Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch built from Speyside single malts matured in bourbon casks. The name refers to the maltmen who turned the grain by hand with heavy shovels. The whisky is bright and characterful, its soft malty profile rounded out by the bourbon wood. Drink it neat and unhurried from a heavy-bottomed rocks glass or a tulip glass. It also holds up in cocktails — a Ginger Monkey with ginger ale and a slice of orange, or a classic Old Fashioned. At the table it pairs with steak and grilled meat, jamón, blue cheeses and mature cheddar, caramel desserts and nut tarts.