Monkey Shoulder, the malt whisky that’s 100 per cent made for mixing, has launched Smokey Monkey in Singapore earlier this month, a new peated malt whisky that reflects the brand’s appetite for flying in the face of whisky conventions.
The blended malt is a delicious twist on the original Monkey Shoulder, offering a sweet, smokier taste, as well as a new and playful way for people to sip, mix and enjoy peated Scotch. Created in answer to bartenders’ demands, Smokey Monkey is now available exclusively in selected on-trade locations across Singapore.
Following its older brother’s signature style, Smokey Monkey is a small-batch blend of top-quality single malts, each selected to deliver a smooth whisky with subtly oaky smokiness on the nose, and a taste that combines dry peaty notes with the creamy sweetness and spice of the original blend. While the underlying sweetness makes it enjoyable neat (or with a splash of water), Smokey Monkey comes into its own in sexy, smokey twists, bringing rich nuances to all manner of cocktails.
Antidote: Where Do You Want To Go, Love | Image via Monkey Shoulder
To celebrate Smokey Monkey’s arrival on Singapore’s sunny shores, Monkey Shoulder has teamed up with 15 of Singapore’s best bars, who have each concocted a unique cocktail inspired by Smokey Monkey to be featured on their menus. Cocktail lovers can now indulge in these 15 delectable cocktails at local watering holes Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, Barbary Coast, Employees Only, Anti:dote, Heart of Darkness, IBHQ, Junior The Pocket Bar, MO Bar, Nutmeg & Clove, Potato Head, Sago House, Smoke & Mirrors, Tess Bar, The Bar at 15 Stamford and Tippling Club.
Nutmeg & Clove: Monkey See, Monkey Taro | Image via Monkey Shoulder
While Smokey Monkey bottles are not yet available for purchase, whisky lovers and cocktail fans can win a bottle to create smokey versions of Monkey Shoulder classics from home! Simply enjoy the specially created cocktails at any of the 15 partner bars and take part in the giveaway to win a swag bag including a bottle of Smokey Monkey, Monkey Shoulder and Monkey Shoulder branded glassware.
Smoke & Mirrors: The 3 Monkeys | Image via Monkey Shoulder
Here’s how to take part in three simple steps – (Terms and conditions apply)
- Head down to one of the 15 Smokey Monkey partner bars and try one of the delicious Smokey Monkey cocktails.
- Snap a photo of your receipt, upload to the Smokey Monkey Giveaway page , answer the four subsequent questions, and fill in your details.
- The five most creative responses will be chosen!
The Bar at 15 Stamford: Undead Monkey | Image via Monkey Shoulder
Master Blender at William Grant & Sons, Brian Kinsman
“We’re producing Smokey Monkey using our usual small batch and marrying methods, and delivering the smokey twist by blending a distinct selection of malts. Smokey Monkey has the mellow vanilla, spicy and citrus hints of our original liquid, overlaid by a dry smokiness that comes through on the nose and the palate. Monkey Shoulder fans will both recognise its familiar smooth character and enjoy the exciting new cocktail serves it brings with it.”
Employees Only: Monkey Business | Image via Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador, Samuel Ng
“It’s been amazing to see how Monkey Shoulder has been steadily growing in popularity not only in Singapore but around the world, and that’s mostly thanks to our strong relationships with top bartenders. These are the guys who are always hungry for new ways to offer customers more choice with new, unusual serves, and so have influenced our decision to create a new peated malt whisky. We’re giving back by making Smokey Monkey available exclusively in some of the best bars across the world, and right here in Singapore. Whatever their preferred cocktail, we can’t wait to surprise and delight consumers and see their reactions to the newest member of the Monkey Shoulder family.”
“It’s exciting to introduce a whisky that deliberately subverts the traditionally dour brand territory of peated Scotch. Smokey Monkey gives bartenders an added twist for amazing cocktails, and opens up peated whisky – which has previously been a bit inaccessible – to a new generation of potential fans.”
15 smokey cocktails by 15 selected bars in Singapore
Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall | Smoke Screen
12 Haji Lane, Singapore 189205
Inspired by the local favorite pork jerky snack, Bak Kwa. The savoury, smokey flavour of this local delight complements the richness of Smokey Monkey, ending with a hint of spiced chocolate.
Anti:dote | Where You Wanna Go, Love?
80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560
“Is that a Whisky Sour? I think it ain’t no Whisky Sour”. This drink is inspired by the intriguing movies about the lives of cab drivers in London and their journeys.
Barbary Coast | Chimp Off The Old Block
6 North Canal Road, Singapore 048828
Clarified Cherry and Cherry Heering create the top notes to balance out the punchy base of Smokey Monkey. A dash of lemon brightens up the drink while the carbonation adds a delicate effervescence. Combined with smoked water ice cubes to further enhance the peated notes of the whisky, this drink is served on a smoked ice spear, and garnished with a dehydrated lemon wheel.
Employees Only | Monkey Business
112 Amoy Street, Singapore 069932
Spices and banana punctuate this marriage of Smokey Monkey and tropical juices. The richness of the whisky, bolstered by the fullness of ripe banana, is a perfect complement to flavours that make it feel like it’s party time. Forget about those emails and let the work day end. It’s time to get down to some serious Monkey Business.
Heart of Darkness | Monkey’s Cà Phê
1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
The perfect marriage of whiskey and coffee. Smokey but refreshing, a great way to start your day.
IB HQ | Nardus
76A Duxton Road, Level 2, Singapore 089535
A twist on the classic Whisky Sour, this drink emphasises floral and leathery notes of lavender. Perfect on its own or as a complement to bar snacks, the Nardus is also a great “dessert for adults”.
Junior The Pocket Bar | Escape from New York
6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
What better way to experience smoke in a cocktail than a classic sour? Have it up or on the rocks, smooth or as is. The options are endless; nothing beats peat.
MO Bar | Sugba
5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797
“Sugba” means grilled in the Philippines. This drink is topped with our favourite sides to have while at a barbeque party. It is finished with the funky sourness of calamansi and lively aroma of pandan.
Nutmeg & Clove | Monkey See, Monkey Taro
8 Purvis Street, Singapore 188587
Passionfruit, lime and taro flavours anchor the smoke in this South East Asian-inspired libation. Rich and moreish, a hint of fruit and acidity makes this drink easy to have, and to have again. Whilst you’re at it, get one for your mate. After all, Monkey See, Monkey Taro.
Potato Head Singapore | Caffé Nel Bosco
36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143
Who doesn’t love an espresso martini? No one is the correct answer. Rich, aromatic, bittersweet in a subtly surprising way. A stop at Caffé Nel Bosco will supercharge your taste buds and kick start that ride to flavour town.
Sago House | Three’s a Crowd
40B Sago Street, Singapore 059029
The ubiquitous marriage of Scotch whisky, aromatic wine and bitters is timeless. The addition of rich sherry, fruit bitters and a playful Cola syrup give it the boost it never knew it needed! A Classic – reinvented and revitalised. Tell your mates, but not too many. Remember, Three’s a crowd!
Smoke & Mirrors | The 3 Monkeys
1 St. Andrew’s Road, #06-01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
This drink is a twist on the classic Golden Rush and New York Sour combination. A story of a friendship of three individuals working in the same industry but have different approaches. The 3 Monkeys gives smokey notes from Smokey Monkey, fruity flavours from the wine and sweetness from the honey, leaving you with a dry and refreshing finish.
Tess Bar & Kitchen | Chunky Monkey
38 Seah St, Singapore 188394
Smokey Monkey’s deep vanilla flavor coupled with earthy notes makes one desire a chocolate pairing. Inspired by a classic cocktail, the 20th Century, the Chunky Monkey was born. The dry, smokey, lingering flavours on the back palate are paired white cacao, with vanilla and citrus to balance.
The Bar at 15 Stamford | Undead Monkey
15 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906
Building on the lush and fantastic history of Tiki cocktail culture, Smokey Monkey gives this modern tropical classic a breath of smokey life. The Undead Monkey consists of a rich spice mix, a cacophony of luscious fruit flavours and just a dash of showmanship. I can hear Don the beachcomber already asking for a refill!
Tippling Club | Brass Monkey (That Funky Monkey)
38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461
Infusing the rich smokey aroma of Smokey Monkey with oven-baked hazelnuts and bincho-toasted bananas elevates the nuttiness and tropical fruit notes into an enriched old fashioned cocktail.
