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Step 1
Confirm the whiskey is labeled as "Scotch whiskey." Some bottles may be labeled as "Scottish whiskey" which can be deceiving. Scottish whiskey is not the same as Scotch whiskey.
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Step 2
Know that malt whiskeys are made from barley. If the bottle states another grain is used, it is not traditional single malt Scotch whiskey.
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Step 3
Look for the alcohol content on the bottle. Most single malt Scotch whiskeys feature alcohol contents between 40 and 46 percent. Some cask-strength whiskeys may have alcohol contents of up to 60 percent.
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Step 4
Choose the region from which you would like to buy the whiskey. Single malt Scotch whiskey comes from five regions--Speyside, Highlands, Islay, Lowlands and Cambeltown--and the flavor varies greatly between each region. Speyside single malts are the mildest in flavor while Islay's single malts offer the smokiest, strongest flavor.
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Step 5
Try various single malt Scotch whiskeys. You can try various types at most bars. Have the bartender pour you small tastes of several brands. Pay attention to the flavor of the whiskey as well as the aftertaste.
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Step 6
Swirl your glass to observe the single malt's legs. The legs are the beads of liquid that hold to the glass's walls. Heavy-bodied whiskey's feature slow-flowing legs, while thin-bodied varieties have faster-flowing legs.
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Step 7
Smell the single malt Scotch whiskey. Specific smells will vary with each type of whiskey, however, you should smell notes of caramel, fruit, nuts, smoke and vanilla.
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Step 8
Compare prices between different vendors. While single malt Scotch whiskey tends to be the most expensive whiskey on the market, you can often find deals with online vendors.
