In TRAVELER’s July/August issue, writer Gary Cartwright tours distilleries in search of the ultimate Scotch Whisky. Here we offer suggestions on where to find the best single malt whisky in the U.S.

You crave the taste of a single-malt Scotch Whisky—now. Luckily you don’t have to travel thousands of miles to satisfy your urge. We interviewed Michael Jackson, a leading expert and author of Michael Jackson’s Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch (Running Press, $27.50), for his tips on the best places to buy in the U.S. (For more information on single malt Scotch Whisky, check out www.scotchwhisky.net or www.smws.com)

Park Avenue Liquor Shop, (292 Madison Avenue, New York, New York; +1 212 685 2442) located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, and run by a staff that’s highly knowledgeable about their chief specialty. Look for over 400 different brands, including Glenkichie and Macallan. Price range: $20-5,000.

Sam’s Wines and Spirits, (1720 N. Marcey St., Chicago, Illinois; +1 312 664 4394) a privately owned downtown shop that features a variety of liquors, including single malt scotches such as Glenlivet and Glenmorangie. You’ll find 240 different brands, and weekly sales with worthwhile savings. Price range: $15-7,000 (for a 40-year-old Bowmore single malt).

One of the best whisky selections in San Francisco is available at The Whisky Shop (76 Geary Street, San Francisco, California; +1 415 989 5458). Five hundred different brands of single malt scotch grace the shelves, including hard-to-find varieties such as a 50-year-old Glenlivet and a 42-year-old Linkwood. The shop, part of a Scottish-based company, also sells Scottish blends such as Johnny Walker, Irish blends, Irish single malts, and miniatures. Price range: $35-2500.

Keens Steakhouse, (72 W. 36th St., New York, New York; +1 212 947 3636) a colonial-style chophouse situated in the garment district that offered an impressive selection of malts long before the casual drinker ever heard about Springbank or Macallan. Over 200 varieties are on hand, including Bowmore and Aberlour. Price range: $7-80 per shot.

Jackson credits Sherlock’s Home (11000 Red Circle Drive, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343; +1 952 931 0203), in a suburb of Minneapolis, as having “the best-stocked malt whisky bar in the U.S.” Here, you’ll find over 100 different varieties, including the house specialty three-variety sampler. Price range: $6-15 per pour.

—Stacey Rice

Stacey Rice is a former TRAVELER editorial assistant.