Whisky
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Amrut 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
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Amrut 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
Only 3 left in stock!
Amrut 10y Artist shows Indian single malt through the lens of La Maison du Whisky's Artist Collection. Rather than a broad release, this is a single cask whisky, distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2020 at ten years of age.
The Pedro Ximenez cask gives the bottling a clear point of focus, while the 63.9% cask strength keeps the presentation powerful and direct. It feels like a close-up view of one particular Amrut cask, bottled without being softened into a larger batch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for their specificity: one cask, 279 bottles, and now down to the last bottles. It is the kind of whisky that invites attention from drinkers who enjoy limited single cask bottlings with a strong sense of origin and selection.
Benriach 1994 27y (La Maison Du Whisky)
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Benriach 1994 27y (La Maison Du Whisky)
In stock
Benriach 1994 27y is a Speyside single malt built around one very specific cask story. Distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2022, it spent 27 years maturing before being drawn from a single puncheon. Only 660 bottles came from that cask, so this is not a broad house-style release, but a focused glimpse of one individual maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottling like this stands out for the way it brings age, single cask origin and cask strength together. Bottled at 53%, it keeps close to the strength and personality of the cask rather than presenting a softened or standardised version of Benriach.
The flavour profile points towards a whisky shaped by fruit, spice and wood, with a lighter floral side and a subtle peated accent in the background. It is a (…)Benrinnes 15y Artist 10th (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
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Benrinnes 15y Artist 10th (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
In stock
Benrinnes 15y Artist 10th is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: distilled in 2005, bottled in 2020 at 15 years old, and released by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Artist Edition. As a single cask bottling at cask strength, it presents the whisky with the directness and individuality of one specific cask.
The sherry finish gives the whisky its richer direction, with fruit and spice standing at the centre of the profile. Wood and floral touches play a lighter supporting role, while peat smoke is not part of its character.
Only 687 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now indicated, this Benrinnes has a naturally limited feel. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits in the kind of selection that speaks to drinkers looking for an (…)Bowmore 2001 15y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
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Bowmore 2001 15y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
On request only
Bowmore 2001 15y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection) is a(n) whisky from Scotland by the brand Bowmore. It falls within the whisky group under the category Single Malt. This whisky comes from the Islay region. Bowmore 2001 15y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection) is regarded by us as a Collector's Item, which makes many a collector's heart beat that little bit faster. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This whisky from Bowmore will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this Bowmore will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This whisky is matured in Hogshead barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 56%. (…)Bunnahabhain 10y Artist 10th (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
175
Bunnahabhain 10y Artist 10th (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
In stock
Bunnahabhain 10y Artist 10th shows an Islay single malt without putting peat smoke at the centre of the glass. Here the focus is on one sherry-matured cask, selected and bottled by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Artist Edition.
Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2020, this 10-year-old Bunnahabhain was released at cask strength, reaching 67.1% alcohol. The sherry maturation supports a profile where fruit and spice are clearly present, with wood and floral notes playing a lighter role in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to highlight for customers who enjoy independent Scottish single malts with a very specific cask identity. With only 589 bottles filled and the last bottles now available, it is a limited release (…)Caol Ila 1979 Over 40y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
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Caol Ila 1979 Over 40y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
Only 3 left in stock!
Caol Ila 1979 Over 40y Artist #10 is an Islay single malt with a very focused identity: one hogshead cask, distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2020 by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Artist Edition. Rather than a broad house-style release, this is the story of one individual cask captured after more than four decades of maturation.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out for its combination of age, scarcity and bottling approach. It was released at cask strength, 54.9%, as a single cask bottling of only 156 bottles, and the remaining availability is down to the last bottles. The dataset also marks it as a collector's item, which fits the limited nature of the release.
Its flavour profile points toward a mature whisky where wood, spice and (…)Caperdonich 20y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
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Caperdonich 20y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
In stock
Caperdonich 20y Artist is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity. Rather than presenting a broad house-style blend, it comes from one individual hogshead and was selected by La Maison du Whisky for the Artist Edition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are especially interesting because they show whisky through a precise lens: one cask, cask strength, and only 251 bottles drawn. With the last bottles now indicated, the limited nature of the release becomes part of its story.
Bottled at 55.8%, this Caperdonich keeps a firm, undiluted presence. The available flavour profile points towards fruit, spice and wood influence, without peat smoke taking the lead. For drinkers who enjoy independently bottled Speyside whisky with a clear (…)Kavalan 2010 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
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Kavalan 2010 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
Very last one in stock!
Kavalan 2010 10y Artist is a Taiwanese single malt drawn from a single cask, distilled on 28 April 2010 and bottled in 2020 at 10 years of age. With only 179 bottles released, this Artist Collection bottling by La Maison du Whisky is very much about a particular cask rather than a regular house style.
The port maturation places fruit at the centre of the whisky's identity, with wood and spice giving it structure. Bottled at cask strength at 57.8%, it keeps the intensity of the cask intact, making it a more direct and concentrated presentation of Kavalan.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they combine origin, limited scale and a clear single cask identity. The indication that only the last bottles remain adds to the sense that (…)Knappogue Castle 1994 (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
350
Knappogue Castle 1994 (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
In stock
Knappogue Castle 1994 is an Irish single malt with the kind of story that immediately gives it focus. Distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2022, it spent 28 years maturing in a bourbon barrel. Rather than a broad house style, this is the character of one individual cask at one specific point in time.
La Maison du Whisky bottled it for the Ex Libris series at cask strength, 52.2% ABV. Only 172 bottles were drawn, and these are the last bottles available. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for exactly that reason: they give whisky drinkers access to a narrowly defined, limited snapshot of maturation.
The supplied flavour profile places fruit at the centre, supported by clear floral, woody and spicy dimensions. Peat and salinity are not part of (…)Knappogue Castle 1994 27y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
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Knappogue Castle 1994 27y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
In stock
Knappogue Castle 1994 27y is an Irish single malt with a very particular story. Distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2021, it combines 27 years of maturation with the individuality of a single bourbon barrel. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one cask at one point in time.
Bottled by La Maison du Whisky for the Ex Libris series, it was released at cask strength, 50.3% ABV. With only 175 bottles drawn from the cask, and now marked as last bottles, this is a scarce release with a naturally limited presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who appreciate Irish single malt in a more focused form: mature, cask strength, single cask and shaped by a bourbon barrel. The profile is led by fruit, with floral, woody and (…)Knappogue Castle 1995 25y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
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Knappogue Castle 1995 25y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
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Knappogue Castle 1995 25y is an Irish single malt with a very clearly defined identity: distilled in 1995, bottled in 2021 and aged for 25 years. That gives the bottle a sense of time and place rather than the feel of a standard release.
Bottled by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Ex Libris selection, it comes from a single bourbon barrel and was released at cask strength, 50.9% ABV. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to present when someone is looking for a bottling with a precise story behind it: one cask, one vintage, one mature Irish single malt.
Its single cask origin, long ageing and collectors item status make it a distinctive bottle within the Irish whiskey category. With only the last bottles remaining, it carries the (…)Knappogue Castle 1996 25y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
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Knappogue Castle 1996 25y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
In stock
Knappogue Castle 1996 25y is an Irish single malt whiskey with a very focused release story. Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2021, it spent 25 years maturing before being bottled by La Maison du Whisky for the Ex Libris series.
The appeal here lies in its precision: one Bourbon Barrel, bottled at natural cask strength of 53.1%, with only 200 bottles drawn from the cask. Rather than a broad regular release, this is a tightly defined expression of a single cask after a long period of maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected for customers who look beyond category and age statement alone. Here, the vintage, the single cask origin, the limited outturn and the collector's interest all come together. The fact that these are the last (…)Knappogue Castle 1997 (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
350
Knappogue Castle 1997 (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
In stock
Knappogue Castle 1997 is an Irish single malt whiskey built around a very clear sense of origin and time. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2022, it spent 24 years maturing before being released as a single cask in La Maison du Whisky's Ex Libris bottling series.
What gives this release its particular interest is the way its key elements come together: long maturation, a sherry finish and bottling at cask strength. At 54.4%, it has not been reduced to a gentler standard strength, so the individuality of the cask remains central. With 526 bottles produced, this is a limited release drawn from one specific cask rather than a broad expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Irish single malt that rewards attention to detail: a defined (…)Knappogue Castle 2000 (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
350
Knappogue Castle 2000 (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
In stock
Knappogue Castle 2000 is an Irish single malt bottled by La Maison du Whisky for the Ex Libris series. Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2022, it carries a 22-year age statement and comes from a single port cask, presented at its natural cask strength of 58%.
That gives this release a very focused identity. Rather than a whisky assembled from a larger selection of casks, it reflects one individual cask, with only 626 bottles produced. With the last bottles now indicated, it has the feel of a release that is becoming increasingly scarce without needing to be dressed up as a collector's piece.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are interesting because their appeal is easy to understand: mature Irish single malt, a port cask, cask strength and a clear (…)Kornog 2006 Over 10y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
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Kornog 2006 Over 10y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
Only 2 left in stock!
Kornog 2006 Over 10y Artist #10 is a French single malt from Glann Ar Mor, bottled by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Artist Collection. Its appeal lies in its focused nature: one cask, one limited release, and a whisky presented without the smoothing effect of a larger batch.
Matured in a Bourbon Barrel and bottled at cask strength at 57%, it keeps a direct connection to its individual cask. The name points to more than ten years of maturation, with distillation in 2006 and bottling in 2020.
Only 124 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now available, this Kornog has a naturally limited place in the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans. It is the kind of bottling that speaks to drinkers who enjoy small-scale single cask releases with a clearly (…)Macallan 1990 30y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
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Macallan 1990 30y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
Very last one in stock!
Macallan 1990 30y Artist #10 is a Speyside single malt with a very focused sense of place and time. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2020, it captures thirty years of maturation from one individual hogshead cask.
Bottled by La Maison du Whisky for the Artist Edition, this release has the quiet seriousness that comes with genuine limitation. It is a single cask whisky, bottled at cask strength at 53.5%, with only 141 bottles released. With the last bottles now available, its scarcity is part of the story rather than a decorative detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are approached as specialist pieces: mature, tightly defined and clearly intended for those who appreciate the difference between a broad release and a single cask snapshot. The (…)Penderyn 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
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Penderyn 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
Only 3 left in stock!
Penderyn 10y Artist presents Welsh single malt through the lens of one individual cask. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2020, it spent 10 years in a bourbon barrel before being selected for La Maison du Whisky's Artist Collection.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we see as interesting because it is so specific. It is a single cask release, bottled at cask strength at 60.8%, with only 211 bottles drawn from that barrel. With the last bottles remaining, it has the feel of a small, clearly defined release rather than a standard expression.
The profile points towards spice and peat as the main accents, supported by lighter touches of fruit, floral notes, wood and a subtle salty edge. The bourbon barrel is part of the story, but the wood (…)Sullivans Cove 2008 Over 10y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
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Sullivans Cove 2008 Over 10y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
In stock
Sullivans Cove 2008 Over 10y Artist #10 is a tightly focused Australian single malt rather than a broad house-style release. Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2020 for La Maison du Whisky's Artist Collection, it comes from a single individual cask and was bottled at cask strength, keeping the whisky close to the force and personality of that cask.
The Australian port cask is central to its identity. At 67.8% ABV, this is a powerful bottling with a concentrated presence, shaped by maturation rather than dilution. With only 308 bottles released, and now down to the last bottles, it represents a very specific snapshot of Sullivans Cove from one cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we place with the more distinctive single cask selections: (…)Symbiosis 2 Artist 15 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection) Incl. Box
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Symbiosis 2 Artist 15 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Symbiosis 2 Artist 15 is a Scottish blended malt from La Maison du Whisky's Artist Collection, built around a clear idea: to explore the breadth of Islay peat through the meeting of Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila.
For this second Symbiosis release, two Bunnahabhain parcels from 2013 and 2014 were combined with three Caol Ila vintages from 2014, 2015 and 2018. After seven years of maturation, the whisky was further refined in a new toasted oak barrel and bottled at its natural strength of 50.5% alcohol.
The appeal lies in the way the components speak to each other. Bunnahabhain brings an earthier, more refined peat character, while Caol Ila contributes a maritime, smoky side. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we like to explain slowly: not just (…)Wisers 1982 40y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
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Wisers 1982 40y (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris) Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Wisers 1982 40y is a Canadian whisky built around time. Distilled in 1982 and matured for 40 years, it immediately stands apart from the more familiar everyday image of Canadian whisky.
This release was bottled by La Maison du Whisky in the Ex Libris series and presented at cask strength, reaching 61.9% alcohol. Its maturation in American oak gives the whisky a clear wood-driven foundation, supported by pronounced spice and fruit, while a lighter floral note sits further in the background.
Only 240 bottles were produced, and the remaining stock is now limited. Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that draws attention because it combines age, strength and scarcity in a mature Canadian whisky with a concentrated style.
Wisers 1998 H Walker (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
Wisers 1998 H Walker (La Maison Du Whisky - Ex Libris)
In stock
Wisers 1998 H Walker shows Canadian whisky from a more concentrated, specialist angle. Distilled in 1998 and matured for 22 years, it has been bottled at cask strength, with an alcohol level of 64.5% that keeps the whisky close to its original power.
American Oak maturation gives the release a firm wooden backbone, with spice playing a clear supporting role. As part of the Ex Libris bottling series from La Maison du Whisky, it sits among limited releases rather than everyday whisky, with 1428 bottles produced.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as an interesting bottle for drinkers who want to explore Canadian whisky beyond the familiar softer side: mature, high-strength and now down to the last bottles. It is a whisky built around age, oak and intensity, (…)
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about whisky
What is whisky?
Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains (such as barley, corn, rye or wheat) and then aged in wooden casks, usually oak. The result is a complex drink with aromas that can range from fruity and floral to smoky, spicy or woody.
Generally speaking, a drink must meet the following basic requirements to be called whisky:
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Made from grains
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Fermented with yeast
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Distilled to a maximum of ±94.8% alcohol (so that flavour is retained)
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Matured in wooden casks
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Bottled with a minimum of 40% alcohol
Which whisky is tasty?
Which whisky is good? Which whisky is good? The answer to these questions is so specific and so personal that we cannot possibly answer them for everyone. In our range of whisky you will find more than 3,000 bottlings, each with their own taste and profile, to objectively identify a universal "good whisky" is impossible.
You can look for the whisky you like in different ways. Either you start from whisky with a fairly flat and neutral flavour profile and expand and explore from there, but other enthusiasts prefer to start at the extremes to quickly discover what they absolutely do not like. We would not recommend that second approach, as whisky with a distinct character is often an "aqcuired taste", something you gradually work towards and often learn to develop an appreciation for as you build your palate.
Are you looking for a whisky for someone else and have no idea what they drink and what they like? If so, limit yourself to whisky with a light and balanced flavour profile. With most of our whisky, you will find a flavour profile where the whisky is rated from 0 to 3 on six basic pillars: peaty, spicy, salty, woody, floral and fruity. If you blindly buy a whisky for someone else, limit yourself to whisky where none of the six pillars slip through. If you do know what kind of whisky the lucky person drinks, then with a bit of luck, you can also find that whisky in our range and from there you can look for other whiskies that have a similar flavour profile.
Is whisky Scotch or Irish?
Both Scotland and Ireland claim the origins of whisky, and both countries have a rich history of distilling it. The earliest written mention of whisky comes from Ireland, from the 12th century. But Scotland has brought the art of whisky making to perfection and today is famous worldwide for its whiskies. Ultimately, whisky is both Scottish and Irish, each with its own unique traditions and flavours.
What is Scotch whisky?
In addition to the basic rules to speak of whisky, there are a number of additional conditions for Scotch whisky.
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Must be wholly produced and matured in Scotland
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Aged for at least 3 years in oak casks
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Only water and caramel colour (E150a) may be added
Which Scottish regions are famous for their whisky?
Scotland is divided into a number of regions, each of which makes its own signature whisky. Exactly how many there are depends on how accurately you want to describe them.
On the Scottish mainland, we talk about
- Highland (Ben Nevis, Ardnamurchan, Edradour, ...)
- Lowland (Johnny Cree, Lochlea, Auchentoshan, ...)
- Campbeltown (Springbank, Kilkerran, Longrow, ...)
- Speyside (Benriach, Tomintoul, Glenglassaugh, ...)
As the first island, Islay is always mentioned separately. From Islay come mainly peated whiskies such as Bowmore, Port Ellen, Bruichladdich and Ardbeg.
You will also find a number of islands around Scotland, called the "Islands". Within that group, another distinction is often made between
- Isle of Arran
- Isle of Harris
- Jura
- Mull (Ledaig, Tobermory, ...)
- Orkney (Highland Park, Scapa, ...)
- Skye (Talisker, ...)
What is Irish whiskey?
To speak of Irish whiskey, the drink must meet a number of additional conditions.
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Produced and matured in Ireland
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Aged for at least 3 years in wooden casks
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Often triple-distilled, but this is not compulsory
What is American whiskey?
American whiskey is also again subject to a number of specific rules, in addition to the basic guidelines to speak of whiskey.
For bourbon whiskey:
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At least 51% corn in the grain mix
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Matured in new charred oak barrels
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Distilled to a maximum of 80% alcohol
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In the barrel a maximum of 62.5% alcohol
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No additives allowed (except water)
For rye whiskey, at least 51% rye must be used.
Tennessee whiskey follows the same guidelines as bourbon, but must be filtered through charcoal.
What is the difference between "whisky" and "whiskey"
The difference in terminology is related to the country of origin. In principle, "whiskey" is always referred to, except when spirits from the United States or Ireland are involved. In those countries, the term "whiskey" is consistently used.
What is the difference between single malt, blended and grain whisky?
Single malt whisky comes from a single distillery and is made exclusively from malted barley. These whiskies often have a distinct and characterful flavour profile. Blended whisky is a mix of different whiskies (both malt and grain) and tends to be softer and more approachable. Grain whisky is made from other grains such as corn or wheat and is often used in blends, but also exists as a separate bottling with a lighter style.
What is a "no age statement" whisky?
If a whisky is marked "NAS" or "No Age Statement", it means that no age is stated on the bottle.
When an age is mentioned on the bottle, it must, according to the rules, always be the youngest whisky in the blend and not the age that is most represented percentage-wise in the blend. A producer will therefore deliberately choose not to state an age on his bottle in two cases: when an old whisky is blended with a small proportion of younger whisky, or when young whisky is blended with a proportion of older whisky. In the first case, he does not want to put a young age on his bottle if his blend contains mainly older whisky, and in the second case, marketing-wise it is more interesting to go out with that particle of older whisky.
What is a "single cask" whisky?
A single cask means that the whisky in the bottle comes from only one cask and was not blended with another whisky from another cask. Because the content comes from a single cask, the number of bottles depends on the size of the cask and the evaporation of the product (the so-called Angel's Share), the number of bottles is limited (and often numbered) and no new bottles of this specific reference come onto the market. A single cask is thus always unique in flavour and profile, and never quite comparable to similar bottles that do not come from the same cask.
What is a whisky at "cask strength" ?
A cask strength whisky is not diluted with water before bottling, but goes straight from the cask into the bottle and therefore retains the alcohol percentage during/after cask maturation. One of the advantages of cask strength whisky is that as a drinker you can decide how strong you like your whisky by diluting or not diluting it with a little water yourself according to your preference, rather than the producer having already done this for you. Cask Strength whisky has a higher alcohol content and this can sometimes suppress the subtlety of the whisky.
What does the term non-chill filtered mean?
The term non-chill filtered, or well-known variations of it such as "unchilled filtered" or "not cold filtered", indicates that the spirit was not cold filtered before bottling. During cold filtration ("chill filtration"), the whisky is cooled to around freezing point and then filtered. This process removes certain substances from the spirit such as fatty acids, proteins and esters.
Whisky that does not undergo that specific filtering process has a number of specific properties: they often have more character, the mouthfeel is fuller and oilier and more flavour compounds are retained. Because they have more body, they often feel creamier on the palate and the aromas are more intense. The disadvantage of skipping cold filtering is that the whisky can be cloudier.
Most whisky on the market is chill filtered because it produces a clear and consistent spirit in the bottle and in the glass, even with the addition of ice or water. That consistency leads to better presentation and less chance of consumer complaints. Unchill filtered whisky is especially popular with aficionados and purists for the same reason, because they know and understand why their whisky is the way it is. For this reason, "chill filtered" is usually not explicitly stated, but "unchill filtered" is.
What is a peated whisky?
The term "peat", often also described as "smoky", "smoked" or "peated" is part of the flavour profile that is very typical and recognisable in whisky.
Peated whisky evokes scents of a seaside campfire, a smoky charcoal grill, and sometimes even medicinal, salty notes reminiscent of the Scottish coast. These whiskies have a depth and character that either enchant or terrify aficionados.
Peat is an organic material made up of compressed plant remains, formed over centuries in boggy areas. In Scotland, where peated whisky originated, peat has traditionally been used as a fuel. This later became an integral part of the whisky-making process and resulted in the unique smoky flavour these whiskies are known for.
The distinctive flavour of peated whisky is created in the malt phase of whisky production. Barley is first soaked in water and then spread out to germinate. During this process, the barley begins to develop sugars that are later needed for fermentation. Once the barley starts germinating, drying is interrupted by a fire of burning peat. The smoke soaks into the barley and impregnates it with phenols - the chemical compounds responsible for the smoky flavour.
Which whisky suits my taste (sweet, smoky, fruity...)?
Whisky can be roughly categorised by flavour profiles. Do you like sweet? Then go for whiskies with notes of vanilla, caramel or honey (often matured in bourbon casks). Prefer fruity? Choose Speyside or Irish whiskies with fresh apple and citrus aromas. If you are a fan of powerful, smoky flavours, then Islay whiskies are a good choice. Those who like spicy or woody notes may look more towards whiskies with sherry barrel maturation.
Which whisky is good for beginners?
For beginners, accessible, smooth whiskies without too much smoke or complexity are ideal. Think fruity and slightly sweet styles, such as many Irish whiskies or soft Scottish Speyside whiskies. These often have notes of apple, honey and vanilla and are easy to drink. Avoid strongly smoky (peated) whiskies at first, as that flavour is too intense for some. From there, you can gradually discover which styles suit you best.
Which whisky makes a good gift?
A good gift whisky is usually a safe, accessible choice that will appeal to many people. For example, choose a well-known single malt with a smooth and balanced profile, or a nice bottle in a gift box.
Do you know the recipient's tastes? Then you can choose more specifically: a smoky whisky for lovers of powerful flavours, or a fruity and mellow variant for beginners. In doubt? Then you will always be right with a classic, non-smoky whisky.
What does the designation PPM mean in a whisky?
The abbreviation PPM is used to describe the intensity of the peat flavour in a peated whisky. The abbreviation PPM stands for Phenol Parts Per Million, and the higher the number the more intense the peat flavour is. A whisky with 10 PPM has a subtle smoky character while a whisky with 50 PPM or higher can be a real smoke bomb.
How strong is whisky?
When people talk about the "strength" of liquor, they usually mean its alcohol content (ABV).
Whisky is a regulated product, meaning that a number of conditions must be met before the final product can be called "whisky". One of the rules is the minimum alcohol content: in the EU (including Scotch and Irish whiskey), the US and Canada, whisky must contain a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume to be called whisky.
Many standard bottlings are around 40-43%, some quality or "non-chill filtered" releases choose 46% ABV. In the US, bourbon and rye are also common at 45-50% ABV (e.g. Bottled-in-Bond at 50%). In Japan, 40-43% is common. "Cask strength" or "barrel proof" whiskies are bottled undiluted and are therefore higher in strength: usually between about 50% and 65%. Regional exceptions exist, such as India where many whiskies are bottled around 42.8% ABV,
For average commercial whiskies, 40-46% is the normal range, and you will find most whiskies within that range.
What does the designation "proof" mean in whisky?
You may also have seen "proof" written on bottles, for example "100 proof". It is an alternative way of indicating the strength of whisky and is only used in the US today. The formula is thankfully simple; the "proof" value is actually double the alcohol content (ABV). In other words, a bottle of "100 proof" corresponds to 50% alcohol.
What is meant by "small batch"?
"Small batch" is a term indicating that the whisky was produced in relatively small quantities per batch (production run). Instead of huge volumes being mixed continuously, the distiller selected only a limited number of casks or ingredients to bring together. The idea behind it is to have more control over quality, flavour and consistency, for example by blending a few carefully chosen casks to achieve a specific flavour profile.
Small Batch often suggests craftsmanship and attention to detail, but it is not a strictly regulated term. So there is no set definition of exactly how much "small" is, and it can vary greatly from producer to producer.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive whisky?
The price difference is often in factors such as ageing time, casks used, production method and rarity. More expensive whiskies have usually matured for longer or come from special casks, providing more complexity and depth. However, this does not mean that a more expensive whisky is always "tastier". Taste remains personal, and there are also affordable whiskies of excellent quality that perfectly suit your preference.
What does the age on a whisky bottle mean?
The age on a whisky bottle indicates the minimum time the whisky has been aged in cask. In blends, this means that the youngest whisky in the blend is that age.
During that maturation, the whisky develops its flavour, colour and aromas. The longer the ageing, the more influence the cask has on the final result.
Which whisky is suitable as an investment?
If you are looking for a bottle as an investment, the references we refer to as "Collector" are often a good choice. However, it is no guarantee of success, some bottles rise in values, others do not and in a few cases a sudden hype drives the price up suddenly. For this reason, always keep Jan Broekmans' own advice in mind: don't buy whisky as an investment that you would never want to drink yourself. If the price doesn't go up, at least you'll still have the pleasure of drinking them yourself.
Is older whisky always better?
Not necessary. Older whisky can be more complex and softer, but sometimes loses fresh or fruity characteristics. Quality depends on many factors, such as the cask and the conditions in which the whisky matures.
Ultimately, "better" is a matter of taste. Some younger whiskies can be surprisingly lively and full of character, perfectly matching what you are looking for.
Does whisky mature further in the bottle?
No, whisky matures only in cask. Once the whisky is bottled, the maturation process stops completely.
In principle, the flavour remains stable, although an opened bottle can change slightly after a long time due to contact with oxygen. This is why it is best to store whisky tightly sealed and out of direct sunlight.
Is whisky going bad?
Whisky is a strong drink with a high alcohol content, which means it has a virtually unlimited shelf life. If you have a bottle of whisky that is properly sealed, you can keep it for years, even decades, without its taste or quality deteriorating. However, the flavour can change if the whisky is exposed to light, air or temperature fluctuations. If there is too much air in the bottle relative to liquid then "oxidation" can also occur, directly affecting its flavour and intensity.
So an open bottle of whisky will often lose some of its aromas over time, but it will not "go bad".
Make sure you store your bottle in a cool, dark place and seal it well after each use, and that the bottle is always at least a quarter full (the less air there is in the bottle, the less oxidation can occur). Leftovers are best poured into smaller sample bottles that can be sealed well from the outside air (apothecary bottles are ideal, glass decanters are not), or you can artificially fill the original bottle with, say, marbles to reduce the volume of air in the bottle.
What is an independent bottler?
Independent bottlers are entrepreneurs who buy whisky from existing distilleries and then bottle or blend it themselves. They are not involved in the actual production process, but they take care of the further development of the whisky. This means they select the casks themselves and decide how long the whisky matures, in order to create a unique final product.
Some whiskies are sold exclusively to independent bottlers and are not used for the original distillery's range. Examples of such bottlers include Signatory, Douglas Laing, and Cadenhead's.
There are also 'secret bottlings', where the bottler does not reveal which distillery the casks come from.
Independent bottlings are usually single casks. They are often not coloured, are usually non-chill filtered and very limited in availability, which only makes the product more unique. This constitutes a delightful change from regular whiskies, you could say.
In which glass do you pour whisky?
The classic glass in which whisky is very often poured is called a tumbler. This is a low, straight and wide glass. Some people prefer to drink their whisky from these glasses because of the tradition and the feel it gives. This glass has a wide, cylindrical shape and a thick bottom, making it perfect to use when mixing whisky with other drinks like cola or water, for example, or when you want to add ice to your whisky. It is most often used with bourbon and blended whisky.
However, connoisseurs prefer to opt for a tulip-shaped glass, as it bundles the aromas better in the nose. Snifters and copita glasses, for example, have such a shape, but are still more commonly associated with cognac and sherry. The general consensus therefore seems to be that the Glencairn glass is still usually the best choice to maximise the better whisky. The advantage of all three is that you can hold the glass in such a way that your body heat will not warm up the spirit in your glass.
Do you drink whisky with ice?
The most loaded question is whether you should drink whisky at room temperature or "on the rocks". We take no position on right or wrong and advise everyone to enjoy it in the way that suits them best. If you like a particular whisky better on ice rather than at room temperature, who are we to deprive you of that pleasure?
That said, there are some differences: a room-temperature whisky evaporates more easily, making the nose more intense as with a chilled whisky. In turn, using ice dilutes the whisky, so the flavour and intensity can diminish once that ice starts to melt in your glass. Whisky stones can be a good alternative if you don't like a whisky at room temperature but at the same time don't want your spirit to be diluted by the melting ice in your glass either.
Should you add water to whisky?
Adding water to whisky is not a must, but it can help release aromas better. Especially with whiskies with a higher alcohol content, a few drops of water can make the flavour more accessible.
Most important is personal preference: drink whisky the way you like it best, pure, with water or possibly with ice.
What is a "dram"?
A "dram" usually refers to one serving of whisky. The quantity of a dram is around 3cl, some serve 2.5cl and others go up to 3.5cl. From a 5cl sample or mini-bottle, you basically get just 2 drams, enough to discover a spirit for two.
Handy to remember if you ever want to organise a tasting yourself: from a standard 70cl bottle with a standard filling level you get:
- 35 drams of 2cl (tip: the bottle pilot on our webshop doses exactly 2cl)
- 28 drams of 2.5cl
- 23 drams of 3cl
- 20 drams of 3.5cl
However, do not count too strictly when organising a tasting, and always keep a few drams in reserve in case there is a spillage when pouring or the bottle does not contain exactly 70cl spirit (with older bottlings, the filling level can decrease slightly over time due to natural processes). And don't forget to include the host of your tasting, of course!
What does "angel's share" mean?
The term "angel's share" refers to the part of a whisky (or other matured spirit) that slowly evaporates in the barrel during the maturation process. As the spirit is aged in wooden barrels for years, a small amount of alcohol and water escapes through the pores of the wood each time. This loss can amount to about 2% per year, depending on factors such as climate, storage location and barrel type. The name is meant poetically: it is said that this part is "for the angels".
Although technically a loss for the distiller, the angel's share plays a crucial role in the development of flavour and aroma. The evaporation concentrates the residual flavours, and the contact with the wood provides complexity such as vanilla, spice and fruity notes. In warmer climates (such as rum), the angel's share tends to be greater, resulting in faster maturation than, for example, in cooler whisky regions such as Scotland.
How do I get started on Scotch whisky?
Many people assume that a more expensive bottle of Scotch whisky is automatically better. It sounds logical: the higher the price, the better the quality. But in reality, the difference between a bottle of a few tens and one of thousands of euros is rarely purely in the taste. What you pay has much more to do with age, scarcity, marketing and reputation than with what you actually taste in your glass.
To understand this properly, it helps to look at Scotch in different "levels". Each level tells you something about what you are drinking and, more importantly, what you are paying for, but not every epicurean goes through all these levels.
You can read all about it in our blog post Why an expensive Scotch doesn't necessarily taste better - the different levels of Scotch.
How do I get started on Irish whiskey?
At one time, Irish whiskey dominated the world. In the late 19th century, more than 70% of all whiskey came from Ireland. But wars, trade conflicts and prohibition in the US caused a dramatic decline. By 1980, barely two distilleries remained. Today, that picture has been completely reversed. Ireland once again has dozens of distilleries and the range of offerings ranges from simple entry-level bottles to rare collector's items costing thousands of euros.
But as always, more expensive does not automatically mean better. What do you actually get for your money? And from what point do you mainly pay for prestige? You can read more about it in our blog post Irish whiskey explained: from pub classics to million-dollar bottles.
How do I get started with Japanese whisky?
In 1918, a young Japanese student Masataka Taketsuru left for Scotland with one clear goal: to learn how to make whisky. He studied in Glasgow, apprenticed at several distilleries and obsessively noted down every detail of the process. Those notes would later form the basis of the Japanese whisky industry.
Today, Japanese whisky is a phenomenon. Bottles go under the hammer for tens of thousands of euros, distilleries can barely keep up with demand and the number of producers has exploded. But at the same time, that also makes it confusing: where do you start if you just want to drink it?
You'll discover all about it in our blog post Japanese whisky explained: from entry-level to untraceable.
Where can I buy whisky?
Basic whisky and no-name whisky can be found in any shop or supermarket, but you undoubtedly want something more. Then you're in the right place at Drankenshop Broekmans, because our range of almost 3,000 whiskies covers all brands, all distilleries, all bottlers, all flavour profiles and all price ranges.
