Nose: Instantly darker than II, more dried fruits and cocoa than those juicy fruits whilst golden syrup takes the place of some of the honey. More classic meaty Sherry character and less ethereal notes. Green wood and double cream are in support.
Palate: Thick and heavier than II; less nimble. It's also as if the finish and palate have swapped during the Sherry finish too, with the full Black Forest gâteau notes developing on the palate with dark cocoa.
Finish: More chocolate alongside dark cherries and a slightly herbal edge.
Overall: The intensity and dark Sherried notes have been turned up here, but as this is the Reference Series you don't have to take our word for it. Taste for yourself exactly what influence finishing approximately 1/3 of this whisky in fresh PX casks has had...