Whisky
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*Vintage* Ardmore 1988 32y (Dutch Whisky Connection - They Inspired)
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*Vintage* Ardmore 1988 32y (Dutch Whisky Connection - They Inspired)
In stock
Vintage Ardmore 1988 32y is a Highland single malt built around maturity, scarcity and the individuality of one cask. Distilled in April 1988 and bottled in January 2021, it spent 32 years maturing before being bottled by Dutch Whisky Connection for the They Inspired series.
This release comes from a single Bourbon Barrel and was bottled at cask strength. Only 192 bottles were drawn from that cask, and with the last bottles now indicated, it feels less like a broad distillery expression and more like a precise snapshot of one long maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for exactly that sense of specificity. The supplied flavour profile points to fruit as the dominant theme, supported by clear wood and spice, with lighter floral (…)Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Incl. Box
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Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Incl. Box
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Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: distilled on 26 July 2000, bottled on 13 August 2021 and drawn from a single cask. That gives this whisky a sense of place and time rather than the feel of a broad, standard release.
Bottled by Signatory for the Cask Collection, it comes at cask strength, 52.4%, with a sherry finish shaping its direction. Only 703 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now available, it has become one of those whiskies at Drankenshop Broekmans that speaks to drinkers who enjoy a precise, limited Speyside bottling.
Its profile points towards clear wood and spice, supported by lighter fruity and floral notes. There is no peated or salty emphasis here; the focus is on cask influence, (…)An Orkney 2012 8y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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An Orkney 2012 8y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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An Orkney 2012 8y is a Scottish single malt from an undisclosed distillery. Rather than leaning on a famous distillery name, this release puts the focus on one individual cask and the specific character it captured.
Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2021, it was released by Campbeltown Whisky Company under the Watt Whisky label. The whisky comes from a single hogshead and was bottled at cask strength, 57.1% ABV. With 392 bottles produced and the last bottles now remaining, it has a naturally limited place in the Drankenshop Broekmans whisky selection.
The flavour profile is led by spice, supported by lighter notes of fruit, wood, floral character, salinity and gentle peat. It is a whisky for drinkers who enjoy exploring cask-specific single malts, especially (…)Ardbeg 2013 8y Single Cask
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Ardbeg 2013 8y Single Cask
In stock
Ardbeg 2013 8y Single Cask is a very focused Islay single malt: one cask, one maturation story and a limited outturn of 670 bottles. Distilled on 20 February 2013 and bottled on 9 September 2021, it captures Ardbeg at 8 years old through the lens of a single individual cask.
The whisky was matured in a Sherry Butt and bottled at cask strength, 60.9%, giving this release a direct and uncompromised presentation. Rather than blending several casks into a broader house style, this bottling keeps the attention on the specific cask from which it came.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are valued for their clear sense of origin and limited nature. The combination of single cask, cask strength, 670 bottles and the fact that these are the last bottles makes (…)Ardmore 1988 32y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Ardmore 1988 32y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
Only 3 left in stock!
Ardmore 1988 32y is a Highland single malt with time very much at its core. Distilled in April 1988 and bottled in January 2021, it spent 32 years maturing before The Nectar released it as part of the Daily Dram series.
What makes this bottling stand out is its very precise origin. It comes from a single hogshead cask, bottled at cask strength, with just 185 bottles produced. Rather than a broad distillery expression, this is one individual cask captured after long maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see a whisky like this as something for drinkers who enjoy independent bottlings with a clear sense of place and maturation. Mature fruit, wood influence, spice and a gentle peated touch shape the profile, while the small outturn and final bottle (…)Ardmore 1998 23y Smsnec (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland For The Nectar)
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Ardmore 1998 23y Smsnec (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland For The Nectar)
Very last one in stock!
Ardmore 1998 23y Smsnec is a Highland single malt with the focused personality you look for in an independent bottling. Distilled on 27 May 1998 and bottled on 1 August 2021, it spent 23 years in a hogshead before being released by The Single Malts of Scotland for The Nectar. It is bottled at cask strength, at 51% ABV.
Its appeal lies in the precision of the release. This is a single cask whisky, with only 234 bottles drawn from that one cask. With the last bottles now available, it represents a specific mature expression of Ardmore rather than a broad house-style vatting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the way they show a distillery from a more individual angle. Here the emphasis falls on mature Highland malt with clearly (…)Ardmore 2011 9y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Ardmore 2011 9y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Ardmore 2011 9y is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity: distilled in 2011, bottled in June 2021, and drawn from a single bourbon barrel. Rather than representing a broad batch style, it captures one particular cask at one particular point in its development.
Released as a Watt Whisky bottling by Campbeltown Whisky Company, it was bottled at cask strength, 57.6% ABV. Only 222 bottles came from the cask. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we value for its directness: a specific Ardmore from a specific barrel, with no need to dress the story up.
The flavour profile places spice at the centre, with lighter fruit, gentle oak influence and a subtle peated note in support. With the last bottles now remaining, it also has the natural (…)Ardmore Ardlair 2009 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Ardmore Ardlair 2009 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Ardmore Ardlair 2009 12y is a Highland single malt with the unmistakable feel of an independent bottling. Distilled in September 2009 and bottled in September 2021, it was selected by The Nectar for the Daily Dram series, giving it a more individual character than a regular distillery expression.
The appeal here lies in the way several details come together: a single cask release, bottled at cask strength, matured in a Vin Doux Naturel cask. At 51.8% and with only 340 bottles drawn, it presents a focused snapshot of one particular cask rather than a broad house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy limited independent Scotch with a clear cask identity. With the last bottles now indicated, it also (…)Arran 2000 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Arran 2000 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
Only 2 left in stock!
Arran 2000 21y is a single malt from the Isle of Arran with a very focused sense of origin. Distilled in 2000 and bottled in February 2021 by The Nectar for the Daily Dram series, it comes from one bourbon barrel after 21 years of maturation. Only 180 bottles were drawn from that cask.
It has been bottled at cask strength, 52.2%, so the whisky keeps a closer connection to the individual barrel rather than being shaped into a broader house-style release. That combination of age, single cask origin and natural strength makes it a particularly specific snapshot of Arran malt.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to customers who enjoy independent bottlings, vintage-dated releases and whiskies that cannot simply be repeated. The (…)Asta Ila 2008 12y (Asta Morris)
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Asta Ila 2008 12y (Asta Morris)
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Asta Ila 2008 12y is a Scottish single malt from Islay with its exact distillery kept undisclosed. That gives the bottle a quiet sense of intrigue: instead of leaning on a famous name, it asks to be judged on the character of this particular release.
Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2021, it spent 12 years maturing before being drawn from a single cask. The sherry finish and cask strength bottling at 52% make this a very specific snapshot rather than a broad, standardised expression.
With 732 bottles produced and the remaining stock now marked as last bottles, it has the appeal of a clearly limited Islay release. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among whiskies for drinkers who enjoy discovering single malts beyond the most obvious distillery names.
Auchentoshan 1991 29y 56,1° Nectar (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Auchentoshan 1991 29y 56,1° Nectar (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
In stock
Auchentoshan 1991 29y Nectar is the kind of Lowland single malt that is best understood as a very precise snapshot of one cask. Distilled on 28 October 1991 and bottled on 1 October 2021, it spent 29 years maturing in a Bourbon Barrel before being released at cask strength.
Blackadder bottled this whisky as part of the Raw Cask series, drawn from a single cask rather than shaped into a larger batch. With only 93 bottles produced, and now down to the last bottles, it has a naturally limited place in the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who enjoy whiskies with a clear sense of origin and individuality.
The flavour profile is led by fruit, supported by noticeable wood and spice, with a lighter floral side. There is no peat influence indicated (…)Aultmore 2013 8y Dlprov (Douglas Laing - Provenance) Tube Incl.
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Aultmore 2013 8y Dlprov (Douglas Laing - Provenance) Tube Incl.
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This Aultmore 2013 from Douglas Laing's Provenance range is a good example of why single cask whisky can be so engaging. It was drawn from one refill sherry butt, distilled in June 2013 and bottled in December 2021 after 8 years of maturation at 46% ABV. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one specific cask and its own development.
Only 862 bottles were produced, and with the final bottles now in focus, it has a distinctive place in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection. Its interest lies in that defined Speyside snapshot: youthful enough to keep clarity and lift, yet shaped by gentle wood and a noticeable spicy thread.
The refill sherry butt does not appear to overwhelm the spirit. Instead, it supports a profile where spice is the main (…)Ballechin 2003 18y Lmdw
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Ballechin 2003 18y Lmdw
In stock
Ballechin 2003 18y Lmdw is a Highland single malt with a very specific identity: 18 years old, drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength. Rather than presenting a broad house-style expression, it captures one defined cask at one point in its maturation.
Distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2021, it was given a sherry finish before bottling at 54% ABV. The supplied profile points to a whisky where fruit, spice and peat all have real presence, supported more quietly by wood, floral and salty touches.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone who enjoys whisky with a clear origin and a limited frame around it. With 718 bottles released and the indication that these are the last bottles, it has the feel of a (…)Ballechin 2010 11y Nec
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Ballechin 2010 11y Nec
In stock
Ballechin 2010 11y Nec is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky with a very focused identity. It was distilled on 24 September 2010 and bottled on 1 October 2021, after 11 years in a bourbon barrel.
The appeal here lies in its small-scale nature. This is a single cask release, bottled at cask strength at 53.6%, with only 244 bottles drawn from that one barrel. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the character of one individual cask at one precise point in its maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who appreciate peat and spice with a clear presence. The flavour indication also points to lighter fruity, floral, woody and salty accents, giving the whisky some detail around its more (…)Ballechin Straight From The Cask 2010 10y 50cl
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Ballechin Straight From The Cask 2010 10y 50cl
Only 3 left in stock!
Ballechin Straight From The Cask 2010 10y is a Highland single malt from Edradour with a very direct identity: one bourbon cask, bottled at cask strength. The appeal lies in that clarity. It was distilled on 28 October 2010 and bottled on 25 October 2021, giving a 10-year-old whisky that captures the character of one individual cask.
At 58.2% ABV, it keeps a firm, unsoftened presence. The profile is driven by peat and spice, with lighter touches of fruit, wood, floral nuance and salinity. The bourbon cask plays a supporting role rather than turning the whisky into something overly polished.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy cask strength single malts with a clearly defined origin. With only 319 (…)Ballechin Straight From The Cask'10 10ybb
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Ballechin Straight From The Cask'10 10ybb
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Ballechin Straight From The Cask 2010 10 Years Bourbon Barrel is a Highland single malt with a very focused story: one bourbon barrel, one limited outturn, bottled at natural cask strength. Distilled on 22 October 2010 and bottled on 14 April 2021, it spent 10 years maturing before being released at 52.7% ABV.
The Straight From The Cask name matters here. This is not a softened, heavily polished style, but a single cask release that keeps close to the individual barrel it came from. Only 322 bottles were filled, and at Drankenshop Broekmans we see this as the kind of bottling that speaks to drinkers who enjoy a clear sense of origin and batch identity.
Its profile is driven by peat and a pronounced salty side, with lighter touches of fruit, spice and wood in (…)Balmenach 1989 32y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Balmenach 1989 32y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Balmenach 1989 32y is the kind of Speyside single malt where time is the central element. Distilled in April 1989 and bottled in July 2021, it spent 32 years maturing before The Nectar released it as part of the Daily Dram series.
Drawn from a single hogshead and bottled at cask strength at 44.6%, this is a very specific snapshot of one individual cask. Only 298 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now remaining, its limited nature is part of the experience without needing to be overstated.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Balmenach as a thoughtful choice among mature independent bottlings: a whisky for those who appreciate long ageing, single cask individuality and a Speyside profile led by fruit, with floral tones, wood influence and spice (…)Ben Nevis 1997 24y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland Marriage)
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Ben Nevis 1997 24y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland Marriage)
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Ben Nevis 1997 24y is a Highland single malt built around maturity, cask identity and limited availability. Distilled on 12 February 1997 and bottled on 1 April 2021, it spent 24 years maturing before being released by The Single Malts of Scotland.
The sherry butt maturation gives this release its framework, while the single cask nature keeps the focus on one individual cask rather than a broader house style. Only 561 bottles were drawn, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it has a particular place in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection for drinkers who enjoy mature, cask-driven Scotch whisky.
At 57.7% alcohol, this was bottled at cask strength, preserving a more direct expression of the whisky. The character is centred on fruit, spice and wood (…)Ben Nevis 2010 10y Artist 11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Ben Nevis 2010 10y Artist 11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Ben Nevis 2010 10y Artist 11 is a Highland single malt with the focused character of an individual cask release. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2021, it matured for 10 years in a bourbon barrel before being bottled by Signatory in the Artist Edition series.
Only 195 bottles came from this single cask, and it was released at cask strength: 58.1%. That gives the whisky a very particular identity. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one specific barrel of Ben Nevis at one point in its maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value bottlings like this because they show how much detail a single cask can carry. The supplied flavour profile points toward a whisky with clear fruity, spicy and floral dimensions, supported by a lighter wood (…)Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw (Signatory - Unchill Filtered) Tube Incl.
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Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw (Signatory - Unchill Filtered) Tube Incl.
On request only
Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw is a young Highland single malt with a very specific identity: distilled on 7 June 2016, bottled on 1 September 2021, and released by Signatory as part of the Unchill Filtered range.
The whisky comes from a single wine-matured cask, giving this 5-year-old Ben Nevis a focused cask-led story rather than the feel of a broad standard release. With only 391 bottles produced, it captures one particular parcel of spirit at one particular point in its development.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that rewards curiosity: a limited single cask Highland malt at 46%, with the added interest that these are now the last bottles available.
Based on the supplied flavour profile, this Ben Nevis places the (…)Ben Nevis Proven8 Sd (Stalla Dhu Single Cask)
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Ben Nevis Proven8 Sd (Stalla Dhu Single Cask)
In stock
Ben Nevis Proven8 Sd is a Highland single malt with the feel of a small, individual release. Bottled by Stalla Dhu as part of its single cask selection, it is built around one bourbon barrel rather than a broader, repeatable vatting.
It was bottled in 2021 at 50% cask strength, with no age statement given. That keeps the focus firmly on the character of the cask: a whisky led by fruit and spice, with lighter touches of wood and a subtle floral side sitting behind it.
Only 237 bottles were produced, and this is now down to the last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a limited independent Ben Nevis for drinkers who enjoy a more focused Highland single malt without peat or a pronounced salty profile.
The flavour profile is driven (…)Benriach 1997 23y Batch 17
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Benriach 1997 23y Batch 17
In stock
Benriach 1997 23y Batch 17 is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity. Distilled on 7 July 1997 and bottled in 2021 at 23 years of age, it comes from a single cask and is presented at cask strength, 51.6% ABV.
Virgin oak plays an important role here, bringing a clear wood and spice dimension, while the flavour profile points strongly towards fruit. It is a more individual view of Benriach rather than a broad house-style expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they capture one specific cask at one specific point in its maturation. With only the last bottles remaining, Batch 17 has become an increasingly scarce example of mature Benriach from Speyside.
Additional information about Benriach can be (…)Benriach 2000 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Benriach 2000 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Benriach 2000 21y is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity. Rather than presenting a broad house-style vatting, this release comes from one individual hogshead, bottled by The Nectar as part of the Daily Dram range. It is the kind of whisky where the cask itself becomes the main point of interest.
Distilled on 24 May 2000 and bottled on 1 October 2021, it spent 21 years maturing before being released at cask strength, 52.8%. With only 279 bottles drawn, it has a naturally limited character. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for exactly that reason: they offer a focused look at one cask, one maturation path and one moment in time.
The flavour profile points towards a clear presence of fruit, wood and spice, with a lighter (…)Benriach 2009 12y Lmdw
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Benriach 2009 12y Lmdw
On request only
Benriach 2009 12y LMDW is a Speyside single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2021 at 12 years old, it presents a more specific snapshot of Benriach than a regular core-range release.
The port maturation and cask strength bottling at 59.8% give this whisky a firm presence. Its profile points towards clearly expressed spice and peat, with lighter fruity, floral and woody elements around them rather than dominating the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show whisky in a more focused form: one cask, one limited outturn, one particular interpretation. With 762 bottles produced and the last bottles available, this Benriach has the appeal of a defined and increasingly (…)
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.
