Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey is a premium blend of single malt whiskies, crafted to bring a smoky edge to classic cocktails. This small batch release, created by William Grant & Sons in 2017, is matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 40% ABV. The palate is a delightful mix of sweet vanilla, fiery black pepper, bright citrus, and earthy peat smoke, resulting in a sweet and smokier taste with notes of peat and barley sugar.
This unique expression combines unpeated and peated Highland whiskies, imparting a subtle smoky aroma that complements the creamy sweetness and spice of the original Monkey Shoulder. The peaty malt, paired with the characteristic creaminess of Monkey Shoulder, makes it perfect for adding a twist to everything from simple highballs to sophisticated Old Fashioneds.
The nose is initially fruity with notes of honeydew melon and orange peel, followed by a gentle sweetness that leads to a full-bodied flavor. The taste unveils layers of vanilla, earthiness, and prominent peat smoke, finishing with oaky, toffee, fruity, and cereal notes. As a versatile and charming whisky, Smokey Monkey won gold at the International Spirits Challenge 2020.
Released as a "Bar Exclusive" in 2017 due to the demand from bartenders for a smoky twist in classic Scotch cocktails, the smokiness in Smokey Monkey is achieved by blending components with a Highland whisky whose malted barley has been dried over a peat fire. This gives it notes of vanilla, spices, citrus, and dry peat smoke after maturation in ex-bourbon casks.
The ABV of Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey is 40%.
Smokey Monkey combines unpeated and peated Highland whiskies, adding a subtle smoky aroma and taste, while retaining the creamy sweetness and spice of the original Monkey Shoulder.
The smoky flavor is achieved by blending components with a Highland whisky whose malted barley has been dried over a peat fire, and then maturing the whisky in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.
The primary flavor notes include sweet vanilla, fiery black pepper, bright citrus, earthy peat smoke, oak, toffee, and barley sugar.
Yes, Smokey Monkey is a small batch release that was initially launched as a "Bar Exclusive" in 2017.
Overall taste: Monkey Shoulder Batch 9 Smokey Monkey offers a complex and smoky profile with hints of vanilla, earth, citrus, and peaty notes, resulting in a rich and multifaceted tasting experience.
The consensus among reviewers is that Monkey Shoulder Smokey Monkey is a decent whisky, suitable for casual enjoyment rather than deep contemplation. The aroma boasts gentle smoke, caramel, and orange notes, while the taste is somewhat thin but pleasant, featuring gentle peat notes and a short but pleasant finish. Some found it a bit watery, and while it doesn’t stand out against more complex single malts, it holds its own as a versatile and enjoyable blend. Overall, it is a well-executed blend with balanced smoky and sweet flavors, making it a good choice for those looking to explore peat without overwhelming intensity.
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