We're dealing with an interesting juxtaposition today. Yesterday's Irish blend from William Grant & Sons is followed by today's Scotch blend from William Grant & Sons. Monkey Shoulder is a blend (technically a vatted malt, I suppose) of the company's three Scottish distilleries: Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Kininvie. The name is derived from the malady that affected the chaps who turned the barley on the malt floor.
Behind window #10: Monkey Shoulder, 40% alc., £21/$32
C: Reflective gold
N: Leads with the malt, some oak, some vanilla
P: Light and bright with Asian pear, malted barley and vanilla custard
F: Short to moderate with more malted barley and lingering pear skin
In conclusion: It's neither complex nor particularly interesting but it is incredibly drinkable. Share a bottle with a buddy over some great conversation and don't think too deeply about what's in your glass. Hell, throw in a cigar for good measure.
Sincere thanks to Master of Malt's Drinks by the Dram for the sample.