With the Christmas holidays around the corner, many of us are already drinking deep of the festive spirit. A wee dram of whisky adds sparkle to the season as people look to toast Christmas and the New Year.

With so many varieties now available, it can be difficult to know what to buy. So we spoke to one of the UK’s top experts, Waitrose spirits buyer, Michael Simpson-Jones, to get his top tips for this year’s finest malts.

Make sure you know your malts before heading to the shop.

Michael says that while many people know their wine preference, when it comes to distinguishing our whisky palates, most of us don’t know our single malts from our blends.

He said: “To ensure you can avoid any confusion this festive season, Waitrose experts have written a brand new guide to the world of Scotch whisky – Waitrose: A Whisky-lover’s Guide – to ensure you find the right dram.”

Sales of single malt whisky grow at a rate of 20 per cent each year at Waitrose, as customers dash out for their favourite tipple. Mr Simpson-Jones adds: “We are thrilled to be able to introduce people to the world of Scotch single malt whisky and provide a comprehensive look at how to drink it and what to eat with it.

“It’s the perfect tipple for Christmas, and with Burn’s Night just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to learn about the very best whisky Scotland has to offer.”

Separating the wide spectrum of Scotch single malts into four main flavour profiles, the guide aims to de-mystify the world of whisky, with delicious food matching, top tips on how to drink, and what to look for in a good quality whisky.

The book comprises a journey through Scotland’s best whiskies, like the Glenfiddich 12-year-old , distilled in the Speyside malt whisky capital of Dufftown. Renowned for its light, floral, grassy aromas, it offers flavours of crushed apple and pear, with hints of honey, cinnamon and spice. Enjoy with a dash of cool, still water to enhance the flavours.

A majestic and complex whisky such as the The Macallan Fine Oak works beautifully with smoked salmon – perfect to enjoy with a starter at a dinner party. The Macallan is a light and delicately smoky spirit from Speyside which offers floral, buttery, vanilla spice notes, and works really well with fish.

For a richer and more mature whisky, The Isle of Jura Single Malt Whisky is the favoured choice. It goes perfectly with a Sunday roast. The tiny island of Jura produces a whisky which is fruity, with hints of pine, citrus fruits, cinnamon and spice. The mighty mountains of Jura give the spirit protection from the harsh winds of the Atlantic Ocean, yet a subtle whisper of sea salt can still be found, teasing the tongue on the aftertaste.

Dalmore 15-year-old is matured in three different styles of sherry wood, to the north of Inverness. A classic example of a real connoisseurs’ whisky, the Dalmore combines peaty, smoky characteristics with the rich flavours of fruit cake and vanilla. To round off a dinner party, try matching it with a chocolate mousse or crme brulee, or even better, douse over a Christmas pudding.

* Waitrose: A Whisky-lover’s Guide is available free in all Waitrose stores

Michael Simpson-Jones’ Top Whisky Drinking Tips

1. First rule – there is no rule – drink whisky as you like you and how it suits your palate. There is no right or wrong way to drink it!
2. Make sure you have a clean glass – so simple but it makes an impact on taste.
3. If you don’t like one type of whisky don’t just  give up – there will be one out there that does suit your taste.
4. Savour the whisky – enjoy it, however small the amount. Don’t drink it like a shot!
5. When matching with food, eat a mouthful first, then drink the whisky.
6. Cut the whisky with water for your preferred taste and strength.
7. Smoky whiskies have a much stronger taste, so if you’re just starting out, try something light and floral or rich and fruity.