Monkey Shoulder 700ml

Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky made only from Speyside single malts, with no grain whisky. It's smooth, sweet and easy to mix, and was created as much for cocktails as for sipping.

Origin: William Grant & Sons, the family behind Glenfiddich and The Balvenie, launched Monkey Shoulder in 2005. The name comes from the shoulder strain malt men got from turning barley by hand with heavy shovels, and the three monkeys on the bottle are a nod to them. The recipe is known as Batch 27, after the 27 casks used in the original blend.

How it's made: Single malts from Speyside distilleries are matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, then married together in small batches for up to six months before bottling.

Tasting notes: Orange zest, vanilla, honey and spiced oak on the nose. The palate is smooth and creamy, with vanilla, toffee and marmalade, and the finish is medium, with a gentle spiced oak warmth.

How to serve: Pour it neat or on the rocks, or mix it long with ginger ale and a slice of orange. It also makes a smooth Whisky Sour or Old Fashioned, or try it floated over a glass of cola and ice.

Who it's for: Home cocktail makers, bartenders, and anyone who wants a single malt style that's easy to drink and easy to mix.