Celebrated the world over on November 30, St Andrew's Day is a great excuse to experiment with the 'water of life' and raise a glass to Scotland's patron saint.

And with distillers experimenting with new expressions and ageing, and finishing their spirits in various types of casks, whisky enthusiasts can really go to town.

Indeed, to recognise this golden age for whisky lovers, Whisky Sommelier of the Year 2016 (www.afws.co.uk) is launching next year - a new competition designed to test the knowledge and palates of anyone with a passion for this versatile spirit, and elevate the reputation of the whisky connoisseur to that of a wine sommelier.

Whisky can be divided into four flavour camps: delicate, smoky, light and rich, and w hether you're a beginner or expert, to appreciate the flavours and complexity, a dash of still water will open up the aromas and release the full taste spectrum.

Here are some well-crafted whiskies to sip and enjoy...

:: The Ardmore 12 Year Old Port Wood Finish (£45.75, 70cl, www.thewhiskyexchange.com)

The latest launch from Highland distillery, Ardmore, this single malt is full-bodied with a delicious smoky character from the peat. Packed with spiced fruits, and with subtle notes of burnt orange, honey, apple and cinnamon spice, it's aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and finished in European half port pipes. Earthy with a delightful touch of sweetness.

:: Balvenie 12 Year Old Doublewood Malt Whisky (£35, 70cl, www.sainsbury's.com)

Famed for their wood finishes and expertise in single malt maturation, Balvenie Doublewood spends the majority of time in a traditional oak whisky cask. It's then transferred to a first fill European oak sherry cask to lend a smooth, rich, honeyed character, with sherry notes on the nose, and a fruity, nutty sweetness with a hint of cinnamon on the spicy finish.

:: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old (currently on offer at £32, 70cl, www.tesco.com)

Rich and round, Glenfiddich's 15 YO is matured in three types of oak cask: sherry, bourbon and new oak, which delivers a soft and silky palate with citrus fruits, spice and baked apple on the nose, leading to honey, raisins, marzipan, ginger and even a hint of coconut on the full finish. A beautiful expression from the world's bestselling single malt.

:: Glenmorangie Limited Edition A Midwinter Night's Dram (currently on offer at £30, 70cl, Sainsbury's)

A special release ahead of St Andrew's Day and the festive season, this Midwinter Night's Dram is a glorious expression that's very finely balanced and marries fruitcake, nuts, ginger and spice, with honey, vanilla and almonds. Matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, it's rich and soft and exceptionally easy to drink.

:: Jura Superstition (£25, 70cl, www.amazon.co.uk)

If you love a whisky that's smoky and peaty, then a bottle of Superstition nestled inside the new Jura limited edition gift tins offers the perfect opportunity to explore the spirit of an island distillery. Situated off the north east of Islay, a sweet or smoky flavour profile sits at the heart of Jura's single malts and this smooth, lightly peated expression has beguiling aromas of smoke and spice, which follows through on the palate.

:: The Glenrothes Select Reserve, Single Malt Whisky (£38.50, 70cl, www.bbr.com)

Following the trend for no-age-statement, Select Reserve is a vatting of single malts from different years to typify the house character, and is whisky's answer to a non-vintage champagne. Beautifully smooth with a vanilla sweetness on the nose and plenty of sweet ripe fruits, vanilla and spice, it's full and complex. And, after a few sips, the delicate balance of sweet and fruity notes offers a luscious mouthfeel.

:: Ancnoc Rascan (£52, 70cl, www.thegoodspiritsco.com)

Pale in colour compared to some 'golden oldies', this Highland single malt is named after a peat harvesting tool and matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels for nearly a decade. Smoky and peaty with an attractive medicinal quality, Rascan also displays a honey sweetness with orchard fruits, warm spice and smooth leathery undertones. There are even hints of toffee, fudge and light florals on the finish. A new release that's worth exploring.

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