“I think Monkey Shoulder is perfect for newcomers to the Scotch category,” says Marcio Ramos, partner and head mixologist at The Honey Well in New York. The William Grant & Sons–owned brand was the most suggested bottle by the surveyed bartenders, establishing itself as a bartender favorite through its cocktail-friendly price point. To sift through the innumerable Scotch whiskies on the market and determine the best ones for mixing, we tapped bartenders from around the world for their go-to recommendations. “Lowland single malts are known for being light and soft, and Speyside malts are generous with fruity flavors.”
For example, “Islay whisky is famous for being heavily peated with hints of brine from the salty sea air, and is perfect for more robust cocktails,” says Maroš Dzurus, bar manager at Himkok in Oslo, Norway. Casuga also notes that, while the spirit is typically consumed neat, single malts offer more control when selecting a Scotch for a cocktail, as bartenders can home in on specific flavor notes, rather than having to rely on a blend.Įven within these categories, though, there are nuances dependent upon region and each distillery’s unique production methods. “These days, there are more ‘cocktail-friendly’ single malts on the market,” says Samantha Casuga, head bartender at Temple Bar in New York, referring to the range of new options at an affordable price point.
But single malt has become a more popular backbar item over the last decade, despite the higher price tag.
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