New to the channel and I think you gave this a fair rating. Personally, I generally put blends in a decanter and call it my "cheap whisky (Red Label usually)" but Monkey Shoulder is one of my go to's, even if I have better Scotches on hand. It's reasonably priced, tastes great, and, in my opinion, has THE best bottle of any Scotch! In the spring, I'll let my bottle run out and it's not replaced until August. I actually picked up a bottle yesterday and just opened tonight. This isn't a whisky that got me into whisky drinking, but it elevated my love for it. Much prefer Islay offerings, but this is a staple in my house!
This is my first scotch, I bought it on your recommendation. I am used to drinking bourbon but I am by no means an expert on any of it. This is very good and easy to drink neat. I have always been a mixer. I have recently been drinking on the rocks and/or with some water to drink easier; trying to move myself toward drinking neat. This I can drink neat with no problem. I am looking forward to enjoying this bottle and allowing it to lead me into bolder flavors. I have seen other reviews that give this notes of caramel and butter, but yours is honey and orange. I definitely get the honey and orange. I don't smell any vanilla but I'm new to this. Thanks for the recommendation.
I love this stuff. I agree with your notes, but I always also get a little hint of butterscotch, cinnamon, and clove as well. Love your videos, and love this bottle!
I’m new to whisky. I bought a bottle Monkey Shoulder. I tried the theory drinking whisky for the beginners. No matter how small the sip and no matter how long it sits in my mouth it burns my mouth & tongue. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I take very small sips. Please advise. Fun channel. Thanks
I work part time at a liquor store and have been eyeing this up recently. I've been into bourbon for a year now and am ready to venture into the world of scotch. I will surely try it now. Thanks for another great review!
I got my start on whiskey the same way. Good old no.7 with Coke. I became curious and started shooting J.D. and i really liked it. Then i started comparing other whiskeys to J.D. and as i grew older just really started learning about how to truly taste whiskey. Learning how to train my nose and pallet. And i discovered an amazing world. Lol and now i have learned even more by watching you and a couple other guys. Enjoying whiskey as i watch vids. So ty for all the content you supply in your vids.
wildernessman Hip Tip for You: Always “chew” your whiskies at least once while tasting them. The chewing action oxygenates the whisk(e)y on your tongue and you get an entirely different taste experience. I was surprised after doing that by how some whiskies really opened up. Some got hotter, some got spicier, and some “meh” drams really became fairly good.
Nice review. I got a bottle of this a few months ago as a birthday present and was very impressed. My buddy and I took it down in one sitting on a camping trip. And I also enjoy drinking a Jack and coke on occasion. In my younger days i used to double fist em every weekend.
In my, relatively, short whisk(e)y journey, I've only purchased single malt Scotches, however, I just picked up a bottle of Monkey Shoulder, and really enjoy it! Yes, I like Ardbegs, and Macallans, and Taliskers, and Glenmorangies, etc., but this is a really easy dram!! If you want a reasonably inexpensive Scotch, that you don't really need to think about, this is a great one! Also, as you mentioned, a good "starter Scotch" to introduce non-Scotch drinking friends to!! Cheers!! P.S. - they bumped up the alcohol to 43% (86 proof) in their recent blends
Thanks to your videos and those of the whisky vault I decided to buy my first whisky instead of drinking from whatever bottle we have at home. My first bottle is Monkey Shoulder batch 27 and I love it. Thank you!
I didn't notice that you have a cold. I enjoyed Monkey Shoulder before, neat, just because I find floral and fruity Whiskey is easier to drink as opposed to the ones with a smokey nose. Great Vid! Thank you.
I am catching up so I know this episode was a year+ ago...But thank you for this video! It really helped me. I am such a beginner, and this is what I purchased tonight to start my journey.
Monkey Shoulder is the best bang for the buck whisky around. You will have to pay north of $60 to buy something better. Apart from the independent bottlers you won't find too many whiskys like this one because it is a blended malt and they are rare among distillery releases. The only other that I know of is Copper Dog which is a Diageo product while Monkey Shoulder comes to you from William Grant the owner of Glenfiddich. Most blends contain some corn but this one is all malted barley which makes it quite unusual amongst blended whiskies. The sherry influence is slight pushing this whisky to the drier end of the scale. If you want something a little more heavily sherried and sweeter then Copper Dog might be the one for you.
All these years I thought I was the only one who drank Scotch and coke, its different and refreshing. I bought a bottle of this as it was refereed to me to try. You can drink it over ice or mixed its good either way.
I've never been a big fan of whiskey but after seeing this recommended as a great bottle for non whiskey lovers I bought one when I seen it at the store. I gotta say that when I smell it and drink it neat more than anything I just get a strong alcohol flavor/scent, not really smooth as people say. Though if I melt an ice cube in generous shot it it becomes a lot more pleasant and I start to be able to pick out some of the smells that other people seem to pick up on.
Nice review! I really like the “emoji” flavor scoreboard you’ve got on the left side of the screen. Very helpful for those of us who can’t read or have memory problems (CRS).....um, what was I talking about? ........oh yeah, seriously, I do like that scoreboard. It helps
By the way, you mention you had a cold while reviewing this blend. Ironically, I had a severe sinus infection and then Bronchitis last September and I renewed my interest in whiskies because a little whisky before bed opened up my airway and helped stop my coughing fits. I was ill three different times since September and whiskies and hot toddies saw me through. I’m not ill now, but I’m still drinking whiskies (preventative medicine?). My doctors wouldn’t prescribe antibiotics for me so I reverted to some traditional remedies to combat the bugs. Thank goodness whiskies were there for me....
And absolutely phenomenal budget scotch in my opinion I enjoyed this Scotch last night for the first time I had about four drams right now I'm enjoying a dram with my favorite budget cigar they sent the aroma that nice oak the pepper notes and some honey. I believe this Scotch is slightly peated which I enjoy a peated scotch absolutely phenomenal worth every dollar. I find it is hard to find an affordable malt scotch now I can find with Monkey Sholder
This was an experience I watched the video at work. Stopped by Safeway, found monkey. Watched your review again while sipping it at home. I’m a subscriber!
When this was launched it was marketed as a "Triple Malt", and much play was made of the Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie malts involved. Given it's selling by the shipload around the world now I think you make a good point about the make up. I wonder - could they be employing Ailsa Bay for some of the malt? Please do the research so I don't have to. (sorry Bill - couldn't help it!) Thanks for the good review, and adding coke? Exactly what this wee guy was intended for.
+Aqvavitae Thanks Roy! I'll keep my ear to the ground about that one. Someone mentioned they may have a new offering coming. Something about a Smokey shoulder. I bet that uses new single malts
Hey Roy, They are going to be using Alisa Bay in the new Smokey Monkey Shoulder which is mainly released for Bars and I believe it will be released for the domestic market soon early next year.
Aqvavitae the website still claims it is a triple malt, showing the three stills of the original. Now in the UK and maybe New York? the Smokey Monkey or whatever it’s called is available in select bars. Now they might be smart to stop using Kininvie and use Ailsa Bay - that will free up some of the Kininvie Aquavitae loves. Bill I like the tasting icons. Mark
Isn't it 86 proof rather than 80 ? *edit : like many other bottles, it actually depends on the location. Luckily, in Canada we have access to the 43% ABV version.
I like it a lot and I like that I get smooth oiliness from it, so could you recommend me 5 or more smooth oily whiskey to try, single malt or blend or bourbon it doesn't matter as long as they are oily and smooth
I just bought a bottle to try tonight and my initial nose was a strong Jolly Rodger apple with a tiny bit of vanilla. Taste was apple and oak and some grassy.
I got a Bottle of it as a present from a friend who doesnt drink whisky. it was for my birthday and first tought, i propably wont enjoy it but i gave it a try and really loved it! I just totally agree with you and i'm lucky you see it the same way as me (or the other way around :P) Still do an always will love this channel, great job as always, keep on!
Nice video ! Without a doubt I subscribed !! Little question, I am a newbie on whisky world and I bought four bottles to test : Monkey Shoulders, Buffalo Trace, Nikka from the Barrel and Laphoraig 10. In what order should I test them ? Thank you very much !
I'm drinking a Monkey and soda right now. I had this in a Rob Roy four years ago, and didn't remember much about it. I found in for $28.99 for 750 ml. Why not? It is very flavorful, but it has no smoke. I love smoke. You trash talk Johnnie Red all the time, but by golly, it has smoke! Nothing else, but it had a nice smoke that can handle Club Soda. Will I buy again? Too soon to tell. Keep up the good work!
I tried this for the first time last week and I have to say, it didn't taste like a "scotch" to me. Having said that I do enjoy it as a drink. It was sweeter than expected. I agree with the lingering honey taste and it's very easy to drink.
Funny, I happen to have a glass from last night next to me and I can smell it. I really enjoy it and think it's a lovely whiskey. It just throws me when I see "scotch" and to me, it sure doesn't taste or smell like a "scotch" whiskey. lol And I can totally see it on French Vanilla ice cream!
Buck L Try Black Bottle by Gordon Graham & Co. it’s also a blend and less sweet. The composite whiskies are Islay so it’s a different critter. The price is about the same but Black Bottle is a little harder to find. Compare Monkey Shoulder, Black Bottle, and Cutty Sark side by side. I like Cutty because it’s inexpensive, easy going down, and they DO NOT add the E-150A.
Whiskey is sort of a new hobby for me. I started with a Maker's Mark, and I have moved on to Monkey Shoulder. I really enjoyed both and will try the Monkey Coke.
Really love your videos man, you're doing a great job! I just picked up a bottle of Monkey Shoulder to get my wife into whiskey... It didn't work but I still like it lol
Tried neat... solid whiskey but nothing to write home about. Then mixed with cola and omg flavors bust into my mouth like Riley Reid. Particularly a cinnamon note so delicious.
i've been misunderstanding bourbon and scotch. i was under the impression and had noticed from my experience that bourbons were the ones that were fruity with notes of orange, pear, etc. but going back through your videos its scotch that has those notes. guess im going to have to buy some more bourbons to find one with caramel, toffee, and vanilla notes
Try lots of different scotches! Speyside single malts (like Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich) tend to have those grassy fruit notes. But Islay single malts (like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bowmore) tend to have a complex, peat smoke flavor on top of earthy, briney tones. They vary so significantly by region that it's hard to say "Scotch" has one particular flavor profile :) Happy tasting!
Very nice review. I've had this and have purchased it a few times------very nice blended malt scotch. I imagine I might get another bottle sometime as it was rather tasty in my opinion............
I need to get a bottle of this. Everyone keeps saying great things about it. My current hidden gem, great value Scotch is Glen Garioch Founders Reserve. Fantastic stuff.
Nice, I like your videos. Maybe leave a timestamp in the description that skips directly to the nosing/tasting portion for anybody who just wants to get right to it? Awesome channel, thanks
Favorite "daily driver" if you will. Good flavor but not too crazy or assertive so you can drink it casually. Try ginger ale and monkey instead of coke. Lil more tame so you get more of the monkey notes hahaha.
A recommendation to all the Dic Heads out there. Just tried Glenfiddich 15 Solera blah blah good blah blah, TRY IT with a few drops of water. It really opens up and become a little more sweet but a lot more interesting.
May i reccomend a bottle Trails End bourbon? I just bought one myself and im loving every drop! I wasnt a huge fan of Monkey shoulder, alcohol was too strong on the nose and palette, it tasted like a straight mixer. Im thinking i got a bad bottle. Cheers!
+Dantheman626 You may have. The alcohol isn't very bold compared to most. I'll look around for trails end bourbon. I'm not sure that I've seen it before
I've been doing a lot of research on this whiskey... As in looking at other views and reviews of this.. I've been wanting to try better whiskeys and scotches.. Im planning on buying my 1st bottle of this today.. Looking forward to trying it out.. I called one of the local liquor stores and they don't carry it.. So I have to go out further to another place.. 29.99.. Unfortunately I have to wait another 7hrs. I'm at work
Bill, did you get the bottle overseas? It is bottled at 43% for the US market. As I said to Jason Whisky Wise, nice but meh. Great price though, on sale here in PA right now for $25.99. Spot on review by the way.
Actually, coming from Four Roses, this scotch was a little less smooth than I expected. I made an Old Fashioned with it and loved it, but neat, It was quite challenging for me, especially after I heard every whisky youtuber say it was so approachable. But I will keep drinking it and get used to it with some ice perhaps!
You're a yank, have you tried Berkshire Bourbon Smoke And Peat? It's a Massachusetts whiskey. Sounds interesting. Was curious if you've tried it and if so. Is it worthy?
The first time I've ever poured whisky down the drain - Monkey Shoulder. Maybe I got a bad bottle, the cork was a little bit damaged when I opened it but gosh, despite my most valiant efforts and a ton of patience, it just never got better or good in any way - I even tried a couple cocktails which I normally don't do but ugh, no. I love the component malts so it's really hard to say what exactly was wrong with my bottle but I won't be buying another. Why not give it away you ask? Because, it was just that offensive. Aluminum isn't usually a note I'm looking for.
I will agree that Monkey Shoulder is, at best, a great starter to scotch, however, it DOES sound like something was off about your bottle. It's a blended scotch, it's not going to wow anyone, but to me, it was far from offputting.
All whisky is gluten free because of the distilling process. So anyone telling you different is trying to sell you on something :) I do have a Twitter, although I'm on instagram more. @thewhiskeydic
I made the mistake of buying a bottle of Nikka from the barrel before the monkey's shoulder. The Nikka had many of the same taste notes but much richer. The monkey just tasted a little thin in comparison.
This is the first scotch i tried and was the reason. I shutdown scotches all together. It is just rancid to me. Even tried to give the bottle to my friends and they said they wouldn’t serve it to anyone...
There are tons of them. It just depends on your taste. Not everyone is ready to move off of Jack and Coke, but if you like JD then stick with a bourbon. Maybe try Four Rose's Small batch
I love Monkey Shoulder and great review as always .. just found out that they released another Monkey Shoulder called Smokey Monkey... I know you haven't done a review on it but would you know where I can pick up a bottle here in the States??
The Whiskey Dic It’s interesting, Makers is easier to drink neat even though the ABV is the same. Almost seems watered down on the front end. It finishes pretty well, but pretty simple in my noob opinion.
I gotta say, this one didn't work for me. Is there such a thing as a mild scotch? I've had worse blends, but for me nothing really stands out on this one...
You should try the smokey monkey version of this!!! It appeared in one of the better supermarket here in the UK and is a bit nicer than the standard monkey!!!!
I tried Monkey Shoulder, and it tastes more like the south end of a north bound monkey to me. I really like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, so it must be the Kininvie that's ruining it.
You do top notch stuff man, I enjoy my spirits like an badger, looking forward to seeing more of this. BTW, cant help but think of this being called Whisky Dic, sorry couldn't help it.
I'm not really mush of a connoisseur, I just like trying things out. Financially I drink rather rarely and on special occasions, so it tends to just be simple Evan Williams or Jim Beam for me. I do want to try this one out though.
I love your reviews because they give your palate, whether or not it’s a value, and some history behind the whisk(e)y. I do have a different palate however, because I found Monkey Shoulder to be extremely overrated, and found Johnnie Walker Red to be superior in every way. I thought monkey shoulder tasted like vanilla gasoline. I mean the bite is harsher than Johnnie Red, and lacks the tasty smokiness. Just my opinion, that seems to contrast yours in this case. Keep up the good work though, I enjoy the videos.
Interesting point of view. Most of what I say about JW Red is more for the joke than anything... although i dont enjoy it, i dont hate it as much as i act like
The Whiskey Dic lol, yeah I noticed that in the review of JW Red. Actually it’s funny, the way you reviewed JW Red is the way I’d review Jack Daniel’s Old no. 7.
2023 UPDATE: I have to come back now 4 years later and retract my opinion of this whisky. First of all, I was a newbie to scotch from the budget bourbon world at the time. I hadn’t tried or acclimated my palate to scotch. I thought I only loved smokey scotches. I still love Johnnie Walker Black….but Monkey Shoulder is head and freaking shoulders above JW Red Label! I don’t know what I was thinking other than I just didn’t have a developed palate. I’ve had Highland Park 12 and 15, Macallan 12, Glenlivet 12 and 18, Glenfiddich 12….after having higher end scotches, I came back to these others that I hadn’t tried since I first started my journey. Monkey Shoulder is now one of my favorites. I stock JW Black Label…but I never stock Red Label anymore…I’ll pickup Teacher’s Highland Ceam for $4 less with better flavor and higher proofing. My apologies for my young and still developing palate and not knowing what the f*** I was talking about. Still love your content!
Wow! 4 years later you found your own comment and showed that you've come a long way. Love that you took the time. Seems like you've tried some pretty good stuff since the last time we talked and I hope you still continue down that path. If you enjoy the JW Black, I think you may be able to start drinking some lightly peated whiskies. Keep your eyes out for Scarabus... I think it'll be up your ally. Let me know in 4 years when you drink nothing by Ardbeg and Octomore :)
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Lol. I actually have tried Ardbeg 10 and it hit me like a punch in the face with creamy smoke….I did enjoy it, but it was just a little too peaty for me. I enjoy more balance. Highland Park 12 is my favorite single malt. I love the Sherry / Medium Peat balance. I really do like most of the blended scotches now. The only NAS blend I’ll buy now is Teacher’s Highland Cream (which you should totally review….pretty please). My go-tos are Highland Park 12, JW Black, the NEW Dewar’s 12, Monkey Shoulder, Naked Malt, and Teacher’s Highland Cream. Thanks for your content. Been a long-time subscriber.
I think my bottle is leaking, I have bought a few and every bottle just disappears...
I just had one too. I think my battle took off with it.
Thank you for reviewing this bottle. I went out and bought one and very much enjoyed it.
+Aaron Cardenas That's awesome to hear! Thanks for telling me!
My fav blended scotch. I also love using it to make a "penicillin" with a little Ardbeg or Laphroig float on top. Such an amazing drink.
New to the channel and I think you gave this a fair rating. Personally, I generally put blends in a decanter and call it my "cheap whisky (Red Label usually)" but Monkey Shoulder is one of my go to's, even if I have better Scotches on hand. It's reasonably priced, tastes great, and, in my opinion, has THE best bottle of any Scotch! In the spring, I'll let my bottle run out and it's not replaced until August. I actually picked up a bottle yesterday and just opened tonight. This isn't a whisky that got me into whisky drinking, but it elevated my love for it. Much prefer Islay offerings, but this is a staple in my house!
I hear a lot of people compliment the bottle. Other than the little monkeys what do you love about it? It seemed kind of typical to me.
This is my first scotch, I bought it on your recommendation. I am used to drinking bourbon but I am by no means an expert on any of it. This is very good and easy to drink neat. I have always been a mixer. I have recently been drinking on the rocks and/or with some water to drink easier; trying to move myself toward drinking neat. This I can drink neat with no problem. I am looking forward to enjoying this bottle and allowing it to lead me into bolder flavors. I have seen other reviews that give this notes of caramel and butter, but yours is honey and orange. I definitely get the honey and orange. I don't smell any vanilla but I'm new to this. Thanks for the recommendation.
I'm psyched you're getting into scotch. Bourbon is great, but so is scotch. I'd suggest picking up a Glenlivet 12 as your next whisky!
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Thank you. I will grab pick up a bottle when I am ready to uncork another!
I love this stuff. I agree with your notes, but I always also get a little hint of butterscotch, cinnamon, and clove as well.
Love your videos, and love this bottle!
Thanks!
I’m new to whisky. I bought a bottle Monkey Shoulder. I tried the theory drinking whisky for the beginners. No matter how small the sip
and no matter how long it sits in my mouth it burns my mouth & tongue. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I take very small sips. Please advise. Fun channel. Thanks
I work part time at a liquor store and have been eyeing this up recently. I've been into bourbon for a year now and am ready to venture into the world of scotch. I will surely try it now. Thanks for another great review!
I got my start on whiskey the same way. Good old no.7 with Coke. I became curious and started shooting J.D. and i really liked it. Then i started comparing other whiskeys to J.D. and as i grew older just really started learning about how to truly taste whiskey. Learning how to train my nose and pallet. And i discovered an amazing world. Lol and now i have learned even more by watching you and a couple other guys. Enjoying whiskey as i watch vids. So ty for all the content you supply in your vids.
wildernessman Hip Tip for You: Always “chew” your whiskies at least once while tasting them. The chewing action oxygenates the whisk(e)y on your tongue and you get an entirely different taste experience. I was surprised after doing that by how some whiskies
really opened up. Some got hotter, some got spicier, and some “meh” drams really became fairly good.
Nice review. I got a bottle of this a few months ago as a birthday present and was very impressed. My buddy and I took it down in one sitting on a camping trip.
And I also enjoy drinking a Jack and coke on occasion. In my younger days i used to double fist em every weekend.
I remember feeling the same way about this whisky. It drinks real easy.
In my, relatively, short whisk(e)y journey, I've only purchased single malt Scotches, however, I just picked up a bottle of Monkey Shoulder, and really enjoy it! Yes, I like Ardbegs, and Macallans, and Taliskers, and Glenmorangies, etc., but this is a really easy dram!! If you want a reasonably inexpensive Scotch, that you don't really need to think about, this is a great one! Also, as you mentioned, a good "starter Scotch" to introduce non-Scotch drinking friends to!! Cheers!!
P.S. - they bumped up the alcohol to 43% (86 proof) in their recent blends
Thats encouraging that they did that.
One of my favorites. It tends to go quite fast haha
taz200032 too fast :(
Thanks to your videos and those of the whisky vault I decided to buy my first whisky instead of drinking from whatever bottle we have at home. My first bottle is Monkey Shoulder batch 27 and I love it. Thank you!
Thats great! You're entering a wonderful new world
I didn't notice that you have a cold. I enjoyed Monkey Shoulder before, neat, just because I find floral and fruity Whiskey is easier to drink as opposed to the ones with a smokey nose. Great Vid! Thank you.
Monkey Shoulder is a go to for me as a daily sipper! Great bang for the buck! It's actually bottled at 43% where I am.
I keep hearing others have a higher ABV than the one I bought. I'm jealous
43% in southeast Louisiana as well
The 43% is the real blend of 3 malts. It was 43% in the UK then when it got rebranded it went down to 40%
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary on the bottle at the 45 second make of this video it shows 43%.
I am catching up so I know this episode was a year+ ago...But thank you for this video! It really helped me. I am such a beginner, and this is what I purchased tonight to start my journey.
That's awesome! Be sure to check out the scotch beginner guide, it may help
Have you done a intermediate guide to scotch? Something above the beginner level? I'm new to your channel. Really liking it so far. Thanks
+Kyle Toth I'm putting the link together as I gain more experience
Monkey Shoulder is the best bang for the buck whisky around. You will have to pay north of $60 to buy something better. Apart from the independent bottlers you won't find too many whiskys like this one because it is a blended malt and they are rare among distillery releases. The only other that I know of is Copper Dog which is a Diageo product while Monkey Shoulder comes to you from William Grant the owner of Glenfiddich. Most blends contain some corn but this one is all malted barley which makes it quite unusual amongst blended whiskies. The sherry influence is slight pushing this whisky to the drier end of the scale. If you want something a little more heavily sherried and sweeter then Copper Dog might be the one for you.
I love this Scotch blend, Thanks Brother.👍
All these years I thought I was the only one who drank Scotch and coke, its different and refreshing. I bought a bottle of this as it was refereed to me to try. You can drink it over ice or mixed its good either way.
Bought it today, wanted to have 1/2 glasses and ended up drinking half the bottle. Beautiful whiskey
Lmao
I've never been a big fan of whiskey but after seeing this recommended as a great bottle for non whiskey lovers I bought one when I seen it at the store. I gotta say that when I smell it and drink it neat more than anything I just get a strong alcohol flavor/scent, not really smooth as people say. Though if I melt an ice cube in generous shot it it becomes a lot more pleasant and I start to be able to pick out some of the smells that other people seem to pick up on.
That's exactly what you should do. Some day the overbearing alcohol taste goes away, until then... add water
I drink a lot of scotch and I keep this on my shelf still one of my favorites especially for the money
The honey comes from the Balvenie, its the most prominent flavor because Balvenie is the best whisky in this blend. Pear comes from the Glenfiddich.
Nice review! I really like the “emoji” flavor scoreboard you’ve got on the left side of the screen. Very helpful for those of us who can’t read or have memory problems (CRS).....um, what was I talking about? ........oh yeah, seriously, I do
like that scoreboard. It helps
I had to look up CRS. I'll have to remember that one!
Oh, sorry.....lol! The polite version of CRS is “Can’t Remember Stuff”.......😜🥃👊
By the way, you mention you had a cold while reviewing this blend. Ironically, I had a severe sinus infection and then Bronchitis last September and I renewed my interest in whiskies because a little whisky before bed opened up my airway and helped stop my coughing fits. I was ill three different times since September and whiskies and hot toddies saw me through. I’m not ill now, but I’m still drinking whiskies (preventative medicine?). My doctors wouldn’t prescribe antibiotics for me so I reverted to some traditional remedies to combat the bugs. Thank goodness whiskies were there for me....
And absolutely phenomenal budget scotch in my opinion I enjoyed this Scotch last night for the first time I had about four drams right now I'm enjoying a dram with my favorite budget cigar they sent the aroma that nice oak the pepper notes and some honey. I believe this Scotch is slightly peated which I enjoy a peated scotch absolutely phenomenal worth every dollar. I find it is hard to find an affordable malt scotch now I can find with Monkey Sholder
This was an experience
I watched the video at work.
Stopped by Safeway, found monkey.
Watched your review again while sipping it at home.
I’m a subscriber!
When this was launched it was marketed as a "Triple Malt", and much play was made of the Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie malts involved. Given it's selling by the shipload around the world now I think you make a good point about the make up. I wonder - could they be employing Ailsa Bay for some of the malt? Please do the research so I don't have to. (sorry Bill - couldn't help it!) Thanks for the good review, and adding coke? Exactly what this wee guy was intended for.
+Aqvavitae Thanks Roy! I'll keep my ear to the ground about that one. Someone mentioned they may have a new offering coming. Something about a Smokey shoulder. I bet that uses new single malts
The Whiskey Dic yeh, heard it was only for the on-trade to begin with. That’ll definitely use Alisa Bay malt.
Hey Roy, They are going to be using Alisa Bay in the new Smokey Monkey Shoulder which is mainly released for Bars and I believe it will be released for the domestic market soon early next year.
JasonWhiskyWise *Ailsa Bay, my typo
Aqvavitae the website still claims it is a triple malt, showing the three stills of the original. Now in the UK and maybe New York? the Smokey Monkey or whatever it’s called is available in select bars. Now they might be smart to stop using Kininvie and use Ailsa Bay - that will free up some of the Kininvie Aquavitae loves. Bill I like the tasting icons.
Mark
Isn't it 86 proof rather than 80 ?
*edit : like many other bottles, it actually depends on the location. Luckily, in Canada we have access to the 43% ABV version.
I like it a lot and I like that I get smooth oiliness from it, so could you recommend me 5 or more smooth oily whiskey to try, single malt or blend or bourbon it doesn't matter as long as they are oily and smooth
I just bought a bottle to try tonight and my initial nose was a strong Jolly Rodger apple with a tiny bit of vanilla. Taste was apple and oak and some grassy.
Just bought a bottle because of your review. It's really nice for the price.
I got a Bottle of it as a present from a friend who doesnt drink whisky. it was for my birthday and first tought, i propably wont enjoy it but i gave it a try and really loved it! I just totally agree with you and i'm lucky you see it the same way as me (or the other way around :P)
Still do an always will love this channel, great job as always, keep on!
Nice video ! Without a doubt I subscribed !!
Little question, I am a newbie on whisky world and I bought four bottles to test : Monkey Shoulders, Buffalo Trace, Nikka from the Barrel and Laphoraig 10. In what order should I test them ?
Thank you very much !
Can't wait to try. Order on line after your review. Haha!
I'm drinking a Monkey and soda right now. I had this in a Rob Roy four years ago, and didn't remember much about it. I found in for $28.99 for 750 ml. Why not? It is very flavorful, but it has no smoke. I love smoke. You trash talk Johnnie Red all the time, but by golly, it has smoke! Nothing else, but it had a nice smoke that can handle Club Soda. Will I buy again? Too soon to tell. Keep up the good work!
Love the monkey. Along with your notes I also get a peach and mango at the very end.
I could definitely see the peach. Nice!
Definitely one of my favorite ! Thx for review
I tried this for the first time last week and I have to say, it didn't taste like a "scotch" to me. Having said that I do enjoy it as a drink. It was sweeter than expected. I agree with the lingering honey taste and it's very easy to drink.
Funny, I happen to have a glass from last night next to me and I can smell it. I really enjoy it and think it's a lovely whiskey. It just throws me when I see "scotch" and to me, it sure doesn't taste or smell like a "scotch" whiskey. lol And I can totally see it on French Vanilla ice cream!
Buck L Try Black Bottle by Gordon Graham & Co. it’s also a blend and less sweet. The composite whiskies are Islay so it’s a different critter. The price is about the same but Black Bottle is a little harder to find. Compare Monkey Shoulder, Black Bottle, and Cutty Sark side by side. I like Cutty because it’s inexpensive, easy going down, and they DO NOT add the E-150A.
Another great review and this is my go to everyday sipper!
I really like it, it’s a great everyday dram
Whiskey is sort of a new hobby for me. I started with a Maker's Mark, and I have moved on to Monkey Shoulder. I really enjoyed both and will try the Monkey Coke.
Fantastic! I'm glad you're trying scotch and bourbon. Keep exploring and dont be afraid to try anything you can get your hands on!
Really love your videos man, you're doing a great job! I just picked up a bottle of Monkey Shoulder to get my wife into whiskey... It didn't work but I still like it lol
+SquidAEH37 Hmm... maybe start her off on something like Glen Moray 12
It's funny how the importance of the tasting notes get less and less the more wellied/sozzled you get ;)
Without a doubt
The “Ginger monkey” monkey should + Ginger ale+ orange wedge is really good. Put it in a tall glass with ice it’s damn hard to beat
Tried neat... solid whiskey but nothing to write home about. Then mixed with cola and omg flavors bust into my mouth like Riley Reid. Particularly a cinnamon note so delicious.
If Riley is busting in your mouth, you're doing it wrong ;)
i've been misunderstanding bourbon and scotch. i was under the impression and had noticed from my experience that bourbons were the ones that were fruity with notes of orange, pear, etc. but going back through your videos its scotch that has those notes. guess im going to have to buy some more bourbons to find one with caramel, toffee, and vanilla notes
+raversmiracle2 what a great problem to have!
Try Elijah Craig.
Try lots of different scotches! Speyside single malts (like Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich) tend to have those grassy fruit notes. But Islay single malts (like Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bowmore) tend to have a complex, peat smoke flavor on top of earthy, briney tones. They vary so significantly by region that it's hard to say "Scotch" has one particular flavor profile :) Happy tasting!
Well said!
My bottle is 86 proof. Did they increase the proof recently?
Very nice review. I've had this and have purchased it a few times------very nice blended malt scotch. I imagine I might get another bottle sometime as it was rather tasty in my opinion............
I need to get a bottle of this. Everyone keeps saying great things about it. My current hidden gem, great value Scotch is Glen Garioch Founders Reserve. Fantastic stuff.
Just got a bottle of this. Great stuff...
Welcome to a fantastic new world
Nice, I like your videos. Maybe leave a timestamp in the description that skips directly to the nosing/tasting portion for anybody who just wants to get right to it? Awesome channel, thanks
+ultracoolhomies That's a good idea. I could do one for each section. Thanks for the suggestion!
Monkey Shoulder is delicious, a great way to get into whiskey with smooth flavors and smells it hits all the right spots!!!
I drink a lot of bourbon and Scotch, but I do enjoy this as a everyday dram based on the price.
its a great daily sipper you are right not terribly complex but tasty two-three note whisky
A great place to start
I love money shoulder
I like MS. It's not the best Scotch I've ever had, but it's definitely the best $30 Scotch I've ever had.
Monkey Shoulder is much catchier a name than "Non-OSHA Compliant"
Favorite "daily driver" if you will. Good flavor but not too crazy or assertive so you can drink it casually. Try ginger ale and monkey instead of coke. Lil more tame so you get more of the monkey notes hahaha.
A recommendation to all the Dic Heads out there. Just tried Glenfiddich 15 Solera blah blah good blah blah, TRY IT with a few drops of water. It really opens up and become a little more sweet but a lot more interesting.
+SheFlungDung Thanks for the recommendation!
Very Smokey oaky whisky is just so dericious
Beautiful bottle as well
If I already have and love Chivas Regal 12, should I bother with this one?
In my opinion, it's better than Chivas 12, but I think you should keep going. Try something better than both :)
As you rightly said, I just had it to whet my curiousity. I did not buy it a second time.
I'm drinking some now very nice whiskey for the price
It makes a great old fashioned.
May i reccomend a bottle Trails End bourbon? I just bought one myself and im loving every drop! I wasnt a huge fan of Monkey shoulder, alcohol was too strong on the nose and palette, it tasted like a straight mixer. Im thinking i got a bad bottle. Cheers!
+Dantheman626 You may have. The alcohol isn't very bold compared to most.
I'll look around for trails end bourbon. I'm not sure that I've seen it before
what does the "bottled in 80 proof" mean? thank you
80 proof is a term that is used to describe alcohol content. 80 proof is equal to 40% ABV
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary thanks
I was drinking Johnnie Green Label before trying this since I had heard good things about it and I must say I actually prefer it.
I've been doing a lot of research on this whiskey... As in looking at other views and reviews of this.. I've been wanting to try better whiskeys and scotches.. Im planning on buying my 1st bottle of this today.. Looking forward to trying it out.. I called one of the local liquor stores and they don't carry it.. So I have to go out further to another place.. 29.99.. Unfortunately I have to wait another 7hrs. I'm at work
The price is right at least!
I just realized I put an e in the whisky
Bill, did you get the bottle overseas? It is bottled at 43% for the US market. As I said to Jason Whisky Wise, nice but meh. Great price though, on sale here in PA right now for $25.99. Spot on review by the way.
+Triplecap Thanks Triple! Mine is definitely 40%. I bought it two years ago though. Maybe that has something to do with it?
I bet it does, my bottles were both bought in about the last 12 months.
I need to find myself a 43% bottling
It's 43%
Actually, coming from Four Roses, this scotch was a little less smooth than I expected. I made an Old Fashioned with it and loved it, but neat, It was quite challenging for me, especially after I heard every whisky youtuber say it was so approachable. But I will keep drinking it and get used to it with some ice perhaps!
You're a yank, have you tried Berkshire Bourbon Smoke And Peat? It's a Massachusetts whiskey. Sounds interesting. Was curious if you've tried it and if so. Is it worthy?
+SheFlungDung I haven't tried it yet. But ive spoken with the distillery. It's on my list of drinks to get to :)
It tastes like bacon.......hickory smoked, thick-cut, luscious, bourbon cured bacon.....well, at least that’s what is should taste like.
The first time I've ever poured whisky down the drain - Monkey Shoulder. Maybe I got a bad bottle, the cork was a little bit damaged when I opened it but gosh, despite my most valiant efforts and a ton of patience, it just never got better or good in any way - I even tried a couple cocktails which I normally don't do but ugh, no. I love the component malts so it's really hard to say what exactly was wrong with my bottle but I won't be buying another. Why not give it away you ask? Because, it was just that offensive. Aluminum isn't usually a note I'm looking for.
I will agree that Monkey Shoulder is, at best, a great starter to scotch, however, it DOES sound like something was off about your bottle. It's a blended scotch, it's not going to wow anyone, but to me, it was far from offputting.
Very interesting. Thanks.
I just crushed a bottle of Bulliet rye. This stuff looks good wish I had some
If you liked that rye, I suggest woodford reserve rye
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I sure did like it. I will keep an eye open.
Do you have a Twitter? Also what are your thoughts (opinionated bc everyone has different opinion) on gluten free whiskey?
All whisky is gluten free because of the distilling process. So anyone telling you different is trying to sell you on something :)
I do have a Twitter, although I'm on instagram more. @thewhiskeydic
I made the mistake of buying a bottle of Nikka from the barrel before the monkey's shoulder. The Nikka had many of the same taste notes but much richer. The monkey just tasted a little thin in comparison.
Monkey gets WAY too much credit imo
Nice review, just covered it and think its a great balanced starter whisky but then again the Ghost Reserve is insane from WG&S
This is great for making an old fashioned
This is the first scotch i tried and was the reason. I shutdown scotches all together. It is just rancid to me. Even tried to give the bottle to my friends and they said they wouldn’t serve it to anyone...
Love your channel I just had question you see for me JD is the best Whiskey out there can you name a Whiskey better than J.D?
There are tons of them. It just depends on your taste. Not everyone is ready to move off of Jack and Coke, but if you like JD then stick with a bourbon. Maybe try Four Rose's Small batch
The Whiskey Dic Thank you so much ♡♡♡♡ keep them videos coming I love whiskeys
I love Monkey Shoulder and great review as always .. just found out that they released another Monkey Shoulder called Smokey Monkey... I know you haven't done a review on it but would you know where I can pick up a bottle here in the States??
I'm trying to find a place myself! Its gonna be hard to get for a while
Somewhat off topic, but since you talked about mixing - any opinions on a bourbon for mixing with egg nog for the holidays?
+Paul Sousa I literally have no idea... but I'll research it and let you know!
The Whiskey Dic Also, just picked up Makers for my second bottle of bourbon. Pretty good, but I actually think I prefer the Eagle Rare.
+Paul Sousa I agree with that. Eagle Rare is better imo
The Whiskey Dic It’s interesting, Makers is easier to drink neat even though the ABV is the same. Almost seems watered down on the front end. It finishes pretty well, but pretty simple in my noob opinion.
this is sufficiently complex but I miss the sharp power of the Caol Ila and the smokes that come with it.
I gotta say, this one didn't work for me. Is there such a thing as a mild scotch? I've had worse blends, but for me nothing really stands out on this one...
Have you tried Glenlivet 12? Glenmorangie 12?
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary The Glenlivet 12 is nice. Just didn't care for the Monkey Shoulder. People like it, just not for me...
You should try the smokey monkey version of this!!! It appeared in one of the better supermarket here in the UK and is a bit nicer than the standard monkey!!!!
Impossible to get here in the states unfortunately. Someday maybe
Why am I getting a super ripe banana for my nosing.
Nosing and taste is pretty subjective. I get that same ripe banana nose on Buffalo Trace, and haven't heard anyone else say that. Lol
Great whisky and great review.
Thanks!
Think this whisky is also targeted to cocktail makers. Not to expensive and not too dominant flavourwise.
I tried Monkey Shoulder, and it tastes more like the south end of a north bound monkey to me. I really like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, so it must be the Kininvie that's ruining it.
the only mixed drink I will ever drink...jack and coke, cheers.
What does 80proof means? Sorry newbie here
40% Alcohol by volume
I don't agree with stirring the whiskey because it'S way higher alcohol than wine butyou'Re doing good
+Thomas Lacasse thanks! I love a7x btw
What’s the next step up? I’ve been drinking this and Johnny Green for the longest time. I finish a litre bottle every week. On ice or neat. No mixers.
Have you tried Glenlivet 12?
You do top notch stuff man, I enjoy my spirits like an badger, looking forward to seeing more of this.
BTW, cant help but think of this being called Whisky Dic, sorry couldn't help it.
+Fuzzy Images Thanks! That's a great compliment.
As for the whiskey dic thing? That's the joke! I'm glad you got it
Oh that's the channel name, I don't even have my own drinking as a good excuse for that.
+Fuzzy Images Its all good! What's your current favorite dram?
I'm not really mush of a connoisseur, I just like trying things out. Financially I drink rather rarely and on special occasions, so it tends to just be simple Evan Williams or Jim Beam for me. I do want to try this one out though.
+Fuzzy Images Sounds good. I'm trying to get some ideas for next week's bottle
Do the noses you get come from somewhere or something specific? Or is it just a coincidence that is smells like pear, oranges etc? Good Work.
Loved it
I love your reviews because they give your palate, whether or not it’s a value, and some history behind the whisk(e)y. I do have a different palate however, because I found Monkey Shoulder to be extremely overrated, and found Johnnie Walker Red to be superior in every way. I thought monkey shoulder tasted like vanilla gasoline. I mean the bite is harsher than Johnnie Red, and lacks the tasty smokiness. Just my opinion, that seems to contrast yours in this case. Keep up the good work though, I enjoy the videos.
Interesting point of view. Most of what I say about JW Red is more for the joke than anything... although i dont enjoy it, i dont hate it as much as i act like
The Whiskey Dic lol, yeah I noticed that in the review of JW Red. Actually it’s funny, the way you reviewed JW Red is the way I’d review Jack Daniel’s Old no. 7.
2023 UPDATE: I have to come back now 4 years later and retract my opinion of this whisky. First of all, I was a newbie to scotch from the budget bourbon world at the time. I hadn’t tried or acclimated my palate to scotch. I thought I only loved smokey scotches. I still love Johnnie Walker Black….but Monkey Shoulder is head and freaking shoulders above JW Red Label! I don’t know what I was thinking other than I just didn’t have a developed palate. I’ve had Highland Park 12 and 15, Macallan 12, Glenlivet 12 and 18, Glenfiddich 12….after having higher end scotches, I came back to these others that I hadn’t tried since I first started my journey.
Monkey Shoulder is now one of my favorites. I stock JW Black Label…but I never stock Red Label anymore…I’ll pickup Teacher’s Highland Ceam for $4 less with better flavor and higher proofing.
My apologies for my young and still developing palate and not knowing what the f*** I was talking about. Still love your content!
Wow! 4 years later you found your own comment and showed that you've come a long way. Love that you took the time.
Seems like you've tried some pretty good stuff since the last time we talked and I hope you still continue down that path.
If you enjoy the JW Black, I think you may be able to start drinking some lightly peated whiskies. Keep your eyes out for Scarabus... I think it'll be up your ally. Let me know in 4 years when you drink nothing by Ardbeg and Octomore :)
@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Lol. I actually have tried Ardbeg 10 and it hit me like a punch in the face with creamy smoke….I did enjoy it, but it was just a little too peaty for me. I enjoy more balance. Highland Park 12 is my favorite single malt. I love the Sherry / Medium Peat balance. I really do like most of the blended scotches now. The only NAS blend I’ll buy now is Teacher’s Highland Cream (which you should totally review….pretty please).
My go-tos are Highland Park 12, JW Black, the NEW Dewar’s 12, Monkey Shoulder, Naked Malt, and Teacher’s Highland Cream.
Thanks for your content. Been a long-time subscriber.
A wise man once said never swirl your whisky before smelling as you're just smelling alcohol vapours evaporating off the side of the glass...