Monkey Shoulder playing cards
Monkey Shoulder whisky advertising playing cards, United Kingdom.
Monkey Shoulder is a brand of whisky created by William Grant & Sons, a major Scottish family distiller. Monkey Shoulder is blended from three of Speyside's finest single malts (Balvenie, Glenfiddich and Kininvie) using batches of just 27 casks for a smoother, richer taste for mixing to make perfect whisky cocktails. It was crafted by Grant’s Master Blender Brian Kinsman in 2003. See the box►
This pack was clearly produced to promote and advertise the whisky, and monkeys feature prominently on all 52 cards and the 2 jokers. On the pip cards they can be seen swinging freely, with 3 or 4 monkeys on each card, while on the court cards they are swinging and holding a standard jack, queen or king court to indicate their rank. There is an extra card explaining the rules and ranking of Monkey Poker. See the rules►
Above: Monkey Shoulder whisky advertising playing cards, United Kingdom. Manufacturer / date unknown.
By Peter Burnett
United Kingdom • Member since July 27, 2022 • Contact
I graduated in Russian and East European Studies from Birmingham University in 1969. It was as an undergraduate in Moscow in 1968 that I stumbled upon my first 3 packs of “unusual” playing cards which fired my curiosity and thence my life-long interest. I began researching and collecting cards in the early 1970s, since when I’ve acquired over 3,330 packs of non-standard cards, mainly from North America, UK and Western Europe, and of course from Russia and the former communist countries.
Following my retirement from the Bodleian Library in Dec. 2007 I took up a new role as Head of Library Development at the International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) to support library development in low-income countries. This work necessitated regular training visits to many sub-Saharan African countries and also further afield, to Vietnam, Nepal and Bangladesh – all of which provided rich opportunities to further expand my playing card collection.
Since 2019 I’ve been working part-time in the Bodleian Library where I’ve been cataloguing the bequest of the late Donald Welsh, founder of the English Playing Card Society.
Related Articles
The Malt Whiskies of Scotland
Three packs featuring photographs by Duncan McEwan of malt whisky distilleries in Scotland.
Southern Comfort
Southern Comfort whiskey playing cards, USA.
Bar Nightjar
Nightjar, a destination for discerning drinkers to meet, linger and relax.
Buffalo Trace
Buffalo Trace Kentucky bourbon whiskey promotion playing cards, 2014.
Eurocell® playing cards
Promotional playing cards produced by Eurocell® (UPVC window, door, conservatory and roofline system...
Hackett Magical Christmas Gift Guide playing cards
Hackett Magical Christmas Gift Guide playing cards, United Kingdom, 2017.
The Winning Hand
The Winning Hand playing cards with artwork from multiple artists, United Kingdom, 1993.
Meantime brewery
‘Meantime’ craft brewery playing cards, United Kingdom, c. 2000.
Jack Daniel’s Playing Cards
Jack Daniel’s™ Old Nº7 Gentlemen’s playing cards produced by Hoyle Products, USA, 1994.
Pack of Cocktails
Pack of Cocktails playing cards published by Figure Dynamics in 1985.
Bell’s Patience playing cards
Bell’s Patience playing cards, United Kingdom, 2006
Glenfiddich the independent spirit
Glenfiddich whisky advertising playing cards from Scotland, United Kingdom.
Whyte & Mackay Lucky Lions
Whyte & Mackay Lucky Lions playing cards, United Kingdom, 2017
Soroptimist International Scotland South Region
Celebrating 100 years of Soroptimist International, 1921-2021.
Even More Trial and Error
“Even More Trial and Error” produced by the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, United Ki...
Trial and Error
Trial and Error produced by Lance Whitehouse, Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Pla...
Dundas & Wilson Deal Winners
“Deal Winners” promotional pack for Dundas & Wilson law firm.
Hendrick’s Gin
Nice advertising deck for Hendrick’s Gin, c.2015.
100 Pipers
100 Pipers Scotch Whisky promotional deck, Waddingtons P.C.Co., c.1973. Includes a Tarot pack offer....
Gordon’s Gin
Gordon’s Gin branded playing cards themed with limes, lemons and ice cubes, 2000.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
