From Sparrow’s Scotch list, Monkey Shoulder is an easygoing, malty crowd-pleaser that drinks beautifully neat or in a cocktail ($13 by the pour, or $19.50 for a larger pour).
About Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky from William Grant & Sons, the family company behind Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. As the menu notes, it is a thoughtful blend of three Speyside single malts with no neutral grain spirit added, which is what keeps its full, complex flavor intact (a blended malt is built entirely from single malts, unlike a standard blended Scotch that leans on grain whisky). The malts are married together in small batches and matured in ex-bourbon casks. The name is a nod to the old malt-house workers who hand-turned barley and developed a tired, hanging arm by the end of a long shift, a fitting tribute given how hands-on this whisky is.
Tasting Notes
Speyside malts are known for being soft, sweet, and fruity, and Monkey Shoulder lives up to that reputation. Expect a creamy, approachable pour with notes of vanilla, honey, orange marmalade, and a little spice, all without any harsh edges. It is malty and rounded, the kind of Scotch that is just as happy on its own as it is anchoring a cocktail.
What to Pair It With
This is a versatile, mixable malt. Sip it neat or over a large cube, or let it shine in an Old Fashioned or a whisky sour. From the Sparrow dinner menu, it pairs nicely with the American Wagyu steaks, the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or the Truffle Deviled Eggs. It is a natural fit for an after-dinner pour in our 21+ lounge, and our daily happy hour from 3 to 5 PM is a friendly time to give it a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Monkey Shoulder?
Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky made by William Grant & Sons from three Speyside single malts, with no neutral grain spirit added, so it keeps a full, malty flavor.
How much is a pour of Monkey Shoulder at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland, Monkey Shoulder is $13 by the pour, or $19.50 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Glenlivet 12 and the Oban 14 yr. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come pour one.