The Whisk(e)y Vault - Episode 23 - Monkey Shoulder
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- An episode of The Whisk(e)y Vault hosted at Whisky Marketing School in Austin, TX.
Today we talk about "Monkey Shoulder" from William Grant
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The Whisky Vault is the resource library for whisky sommeliers that have graduated from Whisky Marketing School. Learn more at whiskymarketing.org
![Monkey Shoulder FLAVO[U]R DRIFT Comparison](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UrKzz4e6DQw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Monkey Shoulder FLAVO[U]R DRIFT Comparison](/img/tr.png)
thanks COVID for making me a connosuier of whisky (I mean alcoholic)
🤣🤣🤣 me too!
LMFAO!
Never have I ever been so offended by something I 100% agree with 😂 Just joking, still, Covid brought me into Whisky 🥃
Lol saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame. Drunk on it now!
Snap lmao 😂
Just bought this as my first whisky ever thanks to you guys. Here’s to being 21! Cheers from Wisconsin
I have to be honest and say that I was really struggling with lock down in the UK. Then I found this channel which has been a great way to break up the boredom and help me keep my sanity in these difficult times. Which is surprising as although I like bourbon I've never really paid much attention to what I'm drinking and have no real interest in whisk(e)y as such.
Both of your passion and enthusiasm for whisk(e)y is infectious and has changed my perspective. So much so that I bought a bottle of Monkey Shoulder today and a couple of Glencairn glasses. Looking forward to nosing and supping on a dram or two later this evening. Feels like an initiation into the intriguing world of whisk(e)y.
So I'd like to wrap up by saying thank you to Daniel & Rex for making life just that little bit more bearable in gloomy times. Your videos really have lifted the spirits.
Cheers guys!
I know this comment is older but i wanted to reply that my experience was exactly the same! Found the guys in Lockdown and first purchase was a Monkey Shoulder and some Glencairn's.
This is my first true scotch. I bought it because of your recommendation and I’m loving it. So far I have bought monkey shoulder, buffalo trace, Jamison, and a few others due to watching you two. Thanks!?
Just picked up a bottle same reason why, i love it
Josh Vincent same with me! Being new to the whiskey world I rely on these guys a lot
Same here. Bought it tonight and it’s really good. This is coming from a bourbon guy.
Same. Tried a Jameson Stout Caskmate as well. Delicious.
I also bought a bottle of monkey shoulder because of these guys. Before that i tasted whiskey 10 times in my life max. I see them talking about flavors and such but all i get is alcohol and a funny taste wich in no case i can say it has caramel butter etc.. is there a time/ point where you start to tell differences????
An ode to Monkey Shoulders: I cannot get this out of my head. I had some last night and I want you to understand I am a bourbon drinker through and through. I have tried Dewar’s, Johhny Walker Red and Black, and Glenliviet 12 and to me I could not stomach it. One sip and it was down the drain. I have to say Monkey Shoulders hit all my spots. The taste really was a sweet and an inviting blend that could be paired well with a pipe. With bourbons, I notice the pipe overtakes the taste and there is no bourbon flavor to be really had after the intake of the pipe. Monkey Shoulders really had that lingering taste and really brought the flavors out of a cherry vanilla pipe. For the price point, it is hard to believe that this can be as inviting and friendly as it is. Most times when you think scotch, the higher you pay for a bottle the better it will be. Not necessarily in this case. This is truly a delight and if you are a bourbon drinker, this will easily guide you into scotch. I truly am still thinking about the flavor, of this dare I say, magnificent scotch. Monkey Shoulder is a blend of three Speyside Malts; Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kininvie. William Grant and Sons are the current owner and have surpassed Johnnie Walker as the best selling Scotch Whisky among the world’s leading high-end bars. This is of course with good reason. This should be in everyone’s bar as a great entry to scotch. I cannot get over the uniqueness that is had in this blend. I am truly converted into the world of scotch and see more and more scotches permeating my bourbon collection. If you are a bourbon drinker, I highly recommend this as your introduction to scotch.
you guys should have a podcast
That's basically what this is, just with a added bonus of watching these two magnificent bastards do strange facial expressions while (almost) discussing Whisk(e)y's.
@@WormsWeGot you got to know that i would totally listen to this on apple podcast and it would create revenue for you.
@@WormsWeGot you got to know that i would totally listen to this on apple podcast and it would create revenue for you.
They just did a podcast a couple days ago
I totally agree
I just took my first sip of Monkey Shoulder, all thanks to you guys. Cheers!
I'm not even a hard liquor man, but after watching y'all's channel for a couple of months now, I finally went out and picked a bottle up.
PS. Am I now a Magneficent Bastard?
monkey shoulder is one of my go to whisky's when I'm not trying to spend a lot of money. damn good stuff for the price.
Just bought this. You guys are slowly making me an alcoholic lmao.
Right this guys made me go bye a bottle and cigar and I got screwball whiskey 🥃 it’s good 🔥 can’t wait to add more bottles
If you're arrogant, it's snobby
If you are overjoyed with glee and excitement like Daniel - it's nerdy :)
Just tried this based on this review. I have to say, I'm very, very glad I did.
It's funny how much Rex hates the aroma kit when he looks so much like the guy who created it
I blindly bought this as my first scotch and it's been my favorite ever since. This review only reinforces my obsession.
Just bought a bottle of Monkey Shoulder today (my first scotch I will have) to celebrate the beginning of my last semester of undergrad! Just about to pour some, and figured I should watch this video while I try scotch for the first time! Cheers! :D
Congratulations on the final semester!
Thanks! Hopefully it goes well. I figured starting with my first pour of scotch is getting off on the right foot. And i just finished the first pour. It was so unique! I've never tasted anything like that. Only having bourbons and one rye before this I wasn't sure what to expect, but I didn't expect it to be completely different. I see why people are really into whiskey: there is so much variety!
Loved your book "Wealth of Nations"
@@SisypheanSeas13 haha. Thanks! You should also check out "A Theory of Moral Sentiments". :)
Was never a whiskey guy until I saw my buddy with a bottle of Elijah Craig. So, instead of just grabbing that, I found your top 10 beginner's video and this was the whiskey I chose to start and might I say, it is delicious. Love the channel and the Tribe channel as well, impressively informative and enjoyable!
This was my first scotch,was impressed how smooth it was
My journey into whisk(e)y's will be a very inhebriated adventure
The first scotch i ever had was a dalwhinnie 15, i actually have yet to try monkey shoulder as i have a hard time liking blended scotch.
Where the hell has this been my whole life. I too have become a whisk(e)y fan due to Covid-19 and your videos. Got more Monkey Shoulder on it's way (thank you home delivery). Keep up the great videos and reviews
Ordered a taste of this today and was given a "knowing" look by the bartender, thanks for making me seem way more informed than I am!
lol. 😁😂
Okay just bought my bottle yesterday, first serious scotch buy ever! Poured myself a couple ounces neat and really struggled, but since then I've been making progressively stronger highballs and am actually enjoying it!
I'm drinking this while watching :)
Me too
same 😊
Me too. But I'm distracted by all those bottles in the background.
Me too!
Same
Daniel's laughs in these early episodes was infectious
After nearly a decade away from scotch I came back to it with this. Very sweet and "friendly". But I got bored with it before the bottle was done. Maybe I have a bad nose but I only got a jolly rancher watermelon off the nose and basic caramel sweetness from it. Good if you just turned 21 but I think there are better choices for the price if you decide to really get into spirits. Still it's a good one for company.
I'm an amateur drinker of whisky. So far, I've tried Jim Beam, Bird Dog, Four Roses and Monkey Shoulder. While Monkey Shoulder is my preference out of all, I must honestly admit I don't (to this point) enjoy Bourbon or Scotch.
Turns out my preferences go more toward Gin, Moonshine and Clear Liquors. I still get a great kick out of watching your content, and still will watch you guys, your experience is cool to see.
Cheers!
Purchased my first bottle of Monkey Shoulder this week end. Took a sip and it proved to be smooth. I special ordered it from my small town liquor store located in Missouri for $42.99.
I enjoed it. My wife hated it, but she is not a scotch fan.
Cheers to the Whisky vault for turning me onto this scotch.
Sam's Club had a $23 bottle of this today. I stared at it a minute and then decided, well, it's only $23.
$23?! I just bought today at $40 =(
Greg Camp envy you guys. It's 53$ in Canada :(
I live in the socialist public of New Jersey, so no luck on that pricing here.
Greg Camp cost me 34 after tax
I love monkey shoulder. It's cheap, smooth and rich and I never get a hangover from drinking it always my go to whiskey
0:59 That's my problem!! There's a big leak in the bottle at the top.
Ran to store for a friend and decided to checkout the liquor store while near their house. They had Monkey Shoulder so I picked up a bottle and I'm so glad I did, may be my new on-hand whisky.
I have been drinking wiskie for a couple years now and I can say I never fully appreciated the different notes until I came to your channel keep up the great work one bottle I enjoy Gibson's 12 year thank you for all your hard work
The Modern Rogues brought me to you guys.
After 6 months of binge watching what you do, I recently bought my first Whiskies: Bushmills and MonkeyShoulder.
This is the beginning of a new adventure.
Thank you for opening my "spirits".
***Is there a place with some charts from WhiskySmiths already completed so I can base my exploration on something concrete?***
I arrived to this channel the same way. Today I've tried Monkey Shoulder for the first time (after hearing so many good stories about it on this channel) and I can confirm its a delight. Thanks to the Tribe for the recommendation.
Some of my personal favorites: Highland Park 12, Laphroaic (any of them really), Naked Grouse and now Monkey Shoulder.
I took my wife out today to try out the monkey shoulder for the first time for both of us due to me hearing this whiskey 3 times in your videos. I went out and just purchased a bottle at Trader Joe’s of this stuff. I hope Monkey Shoulder is sponsoring you :) it’s a fantastic whiskey, thanks for educating me on it! Slainte!
I guess I'll have to try this again. ...maybe. I just remember feeling very meh about it. It's OK, and nothing about it stands out. I feel like their review kind of lines up with that. They really didn't have much to say about it other than that it's pretty good and has a buttery, caramel nose. They really didn't say much about it compared to other whiskeys they review. There's just not much to be said. But, I haven't tried it in a few years. I'll give it another try.
Just picked up a bottle of this because you guys recommend it a lot. I'm a very new whiskey drinker (I'm fairly new to alcohol in general). This is the first whiskey I tried neat as opposed to a shot or in Coke. I really like it. The bottle is fun too, the cork made me smile when I took the plastic off.
I just bought my first bottle of monkey shoulder, and it just might be one of my favorites as well. Super supple, soft, and sweet. Wonderful mouth feel. Love it.
Picked up a bottle today ($35 right now in NoVa). Seeing that it took the top spot in Best Whiskey For The Money [Crowdsourced from Whisk(e)y Lovers] episode (I think). I will have to make sure to see if bottle purchased in Va empties as fast as the ones Rex appears to buy in Tx. Cheers
I love how this video is in the top ten of most popular videos for the Vault. Just goes to show that Monkey Shoulder is the Patron Whiskey of the Tribe! Cheers MBs! 🥃
I've always been a rum guy and I just picked this up for the first time today upon recommendation and I gotta say I am impressed with how good this drink is. Cheers from a new sub🥃
Just bought a bottle after watching you guys. Love it!
Monkey shoulder is the most slept on whiskey ever......my new favorite thanx!
I found you guys recently and after binge watching about 20 episodes I got the itch to try a new whiksy. I settled with Monkey Shoulder. I drank a LOT of lagavulin overseas and I really liked the way it's smokiness paired with a cigar. I thank you guys for your insight and I really loved the Monkey Shoulder what a great middle ground scotch. SUBSCRIBED !
Thank you so much for this recommendation!! Monkey Shoulder has been - for the past month - my intro into the world of whiskey. The store close by - Roseville, CA - is $42. The grocery store 5 minute walk is $29. I have been at the grocery store a few more times lately. (shrug) I like to share.
I've been watching you guys for about 4 years, trying a few things here and there (Jameson, Jim beam, Jack Daniels) and have always thought that maybe whisk(e)y just isn't for me, because it just tasted like 40% alcohol to me. Never stopped watching you guys though and the name monkey shoulder stayed with me for some reason and recently I saw it at a grocery store I frequent. I got it and now I'm having trouble deciding whether I have become more of an alcoholic or if I found my whisky for half of the bottle has disappeared in a matter of days.
This was my first Scotch, and beyond that, my second drink... first was Makers 46. Enjoyed this much more. Thanks for turning me on to it! Now I'm looking forward to trying Kirk and Sweeny 12 year rum, and also Papa's Pilar Dark 24 year rum!
I remember buying a bottle of monkey shoulder from a cruiseship taxfree shop in a terrible hangover. Good times and a great whisky👍👍
Trying this for the first time, as a whiskey newbie. I found a bottle here in Taiwan for US$22.00 excited to try it!~
I just bought a bottle of Monkey Shoulder, Oban 14, and Angels Envy. It's going to be a good day
Thanks to you guys I now own a bottle of this fantastic whisky!
So, I've been sipping on monkey shoulder and there was a note that fought me off guard. Buttered unsalted popcorn.
Thomas Fowler Lmao
I started with this stuff. I went from Monkey Shoulder, to Macallan to Glenfiditch to Glenmorangie to Laphroaig
Tom Hartbeck same here. I drink the Glenfiditch on my grandfather’s birthday once a year, and the Laphroaig on a lazy Saturday evening in front of a camp fire.
I just found your channel yesterday, and I've already watched 6-7 videos that I loved, now here is my favourite Scotch. I damn love you guys! :D
It's one of those whiskies that you either love or you hate, or you think it's alright. Personally, I wasn't too crazy about this one. $75 CAD. Smooth and a very prevalent fruitiness. Almost an orange tang element to it. no salt, no smoke. Easy drinking. I'm not saying we didn't finish the bottle.
I'm glad I am going back and watching all these videos. I do learn a lot, and love the rants. Despite what Rex feels about them, lol.
I have to say I picked up a bottle because of y'all and I love it. Maybe more than my bourbon... Which isn't saying much I haven't tried many expensive whiskeys. But for the price it's one of the best whiskeys I've had
Just bought a bottle Monkey Shoulder after seeing all the recommendations on this channel and I’m in love! This is my first bottle of scotch and a welcome change of pace from the bourbon I’ve been drinking. Wanting to work towards smokey stuff but maybe I will just hang out and try more Speysides for a while.
About 4 years ago this video got me curious enough to try Monkey Shoulder. Granted, I had just turned 21 and I knew fuck all about alcohol in general, but to this day Monkey Shoulder is still my favorite whiskey over all. Absolutely love it. Drinking Knob Creek while watching but it holds nothing over Monkey Shoulder for me
my favorite tasting note in this is this deep golden buttery honey aroma, almost like a mead, along with bread.
that and a slight bitter barrel note on the very end. i'd call it friendly but balanced and complex enough not to bore you.
I really appreciate how you guys remove the pretentiousness from the analysis of a good whiskey. Thanks for all these reviews...although you're making my bank statement rise exponentially.
Could not find this in Saskatchewan. Finally picked one up at a duty free in Mexico. Can’t wait.
I am just about to buy a bottle so thought I would check out this episode quickly as I heard you mentioning that this was one of your favourites.
in the UK Monkey Shoulder is currently the same price as the 10yr glenmorangie so will be interesting to compare the two (i know not the same but enjoyment factor)
Cheers guys for the great episode anyway. I shall let you know my findings after the weekend!
Noob whiskey drinker here, just getting started.
I began with Buffalo Trace, then to Elijah Craig, and recently finished a bottle of Sazerac Rye. Today, I just purchased a bottle of Monkey Shoulder (batch 27) as I assumed it would be a good introduction as my first scotch
As I sip on my 2nd dram and write this, I'm leaning towards feeling not too impressed, which is funny because Daniel said that the tasting notes sucked right around the 1:07 point in the video. LOL. I will give my pallet time to acclimate.
I guess perhaps I should have purchased an Irish whiskey, or maybe I should have simply jumped into an Ardbeg or Laphroaig 10
Such a long journey ahead. I enjoy strolling along the road ventured by you inglorious malty sons of magnificent bastards ;)
I just got my first bottle of Monkey Shoulder, and came back to see if your notes matched mine, and OH MY GOD, Rex's little haircut!
Bought a bottle last night. New to Whisk(e)y beyond drinking Manhattan's, mainly with my 75 year old dad. Made a couple Rob Roy's last night and like the difference. Had my first two neat bourbon's tonight and some Monkey Shoulder right now...Probably should have started with Monkey Shoulder as it is very friendly and tasty!!
Just bought this again after 3yrs, it’s still just as good as I remember 👍
the nosing kit part makes me laugh every time i watch this one
Monkey Shoulder is my favourite blended scotch. It's the one I offer people that haven't tried scotch or they've tired scotch before but didn't like it. It's always a winner.
Same as me as well
Did you know the metal medallion of the three monkeys stuck on the bottle is easily removed when the bottle is empty. There are three clear round adhesive pads, one on each monkey affixing the monkeys to the bottle. My wife wanted the monkeys in order to make a set of earrings out of them. They pry off from the top easily if you use a small pocket knife. Nice momento from each bottle.
I got this for my dad's birthday this year. To him all whiskey taste the same but I will definitely be getting more for myself.
Just watched a few of your other videos, loved them, then subscribed. Now I see that you are from my hometown? Awesome. ATX baby
Heck ya!
For such a low alcohol content I was surprised by the amount of burn at the front,this was my first scotch that I purchased from watching your show.I do own a bottle of Cardhu that a friend bought me years ago and I like it more that the monkey shoulder !
I never once thought of a whiskey as sweet until after I tried this. I'm a budget whiskey drinker who found your channel just a few days ago, and I tried Monkey Shoulder because it's one of the few whiskys you reviewed that my local liquor store has. I should specify, the Monkey Shoulder is good, but not sweet to me. What tasted really sweet was the Evan Williams I normally drink. The Monkey Shoulder made it taste like candy in comparison.
Jura Origin could be a good one for you almost too sweet for me, its like drinking honey.
All I tasted the entire time was honey and an oakyness. Kind of reminded me of eating sugar cane stalks as a kid. Added an ice cube to the last little bit and completely changed the flavor which was sort of interesting. Definitely sweet to me compared to other straight liquors.
Well, thanks for the recommendation! This whisky gave my buddy a broken noose, what a fun night.
I agree with Daniel! Wanting to know is nerdy. Expecting others to know, or looking down at them for not knowing is pretentious.
I am enjoying this as you speak.
I'm a new subscriber and relatively new to the world of Whiskey, Scotch, and Bourbon. Buying a bottle of Monkey Shoulder this afternoon. I've been drinking Nikka Coffee Grain Whiskey lately, but need to start branching out. Thanks guys!!!
I love listening to these vids in the background while I get my office work done. Sometimes customers hear the "conversation" in the background when I'm on the phone and it helps to bolster my reputation as someone not to be f&#*ed with :)
That's genius
Bought my 1st bottle today! I am a noob at this so I hope to continue learning about whiskey
How's it going so far?
Started to get a little worried about how much I was drinking, so I took a month off the bottle, and in turn your channel to avoid the extra temptation. Felt like I was in good shape, so I grabbed a bottle of Monkey Shoulder because the name stuck out to me, and I'm glad to see you've got a video on it! I figured there was no better way to enjoy the first glass than with this video. Glad to be back to your videos, I missed you guys!
What kind of impact do you feel the month had?
@@copsarebastards It hasn't been life changing, but I definitely think it was the right move for me. There's a lot of addiction in my family, and I don't want to go down the same road. Now mind you I wasn't a full-blown alcoholic, ruin my own life kind of drinker. I just started noticing I was drinking more, and more regularly than in the past and didn't want it to develop into an addiction.
Just got this as a gift, pretty good stuff.
Just bought a bottle. It's a very "pretty" blended scotch. It's a great gateway whiskey for beginners because it doesn't have a bite. I'm no whiskey expert only having 12 different types under my belt. My girlfriend loves it because its so easy to drink. Can almost guarantee that me and a few of my friends can easily polish off a whole bottle in one night.
I find it quite malty the same as Glenfiddich. I love bottle design. Looks great 👍
Definitely the first scotch I have ever gotten in to. Fairly recent, and I will likely get more very soon. Now I need to go back to the Glenfiddich I bought 34 yrs ago, and could not find anything appealing about. Maybe it's grown on me.
Just got my first bottle today. Massive difference between it and the garbage I got for $16 on sale a year or so ago that's still sitting around. My local store had it on sale for $24.
I thought about going on an all-almond diet. But that's just nuts
I bought monkey shoulder and its an easy whiskey to drink. Great for introducing others to the world of whiskey
You guys are awesome. I'd always just stuck with Jack Daniels. You've opened my eyes to do many other awesome whiskeys. I love monkey shoulder, and Buffalo Trace. And I tired bulleit rye and it is one of my be favorites. Keep doing what you're doing.
You guys are f... amazing.Thank you for your videos,I am going through them like crazy, I love whiskey/bourbon, even though my first love are fruit brandy's(non commercial/no sugars added in mash) which are Croatia's pride and joy.All the best to you guys and continue with awesome job you are doing!
Just started watching you guys and you're ****ing legends. Thank you for doing what you do. Because without you , I'd never have the balls to try half of these, especially for the price of some. The nose on this to me is very much BANANA BREAD, I wrote it like that because its screaming at me right now!! lol. Much love from BC Canada.
"This is pretension in a box". Hilarious!
Just walked into a liquor store and bought a bottle of this because of how many times I’ve heard you mention it. Haven’t even watched this video yet lol. Also got I.d’d two times for it so not only do I think I have a good whisky I also feel like I’m 18 again LOL it’s a good day!
I went out and bought a bottle the following day after first seeing this vid, that was a little over a year ago and I’m probably about 8 bottles in. For the price point it cannot be beat, hands down. I’ve started experimenting with blending it with other scotches and my new favorite is about a 4 part monkey shoulder 1 part Ardbeg 10... a great balance of caramely malty peaty goodness.... Mmmm nyum nyum nyum
Just finished my first bottle and can honestly say its a very nice well mannered scotch. I'm looking forward to the next to see how much it will change bottle to bottle being a male blend.
Just bought this randomly for 33 euro, because it had nice bottle and I decided I want to get more into whiskey. I am happy I randomly took this one, but for next one, I will look up wich ones are worth to buy. Really like the taste.
"Pretention in a box" - Supreme Mooch Rex
Lost. My. Shit. haha
Monkey Shoulder is a great blend, with a great nose. Reminds me of Glenmorangie original, but without the "scotch" finish...
I wish it had the finish... It leaves me wanting more...
At my local store, Glenmorangie is the same price, thus I'll likely spring for more of that over the Monkey Shoulder...
That´s like calling your deodorant "Asbestosis"
The smelling kit is a great idea . Especially when you are tasting multiple whiskies
How innocent and clean Rex looked back then... 🤣🤣
this is what has me confused. when you say "multiple single malts" will that always mean: single = one distillery. malt = single grain? this question focuses on the "single" aspect. will single always mean a different distillery? could a single distillery make their own blended whisk(e)ys from their own supply? if this sounds ignorant it is because I am very ignorant about whisk(e)y but have recently found the topic interesting.
Good questions. Prepare for a super nerdy answer. The words "Single" and "Malt" are talking about two different things. The first word is always about distilleries. "Single"=one distillery and "Blended"= multiple distilleries. The second word is about the type of grain mash. "malt"= 100% barley and "grain" = a mash of various grains usually involving wheat, corn, and barley. So "Single Grain" whisky wouldn't mean "only one grain". It means "one distillery / grain mash".
Think of all scotch as 5 categories broken into "Mom, Dad, and the three kids".
Mom = Single Malt
Dad = Single Grain
Kid 1 (product of only moms) = Blended Malt
Kid 2 (product of only dads) = Blended Grain
Kid 3 (product of moms and dads) = Blended Scotch
thank you! I tend to like nerdy answers. they contain the best information. I whipped out my phone and took a picture of the screen to reference later. so in the case of monkey shoulder they took the malt whiskeys from 3 different distilleries to get the flavor profile they wanted. I understand now.
I just got some, going to try it tonight. Kinda new to whisky, especially scotch. But it kept coming recommended as a good entry point. We'll see how it goes.
First minute, love these cats.
But you did educate nicely.