Monkeying Around with Scotch: My Experience with Monkey Shoulder

January 5, 2025

# Monkeying Around with Scotch: My Experience with Monkey Shoulder (Dubai Duty-free)

As a whisky enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting expressions to try. Yesterday, on January 4, 2025, I had the opportunity to sample Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Batch 27. In this post, I'll share my thoughts and impressions of this intriguing whisky.

First Impressions

Before opening the bottle, I was struck by the unique packaging and label design. The Monkey Shoulder brand has a playful, mischievous vibe that sets it apart from more traditional whisky brands. The label itself features a charming illustration of a monkey and a brief story about the origins of the brand's name.

Here's what the label says:

MONKEY SHOULDER BLENDED MALT SCOTCH WHISKY BATCH 27 THE ORIGINAL

SELECTED BY OUR MASTER BLENDER

BOLD ENOUGH TO BE NOTICED, YET BALANCED ENOUGH TO BE SHARED

BLENDED IN SMALL BATCHES FROM OUR FINEST SINGLE MALTS

And on the back label:

TURNING THE MALTING BARLEY BY HAND IS NO EASY TASK, JUST ASK ANY MALT MAN. YEARS AGO, SOME EVEN DEVELOPED A STRAIN INJURY FROM THE GRUELLING WORK, PLAYFULLY KNOWN AS MONKEY SHOULDER. THANKFULLY, THE CONDITION NO LONGER EXISTS.

The Experience

Upon pouring a dram, I was immediately struck by the whisky's rich, golden color. The aroma was complex and inviting, with notes of vanilla, oak, and a hint of citrus.

On the palate, Monkey Shoulder Batch 27 was smooth and approachable, with a silky texture that coated my tongue. The flavor profile was well-balanced, with a mix of sweet and savory notes. I detected hints of honey, caramel, and toasted nuts, along with a subtle smokiness.

The finish was long and satisfying, with a gentle warmth that lingered on my palate.

Thoughts and Impressions

Overall, I was impressed by the quality and complexity of Monkey Shoulder Batch 27. This whisky is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth, easy-drinking Scotch that's still packed with flavor.

One of the things that sets Monkey Shoulder apart is its unique blend of three single malts from different Speyside distilleries. This blend gives the whisky a rich, layered flavor profile that's both intriguing and delicious.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a Scotch that's a little bit different from the usual suspects, Monkey Shoulder Batch 27 is definitely worth trying. With its smooth texture, complex flavor profile, and affordable price point, this whisky is sure to appeal to a wide range of palates.

So why not give Monkey Shoulder a try? With its playful personality and serious whisky credentials, this brand is sure to become a new favorite.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Recommendation: Perfect for those who enjoy smooth, easy-drinking Scotch with a complex flavor profile.