The taste of good scotch comes from a combination of flavor and texture.

Malt whiskey is derived from an ale made of malted barley, water and yeast. From this simple recipe the stuff of legend was born. Few spirits have more history—and legend—than Scotch whiskey, and true aficionados of the stuff treat the best brands as if they were liquid gold. But how can a beginner go about telling a truly fine single-malt Scotch from one of lesser quality?

Paul Pacult of Wallkill, N.Y., is editor of the Spirit Journal newsletter and the author of Kindred Spirits: The Spirit Journal Guide to the World's Spirits and Fortified Wines. Here, he offers his expert advice for identifying and selecting truly great single malt Scotches:

• Balance. In Pacult's opinion, a great Scotch is one where no one particular feature of taste or aroma leaps out at you.

• Clarity. Look for clarity in a Scotch—if there are any particles floating in it, it may not be of great quality.

• Aroma. Next, make sure the Scotch has a full aroma. When sniffing the whiskey, you should notice both softness and strength, along with hints of grain, alcohol and perhaps a little wood.

• Taste. The real proof is in the taste, and when the Scotch is lying on your tongue, it shouldn't burn. Taste, according to Pacult, is a combination of flavor and texture, and you want something that's smooth and silky and will go down the throat easily. Pacult calls this "harmony," and it's what he looks for in a great Scotch.

For more information on single-malt Scotch, check out the following organizations and websites:

Spirit Journal
www.spiritjournal.com/

The Scotch Malt Whiskey Society
www.smws.com/

Great Spirits
www.greatspirits.com/home.php

The Whiskey Portal
www.whiskyportal.com/

The Macallan- Single Highland Scotch Malt Whiskey
www.themacallan.com/

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