Introduction
Today, we’re revisiting an old favorite: Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky. This scotch has long been considered a great "starter scotch," and we’re excited to see how it holds up after all these years. Back when we first started our scotch journey, Monkey Shoulder was one of the first whiskies we tried. It’s a blended scotch, meaning it’s not a single malt, which makes it a more affordable option for those just getting into scotch. It’s also versatile enough to be enjoyed neat or mixed in a cocktail. With a reasonable price tag and a reputation for being approachable, we’ll dive in to see if it still earns our recommendation today.
Nose
Brad: The nose has a really nice citrusy touch, almost like orange zest or orange peel. There’s also some honey, and I get a refreshing vanilla cream soda note at the end. It’s light and inviting. 7/10
Bob: For me, the nose starts with honey, but then it develops into something more complex, like melon—specifically, it reminds me of honeydew right at the rind. There’s also a bit of mint and citrus, which adds a nice tartness. I was really impressed by how much this nose evolved as I spent more time with it. 7.5/10
Taste
Brad: The palate really surprised me. It’s spicier than I expected, with baking spices like clove and a rich vanilla that reminds me of cake. The citrus from the nose transitions into a tart note, almost like black cherry. I’m giving it an 8/10 on the taste.
Bob: I picked up some ash and char on the palate, which reminded me a lot of the double oaked flavors you get in certain bourbons. There’s also a sweetness that’s not overly sugary—more like a shortbread or pound cake, which provides a nice, subtle base for everything else. 7.5/10
Finish
Brad: The finish is on the shorter side. It’s sweet, and the spices linger for just a few seconds, but the vanilla really hangs around, which I like. 7/10
Bob: I found the finish a bit too heavy, with that char note tipping into bitterness for me. It sticks around longer than I’d like, but it’s not unbearable. 6.5/10
Balance
Bob: Overall, I think this is a very well-balanced whisky, especially considering the price. There’s nothing that stands out in a negative way, and the complexity of the nose and palate really work together. 8/10
Brad: I agree that it’s balanced, but I do wish the finish were a bit stronger to elevate it further. Still, for an 86-proof blended scotch, it holds up well. 7/10
Value
Bob: At $35, Monkey Shoulder is still a great value for what it offers. You can find cheaper blended scotches, but not many of them will give you this level of complexity and enjoyment neat. 8/10
Brad: I’m with you on that, Bob. For $35, this is a solid whisky that I’d recommend to just about anyone looking to get into scotch. 8/10
Final Scores
Bob: My final score comes out to 37.5/50. I actually feel like I enjoyed it even more than the score suggests—it’s a solid, dependable whisky that I’d recommend to most people.
Brad: I’m right there with you, Bob. I gave it 37/50, which speaks to how well this whisky performs, especially at this price point.
Conclusion
With a combined average score of 37.25/50 (or 74.5/100), Monkey Shoulder stands out as an excellent value for those looking to dip their toes into the world of scotch. It’s a well-balanced, approachable whisky that delivers complexity beyond its price point. If you’re new to scotch, we’d say this is an ideal bottle to start with. For more seasoned drinkers, it’s a versatile whisky that you can enjoy neat or mixed into a cocktail without feeling like you’re wasting something special.
At this price point, it’s definitely worth buying a bottle, but if you’re hesitant, a try at the bar won’t set you back too much. Either way, we recommend giving Monkey Shoulder a shot—it’s a crowd-pleaser and a solid addition to any whisky collection.
