Archer scored this whisky 87 points 
Half a year more maturation than batch # 4, a slightly different barrel composition (85% ex-bourbon, 15% ex-sherry to 80% ex-bourbon, 20% ex-sherry) makes a difference in terms of taste. In terms of quality, however, ultimately not, both batches are in my opinion the same. Interesting that Batch # 5 is much smokier than Batch # 4 despite the slightly longer ripening time.
Since I still have a remainder of batch # 2 with 60.9% on hand, I poured myself a little comparison dram. Batch 2 was bottled on 09/24/2019, a little more than two years before Batch # 5. And that really makes a difference. Batch # 5 no longer has the grassy and green notes from Batch # 2 at all. Batch # 2 was smokier compared to Batch # 1, as is now the case with Batch # 5 compared to Batch # 4. In the comparison of the peat smoke intensity Batch # 2 vs. Batch # 5, however, Batch # 5 clearly wins, which is quite astonishing if one proceeds from the general principle: the longer it matures, the more smoke breaks down.
Even if (in my opinion) Batch # 5 is qualitatively the same as Batch # 4 and there is no batch improvement for the first time: in the long term this will be a whisky that can definitely compete with a Laphroaig 10 CS.
Since I still have a remainder of batch # 2 with 60.9% on hand, I poured myself a little comparison dram. Batch 2 was bottled on 09/24/2019, a little more than two years before Batch # 5. And that really makes a difference. Batch # 5 no longer has the grassy and green notes from Batch # 2 at all. Batch # 2 was smokier compared to Batch # 1, as is now the case with Batch # 5 compared to Batch # 4. In the comparison of the peat smoke intensity Batch # 2 vs. Batch # 5, however, Batch # 5 clearly wins, which is quite astonishing if one proceeds from the general principle: the longer it matures, the more smoke breaks down.
Even if (in my opinion) Batch # 5 is qualitatively the same as Batch # 4 and there is no batch improvement for the first time: in the long term this will be a whisky that can definitely compete with a Laphroaig 10 CS.
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Compared to Batch # 3 and # 4, it lives up to its name on the label: (very!) Heavily peated. So far, no batch has had such a peat smoke boom, the note of smoke literally bores into your nose. As a friend of well-peated Islay whiskys, you will of course enjoy this. It clearly comes from the ex-bourbon cask corner and, in addition to the smoky note, initially delivers honey, vanilla and caramel along with a note of grated lime peel and grapefruit. While Batch # 4 still came across as clay and earthy, Batch # 5 shows more of its maritime side. Mandarins, orange peel, quince jelly, with nutmeg and pepper.
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Immensely powerful and smoky start. Shows directly its origin Campbeltown and covers the tongue with citrus water, tangerines, salt water, pebble flavor. The note of peat smoke shapes the taste, makes it tart, pleasantly bulky and lets the spices (nutmeg, pepper, chilli flakes) stand out clearly. Much less caramel than batch # 4, but just as well supplied with white coffee and marzipan.
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The intense peat smoke note means that he doesn't really want to say goodbye. Batch # 4 was already one of those on-the-doorstep nonsense, so it seems to run in the family. Marzipan, sea spray, a beach fire made of dry wood and peat sod, lime juice.
