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.