Monkey Shoulder is a Speyside blended malt Scotch whisky, and it is poured at Grappa in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Smooth, mellow and endlessly approachable, it is the kind of whisky that wins over both seasoned drinkers and the merely curious — a relaxed, refined pour for any evening.
About the Distillery
Monkey Shoulder is crafted by William Grant & Sons, the Speyside family house behind some of Scotland’s most respected names. Rather than bottling a single distillery, their malt master marries together a handful of their own single malts — including Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie — into one harmonious whisky. The playful name nods to an old ailment of the maltmen who once turned barley by hand.
Style & Region
This is a blended malt Scotch — a marriage of several single malts, with no grain whisky involved — drawn entirely from the Speyside region, Scotland’s gentlest and most fruit-forward whisky country. The component malts are matured in ex-bourbon casks, then vatted together to settle into one seamless whole. There is no peat here; the focus is on softness, sweetness and easy charm.
Tasting Notes
Expect a bright nose of zesty orange, vanilla, honey and spiced oak. The palate is sweet and creamy, with notes of red apple, mellow vanilla, a wisp of cinnamon and a touch of green spice. The finish is medium and gently warming, with soft oak and a cooling, minty lift. It is the definition of smooth and welcoming.
What to Pair It With
Monkey Shoulder’s mellow sweetness is a friendly table companion. It is lovely with our Charcuterie Board, the honeyed malt softening the salt, and it works beautifully beside our American Wagyu Steaks. For dessert, pour it with the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Browse the full dine-in menu for more ideas.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Monkey Shoulder is poured neat at $14.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is a blended malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland, marrying single malts from William Grant & Sons including Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie.
What does it taste like?
It offers zesty orange, vanilla and honey on the nose, then a sweet, creamy palate of red apple and mellow vanilla with a soft, gently spiced finish.
Is it peated or smoky?
No. Monkey Shoulder is unpeated, leaning into soft, sweet, fruity Speyside character rather than smoke.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
