Smokey Monkey: The Peated Whisky for Contemporary Mixology

Introduction and History of Smokey Monkey

Smokey Monkey is a bold and smoky variant of the renowned Monkey Shoulder, designed to offer bartenders a unique option in the world of mixology. Born from the same William Grant & Sons family, Smokey Monkey blends tradition and innovation, retaining the artisanal roots that made Monkey Shoulder an icon. This version enriches cocktails with a perfect peaty touch for those seeking distinctive flavors in their drinks. You can get more information here. You can find more information here.

Why It’s Different

Smokey Monkey stands out for its bold character and unique qualities:

• Peated Flavor Profile: Combines the sweet and smooth character of Monkey Shoulder with an intense smoky note that adds complexity and depth.
• Blended Scotch Whisky: Like the original Monkey Shoulder, it is made exclusively with malted barley, selecting high-quality single malts from the Speyside region.
• Small Batch Production: Distilled in small batches, each blend is carefully crafted to ensure a perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spice.
• Versatility: Ideal for reimagined classic cocktails and innovative creations, thanks to its unique balance of soft and intense flavors.

Product Characteristics

• Color: Dark amber.
• Aroma: Notes of vanilla, caramel, and malt with a hint of peat.
• Taste: Sweet and smoky, with hints of honey, citrus, spices, and toasted wood.
• Finish: Persistent and balanced, with a smoky note that remains delicate yet memorable.

Cocktail Applications

Smokey Monkey is crafted to be the star of smoky and complex cocktails while maintaining great versatility. Among its most iconic uses is the Lazy Old Fashioned, where the whisky’s smoky depth perfectly balances sugar and bitters.

• Smokey Old Fashioned: A classic revisited with Smokey Monkey’s peaty nuances.
  Recipe:
  • 50 ml Smokey Monkey
  • 10 ml sugar syrup
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
    Preparation:

1. Pour Smokey Monkey, sugar syrup, and Angostura bitters into a mixing glass.
2. Add cold, dry ice and stir until the right dilution is achieved.
3. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with an ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

• Penicillin: A modern cocktail blending sweetness, acidity, and a smoky touch.
  Recipe:
  • 45 ml Monkey Shoulder
  • 10 ml Smokey Monkey
  • 15 ml Monin Ginger Concentrate
  • 20 ml Monin Honey Syrup
  • 20 ml fresh lemon juice
    Preparation:

1. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger or a lemon twist.
2. Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with ice.

Conclusion

Whether enriching a Smokey Old Fashioned or creating a peated twist on a Penicillin, this whisky proves to be an essential element for those seeking quality and originality in cocktails.