Lagavulin Fireside Tales 12 Year Old Special Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin's Fireside Tales is an Islay single malt, and it drinks a little differently than the label might lead you to expect. Pineapple comes through clearly, bright and tropical, with citrus running alongside it rather than behind. Underneath sits vanilla and a soft, light sugarcane sweetness that rounds off the edges.

At 60 proof (30% ABV), this is a gentle pour. There is no heat to work through and no need to cut it with anything; the fruit sits right at the front where you can taste it. That lower strength makes it an easy whisky to return to on an ordinary evening, and an approachable place to start if Islay malts have felt like hard work in the past.

Bottled at 750 mL. Serve it neat, at room temperature, and let the sweetness carry.