How Monkey Shoulder Is Changing the Way Johannesburg Enjoys Whisky
For generations, whisky has been surrounded by tradition. Neat pours. Leather armchairs. Rules about how it should be served and who should be drinking it.
Monkey Shoulder is changing that conversation.
Last Thursday, 16 July, the blended malt whisky brand brought its Old Fashioned Nights experience to The Birmingham in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, proving that while classics are worth celebrating, they are even better when given a twist.
The evening was not simply about serving one of the world’s most iconic whisky cocktails. It was about reimagining whisky culture for a new generation, one that values creativity over convention, shared experiences over rituals, and believes great whisky can be enjoyed by everyone.
That philosophy came to life from the moment guests arrived.
Hosted at The Birmingham, one of Johannesburg’s celebrated women owned and women led venues, the experience subtly challenged another long standing stereotype around whisky. Every Old Fashioned with a Twist was crafted and served by the venue’s all female bartender team, showcasing the expertise and creativity of women who continue to reshape South Africa’s cocktail culture.
It was a fitting partnership for a brand committed to breaking expectations. The message was clear: whisky does not belong to one generation, one gender or one way of drinking. Whether served in a perfectly balanced cocktail, shared among friends or enjoyed over conversation, Monkey Shoulder is championing a more approachable, inclusive way to experience whisky.
Music became another expression of that same philosophy.
Behind the decks, the Dlamini Duo brought their own interpretation of the “twist.” Having performed together as husband and wife for years, the duo has built a reputation for blending timeless classics with contemporary sounds, creating sets that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly current. Their carefully curated selection of old school favourites, seamlessly remixed with modern influences, mirrored Monkey Shoulder’s own approach to whisky: honour the original, but never be afraid to reinvent it.
Throughout the evening, guests embraced the Old Fashioned with a Twist dress code, pairing vintage inspired fashion with contemporary style, while every element of the experience, from the cocktails and music to the conversations it inspired, reinforced a single idea: tradition does not have to be left behind to evolve.
With Old Fashioned Nights, Monkey Shoulder continues to redefine what whisky culture looks like today. It is a culture that is more inclusive, more social and more expressive, where the perfect serve is the one that brings people together, and where the best twists are the ones that invite everyone to pull up a seat at the bar.
Because some things are worth keeping old fashioned.
Everything else deserves a twist.
Responsible Enjoyment: Great nights are best enjoyed responsibly. Monkey Shoulder is not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Please drink responsibly.
