Monkey Shoulder
 | |
| Type | Scotch whisky |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | William Grant & Sons |
| Country of origin | Scotland |
| Introduced | 2003 |
| Alcohol by volume | 43% |
| Website | Monkey Shoulder |
Monkey Shoulder is a brand of Scotch whisky produced by William Grant & Sons in Scotland. Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt whisky, one of a small number of whiskies in this style.[1] As of 2023, Monkey Shoulder is the world's third best-selling brand of Scotch whisky, trailing Johnnie Walker and The Macallan.[2]
History
Monkey Shoulder was introduced in 2003 as a brand of blended malt whisky (formerly called "vatted malt whisky") primarily for mixing, occupying a middle ground between blended Scotch (which can contain grain whisky) and single malt whisky (which cannot).[3] Originally a blend from the Balvenie, Glenfiddich, and Kininvie distilleries, its current composition is not publicly known, although its constituent malt whiskies originate from the Speyside region.[4]
The name refers to a repetitive strain injury that distillery workers once commonly were afflicted with after long shifts of turning malt by hand.[5]
Blends
- Monkey Shoulder Batch 27
- Smokey Monkey Batch 9, a blend that includes Islay whiskies
References
- ^ Bryson, Lew (21 October 2014). Tasting Whiskey. Storey Publishing. p. 182. ISBN 978-1612123011.
- ^ "2023 Annual Brands Report". Drinks International. January 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ Difford, Simon. "The Monkey Shoulder story". Difford's Guide. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
- ^ "Monkey Shoulder profile". scotchwhisky.com. Whiskypedia. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
- ^ Difford, Simon. "What's in a name?". Difford's Guide. Retrieved 30 January 2023.