The Monkey Shoulder price in Malaysia is RM253–RM310 for a 70cl bottle at mainstream shops in October 2026. That puts it in the same band as Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas 12. Unlike those two, though, Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt with no grain whisky. This guide covers its story, its taste and how to mix it.
- 2000sLaunched by William Grant & Sons
- SpeysideSingle malts only
- William Grant & SonsFamily owner
- Blended maltSmooth, malty, fruity
Monkey Shoulder price Malaysia: what you will pay
The table shows the Monkey Shoulder price at Malaysian retailers. "Typical" is the range at mainstream shops such as whisky.my, W Wine & Liquor Warehouse and Whiskery. "Lowest seen" is the cheapest online discounter listing. However, discounters may sell parallel-import stock or another size, so the figures are not a direct match.
| Expression | Size | ABV | Typical price | Lowest seen* | Seen at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blended Malt | 70cl | 40% | RM253–RM310 | RM158 | whisky.my, Wine Warehouse, Whiskery |
Typical price is the range at mainstream Malaysian retailers for a standard 70cl or 75cl bottle, checked in October 2026. *Lowest seen is the cheapest online discounter listing. It may be a different bottle size or parallel-import stock. Prices change often, so confirm with the retailer before you buy.
The gap between the cheapest and dearest shop is wide here. So it pays to compare before you buy. In short, the Monkey Shoulder price in Malaysia changes a lot from shop to shop.
Monkey Shoulder at KLIA duty-free
In October 2026, the Eraman KLIA catalogue listed Monkey Shoulder at RM209 for 1L. That bottle is larger, yet it costs less than a 70cl bottle in town. So if you fly often, duty-free can beat the usual Monkey Shoulder price in Malaysia. Read our KLIA duty-free whisky guide for the allowance rules.
The story of Monkey Shoulder
William Grant & Sons launched Monkey Shoulder in the early 2000s. The firm is the family business behind Glenfiddich and Balvenie, which sit side by side in Dufftown. At first, Monkey Shoulder mixed malts from Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie. Today the firm describes it as a blend of Speyside single malts, without naming them.
The name comes from the old malting floors. Malt men turned the damp barley by hand. After years of this work, some of them had one arm that hung a little lower. They called it "monkey shoulder". So the brand name honours those workers.
What is a blended malt?
A blended malt mixes single malts from more than one distillery. By contrast, a standard blended Scotch also adds grain whisky. That is why Monkey Shoulder tastes richer and maltier than most blends at the same price. According to William Grant & Sons, it is "100% malt whisky, made for mixing". For more on the different styles, see our guide to blended Scotch whisky.
Monkey Shoulder tasting notes
Monkey Shoulder comes in at 40% ABV. The malts rest together in small batches in ex-bourbon casks before bottling. William Grant & Sons says the whisky combines richness and vibrancy, with fruity aromas and mellow vanilla. Expect a smooth, malty and fruity dram with no strong smoke. As a result, it suits new drinkers as well as mixers.
Fruity, with mellow vanilla.
Smooth and malty, with ripe fruit.
Soft, sweet and fairly short.
How Monkey Shoulder compares
At RM253–RM310, Monkey Shoulder sits close to Johnnie Walker Black Label at RM248–RM269. Black Label has more smoke and a 12 year age statement. Monkey Shoulder has no age statement, but it is all malt. So at the usual Monkey Shoulder price in Malaysia, the choice comes down to style. If you want smoke, go for Black Label. If you want a soft, malty mixer, pick Monkey Shoulder.
It also makes a good bridge to single malts. Once you know you like it, try a Glenfiddich or Balvenie from the same family. Our list of whisky for beginners has more easy bottles. You can also browse every brand in our whisky price list for Malaysia.
Where to buy Monkey Shoulder in Malaysia
Whisky.my, W Wine & Liquor Warehouse and Whiskery all stocked it in October 2026. Since the Monkey Shoulder price in Malaysia varies by shop, check two or three before you buy. Our guide on where to buy whisky in Malaysia lists more trusted sellers. You must be 21 or older to buy alcohol here.
How to drink Monkey Shoulder
The brand pitches it as a mixing malt. So try it in a highball with soda water or ginger ale and plenty of ice. It also works in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or the Whisky Sour. If you prefer it neat, add a few drops of water to open up the fruit. Our guides on whisky cocktails and how to drink whisky have recipes and tips. As always, drink in moderation and never drive after drinking.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Monkey Shoulder in Malaysia?
The Monkey Shoulder price in Malaysia is RM253–RM310 for a 70cl bottle at mainstream shops in October 2026. An online discounter listed it lower, but that may be a different size or a parallel import.
Is Monkey Shoulder cheaper at KLIA duty-free?
Yes, per millilitre. In October 2026, Eraman at KLIA listed Monkey Shoulder at RM209 for 1L. That is less than a 70cl bottle costs in town, but check your duty-free allowance.
Is Monkey Shoulder a single malt?
No. It is a blended malt, which means it mixes single malts from more than one distillery. It has no grain whisky, unlike a standard blended Scotch.
Why is it called Monkey Shoulder?
Malt men once turned barley by hand on the malting floor. The work could strain the shoulder so one arm hung a little lower, a condition they called monkey shoulder.
Which distilleries go into Monkey Shoulder?
It began as a mix of Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie malts. Today William Grant & Sons describes it simply as a blend of Speyside single malts.
Who owns Monkey Shoulder?
William Grant & Sons owns it. The same family firm makes Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Grant's.
