Latest news with #MonkeyShoulder

SowetanLIVE
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- SowetanLIVE
Monkey Shoulder kicks off career-making contest for fashion rebels
This May, Monkey Shoulder swapped barrels for boldness as the official pouring partner for Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) Autumn/Winter 2025 — and true to form, the premium whisky brand didn't just pour; it performed. Think cocktails with character, streetwear with swagger, and a stylish new showdown that turned heads and timelines. Hosted over four days at the iconic Soweto Theatre, SFW showcased the sartorial skills of 35 emerging and established local designers as they presented their latest collections. In the Monkey Shoulder VIP lounge, whisky wasn't the only thing served. The space came alive with a bold mural by 2024 Brushstroke Battle winner George Mars, curated to reflect the SFW theme, 'Uncharted Creativity', with a riot of colour and cultural influences. It quickly became the go-to content spot for stylists, influencers and industry insiders.

IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Monkey Shoulder Threads the Needle at Soweto Fashion Week with a New Streetwear Showdown
The Street Thread Battle is now open! Fashion students, rebels, visionaries - this one's for them. This May, Monkey Shoulder traded whisky barrels for wardrobe rails as the brand stepped into Soweto Fashion Week 2025 as the official pouring partner - and they didn't come to pour quietly in the corner. They came to mix things up - fitting, considering that they are the only whisky that's made for mixing. In true Monkey Shoulder style, the VIP lounge wasn't just a drinks station - it was a full-blown immersive experience. Think bold cocktails, bold people, and a bold mural, curated to reflect the Soweto Fashion Week theme by 2024 Brushstroke Battle winner, George Mars. His work brought the space to life with a creative energy that had influencers, stylists, and celebs snapping faster than one can say 'neat, or on the rocks?' But that wasn't all Monkey Shoulder had up their tailored sleeves. On opening night (Wednesday, 7 May), the ever-stylish Shamiso Mosaka joined the affair to officially launch the next frontier of Monkey Shoulder's creative movement: the Street Thread Battle - a Johannesburg-based search for the next young fashion designer who dares to disrupt the runway. The Street Thread Battle is now open! Fashion students, rebels, visionaries - this one's for them. By submitting their portfolios via the splash page [ entrants stand the chance to: Win R20,000 in prize money Collaborate with the iconic BLANK Collection Receive a personal mentorship from designer Fulu Rathumbu And here's the mic-drop moment: showcase their own collection at Soweto Fashion Week in November 2025 That's not just a win. That's a game-changer. Speaking of change-makers, this year's runway also toasted the first-ever Monkey Shoulder fashion collaboration, featuring none other than Fulu Rathumbu, the creative force behind BLANK Collection. Fulu debuted both his signature Autumn/Winter Threads and the limited-edition Monkey Shoulder capsule, where fashion met flavour in the freshest way possible. Monkey Shoulder is beyond excited to continue this journey with Fulu and the soon-to-be Street Thread champ. The future of fashion just got a playful whisky twist. Ready to thread the needle? Entries are open now at Monkey Shoulder encourages everyone to enjoy our whisky responsibly. Please drink mindfully and ensure a safe journey home. Only for individuals over the legal drinking age. The Star


Hype Malaysia
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Get Invites To Monkey Shoulder's Ongoing KL Bar Takeovers For Dope Entertainment, Cocktails & Perks!!
Feeling stuck in the 'where are we going tonight?' loop? Monkey Shoulder's got you covered. The award-winning blended malt whisky brand is spicing up your nights out with the Make it Monkey campaign from May to June, bringing the party to some of the coolest hangout spots across Klang Valley. Say goodbye to decision fatigue with Monkey Hotline – a playful text-to-play experience that puts Klang Valley's best parties in your pocket. Just drop Monkey Shoulder a message to unlock fun perks and a fresh, unexpected night out without the hassle of endless planning. So How Does It Work? The Monkey Hotline keeps things simple, just the way a good night out should be! All you need to do is send a WhatsApp text to +6011-1220 3895 and you'll get a playful reply along with instant access to Monkey Shoulder bar takeovers across Klang Valley. Plus, surprise perks, party-starting tips, and secret invites dropping weekly. No apps, no guesswork, just a straight-up good time delivered to your phone. 'Monkey Shoulder is all about mixing things up. Not just in cocktails, but in your nights out too!' said Brendon Khoo, Regional Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder. 'We believe everyone's nights out need a fresh mix! And with Monkey Hotline, we'll shake up your evenings with spontaneity and a good measure of playful spirit. To all the party-planners, party-starters and everyone in between, this is your cheeky invite to out a night out that's anything but the ordinary.' Expect a full-blown Monkey Shoulder takeover, complete with dance performances, exciting prizes, cheeky challenges, DJ sets, and Monkey Shoulder cocktails. For those who prefer their nights a little more laid-back, head over to Frank's Bar or Vér Bar, where a specially curated Monkey Shoulder cocktail menu will be available from May to June. Whether you're turning up the night or just along for the ride, Make it Monkey promises to bring a riot of energy, good vibes, and unexpected twists at every corner. Are you ready to give your night a fresh mix with Monkey Shoulder? Visit their website and stay connected on Instagram (@monkeyshoulder). Let's Make It Monkey!


Press and Journal
16-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
The Tannochbrae: Inside former Dufftown doctor's surgery where well-known whisky term 'monkey shoulder' was coined
Almost eight years ago, James and Louise Creane-Smith took over The Tannochbrae guest house in Dufftown. And since taking the reins, the couple have put their stamp on the place, which attracts both tourists from around the world and locals. The building in the heart of Speyside dates back to 1872. It features five en-suite bedrooms and can accommodate up to 12 guests. The building, a former doctor's surgery, was where the phrase 'monkey shoulder' was coined for malt men with repetitive strain injury. And in homage to whisky workers, William Grant & Sons named one of their malt-blended spirits Monkey Shoulder. You can spot remnants of Dr Scott's surgery and enjoy a dram of Monkey Shoulder in the whisky bar – the former surgery's waiting room – which has more than 350 drams on offer to sample. In recent years, they have made modern upgrades to the house. James, whose parents previously ran the Fife Street business, said: 'Originally I was the chef in the restaurant that was part of The Tannochbrae. 'Then we ended up taking over the whole business from my family. 'It's been challenging and through Covid, we had to make changes. 'We ended up deciding to get rid of the restaurant as it was challenging to get really good staff consistently and the 18-hour days. 'It was important to adapt and ensure it continued to be a success.' In recent years, the couple upgraded the property with heating zones and auto lighting to help save energy. However, the couple say it was important to keep the character of the historic building. James said: 'We did some things to modernise it with automated lighting and heating zones as these days people are more conscious. 'Also, it has resulted in a huge reduction in all that electricity consumption which is great. 'Meanwhile, we did work on the roof to ensure it's good for the next 150 years.' He added: 'It is all about preserving this building which has a rich history. 'The floors in the entrance way and the staircase are the original. 'We want to deliver a modern guest house, while still showing off the history.' Tourists come in their larger numbers when visiting the nearby whisky distilleries like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. However, the guest house also welcomes people coming back to the area to visit their family too. She added: 'We get a lot of Scandinavian tourists staying here when they are visiting distilleries. 'Also Americans too, we recently had a group of five guys from different parts of America coming together to enjoy a great time together here and some whisky too. 'On the other hand, we had people at Christmas who live within five miles from the house too. 'We cater for a lot of different guests.' James is positive about the future of Dufftown with new businesses opening up. He said: 'There is a lot of fresh blood coming into Dufftown and opening new businesses which is great to see. 'It brings new energy to the town and a lot of positivity. 'Over recent years, there has been the likes of the Cozy Coo and we have Beinn Coffee & Books opening soon too.'

Business Insider
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Studio Monkey shoulder returns to Nigeria for a second year
This fund supports independent record stores to DIY music venues, online radio stations, and collectives who are pushing sonic boundaries while fostering real-world connection — all focused on protecting the spaces where people connect, create and discover music to encourage a thriving music ecosystem in Nigeria. Alongside the funding, the winner will tell their story through a series of films and radio broadcasts produced by Worldwide FM. Broadcaster, DJ and founder of Worldwide FM, Gilles Peterson, said 'I am thrilled to see Studio Monkey Shoulder grow in its second year in partnership with Worldwide FM. It's been a privilege to work with the communities we supported in 2024, seeing their projects thrive and come to life. I am excited to uncover more amazing community-driven projects in Nigeria and witness the talent that comes with it as the project evolves in year two.' The impact of the initiative is already being felt. In 2024, Lagos-based cultural institution Jazzhole received the Nigerian grant to digitally remaster rare archival recordings and preserve Nigeria's sonic heritage. Expressing gratitude for the initiative, Jazzhole, recipient of last year's Nigeria's grant, stated, 'The Jazzhole team's experience last year was unforgettable. We collaborated with Monkey Shoulder, Gilles Peterson and the Worldwide FM crew for an exclusive session. It gave us not just a platform, but a legacy project. Thank you for making this dream a reality." Nigeria joins four other global territories — the United Kingdom, India, Taiwan, and Germany — where similar creative collectives will be selected per country to receive the Studio Monkey Shoulder grant, along with global visibility through a dedicated Worldwide FM broadcast and documentary feature. Each selected project becomes part of an international creative network curated by Worldwide FM, designed to elevate community voices and bring their stories to a global stage. Applications for Nigeria's Studio Monkey Shoulder Fund open on April 28th, and close on June 1st. For full details and to apply, visit this website - ENDS- ABOUT MONKEY SHOULDER In 2005, Monkey Shoulder, the world's first made-for-mixing blended malt whisky, burst into the world of whisky, and it has been breaking the conventions of the category ever since. Developed as the ultimate whisky for cocktails, Monkey Shoulder Original Blended Malt Whisky is blended in small batches of Speyside's finest single malt whiskies and then married together. Rich, smooth, and fruity, the original blend is bold enough to be mixed, yet balanced enough to enjoy neat. Most recently, Monkey Shoulder has been voted as the second best-selling and third Top Trending Scotch Whisky Brand in Drink International's 2022 Brands Report. This unique blend gets its name from the Scottish slang for a muscular strain suffered by malt men during the days when whisky was still made by hand. ABOUT WORLDWIDE FM Worldwide FM is an award-winning community and platform where marginalized voices, alternative perspectives and shared progressive values are brought to the forefront through music and culture. The radio station, founded by DJ Gilles Peterson, combines world-class broadcasting talent, cutting-edge technology, and a highly experienced team of producers and curators that reflect the diversity of an international music hub. Wherever the programming comes from, Worldwide FM tries to give voice to progressive artists and cultural figures who fight inequality in all its forms. Now working at the intersection of audio, video, editorial, film, and photography, Worldwide FM works with like-minded brands to deliver solutions and activations with huge global impact, listenership, and engagement. William Grant & Sons Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including Monkey Shoulder, the world's favorite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world's third largest blended Scotch, Grant's®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick's® Gin, Sailor Jerry® and Tullamore D.E.W® Irish Whiskey.