Monkey Shoulder

Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky brand created by William Grant & Sons, the independent distilling company behind Glenfiddich and Balvenie. The name references an occupational injury historically associated with maltmen who turned barley by hand during the floor malting process, causing a repetitive strain to the shoulder. The whisky is produced in Scotland and is built around a vatting of single malts, primarily drawn from William Grant's own Speyside distilleries.

The liquid is designed to be approachable and mixable, with a flavor profile that leans toward honey, vanilla, spiced orange, and gentle malt, characteristics that reflect the Speyside house style without the more austere or heavily peated notes found elsewhere in Scotland. It is bottled at 40% ABV and has become a widely used bartender's whisky, particularly suited to cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or whisky sour, though it drinks equally well neat or over ice.