Nose- oak forward with lots of vanilla bean. There is a hint of creme brulee with a mint sprig. Palate- vanilla custard and oak dominate. Less of those fruit flavors than III and IV had. A tad tannic. Finish- warm andw satisfying. I get some barrel spice on the follow through. Cardamom perhaps? Overall- A bit oakier for my taste. It is good but not III and IV good. This one doesnt have that vibrance and complexity I loved in III or IV. A bit too oaky and dry for me. That said, if oak is your thing this picks up where IV left off. Quality bottle that is a great study for the series. The older whiskey really comes through.