IWSC Distiller of the Year William Grant & Sons has announced the arrival of the ground-breaking blended malt Scotch whisky, Monkey Shoulder, on American shores. Often referred to as one of the “most coveted” spirits in the U.S. due to its popularity among the bartending community and whisky connoisseurs, Monkey Shoulder has just landed exclusively in Illinois.
Since first appearing in bars across the United Kingdom in 2006, Monkey Shoulder has redefined whisky drinking for a new generation of Scotch whisky drinkers looking for an upgrade. What sets Monkey Shoulder apart from other whiskies is its unique combination of provenance and personality. By marrying five generations of award-winning distilling experience with a uniquely cheeky contemporary style and commitment to innovation within the Scotch category, Monkey Shoulder represents the ideal pairing of style and substance. A unique blend of three of Speyside’s finest Single Malts, Monkey Shoulder is matured in first fill Bourbon casks hand selected by iconic Malt Master Brian Kinsman, to ensure its signature smooth flavor.
“Monkey Shoulder is a new style of Scotch whisky—one rooted in heritage and tradition but firmly grounded in the contemporary world. Connoisseurs appreciate that Monkey Shoulder is a new style of Speyside whisky from a known world class distiller, while whisky newcomers are drawn to the mixability of the quality liquid and the irreverent and cheeky personality Monkey Shoulder presents to the category,” said Cindy Wang, Senior Brand Manager, Monkey Shoulder.
Monkey Shoulder is crafted in small batches of only 27 cases in Dufftown, Scotland, and offers a beautifully sweet and rich vanilla flavor, with brown sugar and creamy toffee notes balanced with oak and just a hint of spice. Monkey Shoulder already has a history of accolades and awards including a Gold award at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit competition, a Master distinction in the Speyside Blended Malt category at the 2011 Scotch Whisky Masters an a Gold award in the 2011 International Spirits Challenge.
“Having caught the eye of the world’s leading bartenders, it’s high time my talented and influential friends in the U.S. have the opportunity to obtain and appreciate a bottle of Monkey Shoulder without a trip to London,” said Dean Callan, global brand ambassador, Monkey Shoulder.
Monkey Shoulder will be available in the Chicagoland area starting January 6th in bars and select liquor stores, and will be rolling out in Texas later in 2012.
