What a difference
What a difference between this and the old style. This is 46% and unchillfiltered which probably explains some of it but this has a good oily body, much more peat and smoke, some medicinal notes but finishing on pepper and salt. Water creates a bit more sweetness but doesn't really diminish the mouth-feel.
Delicious
I'm struck by how similar the style is to Caol Ila 12 y.o., but at a younger age. Apple smoke, generally - with a few drops of water to allow it to open up - and open the bottle for air a day or two before you sample it. The day I brought it home, it was slightly disappointing. 2 days later - I loved it! As I said - delicious!
Isle of Jura Fans Check this out!
Ledaig 10 reminds me of Isle of Jura releases. Ledaig 10 is better than Isle of Jura Superstition though. Worth checking out! Jason's Scotch Reviews
A delicious island wonder
Lots of beautiful smoke; there's a lovely gentle peat smoke on the palate, which combines with a dark charred oak and coal smoke on the palate, before both merge together for a delicious finish. Amongst this there is a deep rich complexity and warmth. Black pepper, spice, seaside air and iodine are the most prominent, but give this time and you'll begin to get some great mellow fruity notes too. Fantastic, complex, tasty and un-chillfiltered. Wonderful.
Outstanding
The bottle I have is definitely smokey and spicy, the iodine is there and not just hinted, and a bit of sweetness and fruit on top.
I am a bit surprised for the comparision with Caolila above I don't agree, it is a nice one but Ledaig follow another philosophy, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Yet that recommendation of airing the bottle is a good one, not just for this one, mine tasted a lot better when about 1/3 had been consumed.
Water definitely needed, else one would go numb with the 46% alcohol.
Even so my recommendation is no more than about a 20-25% water, not to dilute the experience too much.
Ledaig is completely outstanding for the price.
Incredible
I bought this to replace Talisker 10 as my Island malt (I like to keep one from each region with no overlapping flavor profiles). Ledaig 10 is what Talisker 10 wishes it could be. 2 small drops of water and this really opens up. Oily, seaside, spicy, peaty, exactly what you'd want from an Island whisky. I will definitely look at Tobermory's other offerings once this bottle is finished.