Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl

Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey is the peated sibling of the much-loved Monkey Shoulder, a blended malt Scotch whisky made by William Grant & Sons. It keeps the vanilla, spice and citrus character of the original but lays a dry smokiness over the top, giving a sweet, gently smoky dram that suits sipping as much as mixing. Bottled at 40% ABV, it is an approachable way into peated whisky.

About the brand

Monkey Shoulder is made by William Grant & Sons, the Scottish distiller based in Dufftown, Speyside. The brand built its reputation on blended malt whisky designed to be enjoyed neat and in cocktails. Smokey Monkey was created by master blender Brian Kinsman, who worked with bartenders and tested nine variations before settling on the final blend.

How it’s made

Smokey Monkey is a blend of malt whiskies, some of which are made from barley dried over Highland peat rather than Islay peat. The whisky is matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, which add vanilla and spice, and is bottled at 40% ABV to keep the smoke present but never overpowering.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Honeydew melon and flamed orange peel, with oak smoke and mellow vanilla.
• Palate: Vanilla at the core, with creamy sweetness, spice and dry, earthy peat. Still fruity beneath the smoke.
• Finish: Sweet, with toffee and the last traces of drying smoke.

How to enjoy it

Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey was designed with cocktails in mind, and works well in a Penicillin, a smoky Old Fashioned or a highball with ginger ale. It is also pleasant neat or over ice. Pouring it alongside the original lets you blend your own level of peat.

Details

• Type: Peated blended malt Scotch whisky
• Region / origin: Scotland
• Producer: William Grant & Sons
• Cask: First-fill ex-bourbon
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 70cl

Please drink responsibly. This product is intended for customers aged 18 and over.