are selected and married to integrate character—an approach that delivers vivid citrus, honeyed malt and deft spice while staying remarkably mixable for modern cocktail culture.

Special Features

Matured mainly in first-fill bourbon casks for layers of vanilla, toffee and toasted oak, then married in small batches to achieve a plush, seamless mouthfeel. Rich enough to sip, bright enough for highballs and structured enough to anchor spirit-forward classics, it balances approachability with premium depth.

Recognition & Accolades

Consistently awarded for flavour and versatility:

• Gold – International Spirits Challenge (multiple years incl. 2021, 2020, 2017, 2016, 2014)
• Gold – 2015 The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business)
• Gold – 2014 The Scotch Whisky Masters (The Spirits Business)
• Gold – International Wine & Spirit Competition (2017 & 2014)
• Silver – 2019 International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Critics’ picks across leading publications for cocktail performance and value

These honours underline Monkey Shoulder’s status as the definitive contemporary blended malt—balanced, characterful and bar-ready.

Food Pairing

Match its citrus-vanilla glow with salted caramel popcorn or crème brûlée; pair with aged Gouda or Comté to echo nutty notes; glaze pork belly or roast chicken with orange and honey; or serve alongside dark-chocolate tart and candied orange peel. Fresh apple tart or lemon cheesecake amplifies its bright, malty sweetness.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Presented with playful style and serious quality, Monkey Shoulder is a go-to premium gift—ideal for birthdays, milestones and corporate thanks—or a versatile house whisky that elevates quiet nights in and lively cocktail hours alike.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.