Whisky For Younger Generations

We’ve all heard the stereotypes about Scotch being an “old man’s drink” to be enjoyed by more mature gentlemen dressed head to toe in tartan, in a pub or lodge in the heart of the Highlands. Well, back in the early 2000s, when youngsters such as myself were discovering the joys of legal (and responsible!) boozing, along with nightclubs, William Grant & Sons wanted to make Scotch more fashionable and trendy. 

The whisky was designed to be smoother, sweeter, and more mellow. It was created to not only be a sipper, but a dram that also worked great with mixers and in cocktails. It soon became a common sight in cocktail bars and whisky lounges all over the country.

While the whisky remained popular for the next couple of decades, in the last few years it seems to have really taken off, and the sales figures certainly back that up. Again, it appeals to both younger and more mature drinkers. It’s versatile, it has a very eye-catching bottle design (more on that next), it features some very clever marketing and social media campaigns, it’s priced very fairly, and people enjoy the taste. You couldn’t ask for more, really. 

For those looking for an introduction to the world of blended malt whisky, you could do far worse than Monkey Shoulder. 

What’s With the Name?

When you think of Scotch whisky and animals, you probably think of stags, grouse, and other game found in the rugged and barren Highlands. Monkeys are probably not creatures that arouse images of Scotland. So, why the name, and why does the bottle feature three very cheeky-looking small brass monkeys? 

Well, the whisky is actually named after a medical condition which used to plague the malt men working in the distilleries producing this exceptional dram. You see, back in the day, barley used to be floor malted and had to be regularly turned by hand using a special shovel-like device called a ‘shiel’. 

The barley would constantly need to be mixed and turned, which was of course physically demanding on the workers. Many of the malt men would develop painful conditions affecting their shoulders, resulting in a temporary loss of mobility and causing their shoulders to slump forwards and their arms to hang down by their sides, just like a monkey. The condition was jokingly referred to as ‘monkey shoulder’. This is where the name originates. 

The bottle itself is very similar to those used in bourbon whiskey production, which I suspect is why so many supermarkets keep it with the bourbon, rather than the Scotch whisky. Oh, and the reason for those three small brass monkeys is because each one represents one of the three Speyside distilleries used to produce the spirit to create this triple malt blended Scotch. 

Monkey Shoulder Tasting Notes

Bottled at 40% ABV, the whisky has a deep amber mahogany colour with a light copper hue to it. 

On the nose, you get a blend of different citrus fruits, with orange and lime being the most prominent. There’s a very light mossy aroma to it, combined with vanilla, peanut brittle, and toffee fudge. 

On the palate, there’s a buttery toffee richness, combined with cinnamon buns and honey. A further sip should reveal additional layers of buttered malted fruit loaf, honey roasted peanuts, candied orange peel, and freshly baked Scottish shortbread, dusted with caster sugar. Surprisingly, no bananas, at least, not on my palate. 

The finish is medium and mellow and offers up an exceptionally smooth and creamy mouthfeel. there’s more toffee, lightly toasted oak, demerara sugar, and apricot jam on warm buttered toast. There’s a suggestion of pumpkin spiced latte right at the end too.

If you’d like to learn more about your favourite whiskies, or simply treat yourself to a dram or two in the process, head on over to GreatDrams.com and take a look at the diverse selection of unique whiskies we currently have in stock.

With an impressive selection of limited-edition, rare, and award-winning whisky, as well as heaps of whisky info on our blog, it’s the perfect spot for any whisky lovers out there.