Whisky
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Aberlour 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Aberlour 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Aberlour 2013 12 Year Old brings forward the richer, sherry-influenced side of this Speyside single malt. Coming from the distillery at the foot of Ben Rinnes, it has the full-bodied tone described for Aberlour, with maturation playing a central role in its personality.
Distilled on 13 June 2013 and bottled on 1 October 2025, this release was selected by The Nectar for the Daily Dram series. It comes from a single cask, bottled at cask strength at 55.5%, with a sherry finish adding depth to the whisky. Only 300 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, it has a naturally limited feel within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
What stands out is the meeting of fruit, spice and wood, without peat or salty notes taking the lead. That keeps (…)Akkeshi 2018 3y (Adelphi)
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Akkeshi 2018 3y (Adelphi)
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Akkeshi 2018 3y is a young Japanese single malt with a remarkably vivid personality. Distilled at Akkeshi and bottled by Adelphi, it comes from a single bourbon barrel and was released at natural cask strength: 57.7%. That gives the whisky a direct, energetic feel, very close to the individual cask it came from.
Its appeal lies in the contrast between youth and intensity. The tasting information points to a distinctly coastal style, with saline smoke, yuzu-like citrus, wild honey and damp peat alongside fresh fruit. It is not a broad, anonymous release; it is a focused single cask snapshot.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued because they show a very specific side of a distillery. With only 265 bottles drawn and the final bottles now in (…)Ardmore 2009 16y (The Whisky Agency - Made For Friends & Wave Farewell)
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Ardmore 2009 16y (The Whisky Agency - Made For Friends & Wave Farewell)
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Ardmore 2009 16y is the kind of Highland single malt where the cask immediately sets the tone. Distilled in 2009 and matured for 16 years in a Monbazillac cask, it brings an unexpected sense of richness to Ardmore's classic Highland peat.
The Whisky Agency bottled this single cask at cask strength, 49.5%. That matters here, because the whisky is presented as the expression of one individual cask rather than a broad, blended distillery profile. The supplied profile points towards fruit, spice and wood, with a lighter peated thread running through it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy independent releases with a clear point of difference. A single cask Ardmore from a Monbazillac cask, now down to its last bottles, has the (…)Ardmore 2010 15y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Ardmore 2010 15y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Ardmore 2010 15y is a Highland single malt with a clearly defined personality. The distillery, located in the eastern Highlands, is described as staying true to its lightly peated style, and that comes through here in a way that supports the whisky rather than overpowering it.
This Daily Dram release from The Nectar was drawn from a single sherry hogshead. Distilled on 8 July 2010 and bottled on 1 October 2025, it reached 15 years of age and was bottled at cask strength, 58.8%. With only 300 bottles, and now down to the last bottles, it has the feel of a very specific cask selection rather than a regular distillery expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued because they show a distillery through one individual cask. In this Ardmore, (…)Ardnamurchan 2014 10y (Adelphi)
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Ardnamurchan 2014 10y (Adelphi)
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Ardnamurchan 2014 10y is a Highland single malt with a clear sense of place and timing. The distillery is based in the western Highlands of Scotland and was founded in 2014, the same year this whisky was distilled. That gives this bottling a direct connection to the early years of a modern distillery built around both Scottish whisky tradition and a more contemporary way of working.
Sustainability is an important part of Ardnamurchan's identity. The distillery uses renewable energy and environmentally conscious practices while focusing on high-quality single malt whisky. It is supported by Adelphi, an independent company established in 1993 and known for its expertise in selecting and bottling rare, limited whiskies.
This 10-year-old release comes from a (…)Arran 2014 11y (Adelphi)
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Arran 2014 11y (Adelphi)
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Arran 2014 11 Year Old is a notable return for Arran after years of absence. This unpeated Scotch single malt from the Isle of Arran brings together Oloroso Sherry richness and a fresh island character, giving the whisky depth without moving into a smoky style.
Drawn from a single cask, distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2025 after 11 years of maturation, it represents one very specific cask rather than a broad house-style release. Only 318 bottles were produced, and at 57.6% cask strength it keeps its natural intensity firmly intact. The Oloroso influence gives the whisky its generous, darker-fruited side, while the profile still leaves room for freshness and lift.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling that adds real character to a specialist (…)Arran Peated 2014 10y (Adelphi)
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Arran Peated 2014 10y (Adelphi)
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Arran Peated 2014 10y shows a more smoky, forceful side of Arran while still keeping the soft touch of bourbon maturation close at hand. This single malt from the Isle of Arran matured in a first fill bourbon barrel, giving its peated island character a gentler vanilla-led counterpoint.
As a single cask release bottled at cask strength, 57.1%, it feels deliberately specific rather than broadly polished. Only 230 bottles were drawn from this cask, making it a focused snapshot of one barrel's development. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued because they let the cask speak clearly, without hiding the details that make it individual.
The peat is clearly present, supported by a malty core, a lightly salty edge and a long dry smoky finish. It (…)Auchentoshan 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Auchentoshan 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Auchentoshan 2013 12 Year Old shows a very specific side of Lowland single malt. The supplied information points to the distillery's triple distillation as the source of a lively, elegant style, with fresh citrus and fruit tones and a soft, refined character.
Bottled by The Nectar for the Daily Dram series, this release comes from a single Sherry Butt. Rather than presenting a broad house-style vatting, it captures one individual cask at cask strength. With 300 bottles released, 56.9% alcohol and the last bottles now indicated, it has a naturally limited feel within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans.
What makes this Auchentoshan particularly engaging is the meeting of Lowland finesse with the directness of a single cask bottling: polished in origin, yet (…)Auchroisk 2008 #4 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Auchroisk 2008 #4 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Auchroisk 2008 #4 is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: one individual cask, 16 years of maturation and a Pedro Ximenez finish that gives the whisky a richer, more pronounced direction. It was distilled on 20 September 2008 and bottled on 19 February 2025 by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range.
The appeal here lies in its specificity. This is a single cask release of only 339 bottles, bottled at 57.9%, and with the last bottles now available it feels like a defined snapshot of Auchroisk rather than a broad house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are selected for drinkers who enjoy exploring Speyside through independent releases. Signatory lets the individual cask take centre stage here, with (…)Aultmore 2014 10y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Aultmore 2014 10y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Aultmore 2014 10y by Alistair Walker is a Speyside single malt with a clear independent-bottler signature. It belongs to the Infrequent Flyers series, where Walker works with rare casks and bolder finishes; in this case, Aultmore has been given a Pedro Ximenez finish.
The appeal lies in the way the PX richness is held in check by the freshness associated with Aultmore in the product information. Rather than being all about heavy sweetness, it brings together weight, oak influence and spice in a whisky that still has lift and definition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a distinctive independent Speyside rather than a standard distillery release. It is a single cask bottling at 55.4%, limited to 350 (…)Ben Nevis 1999 26y (Cadenhead - Chairman's Stock)
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Ben Nevis 1999 26y (Cadenhead - Chairman's Stock)
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Ben Nevis 1999 26y is a Highland single malt built around patience, cask individuality and mature distillery character. Distilled in 1999 and bottled in 2025, it spent twenty-six years in a bourbon hogshead, giving the whisky time to develop depth while keeping its fruit, spice and refined oak presence clearly in view.
Cadenhead bottled this release as part of the Chairman's Stock series at a cask strength of 51.5%. As a single cask bottling, it is not about consistency across batches, but about capturing one particular cask at one particular point in its life.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to place in front of customers who are looking for an older Scotch single malt with substance rather than smoke. Its profile brings together (…)Ben Nevis 2011 13y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Ben Nevis 2011 13y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Ben Nevis 2011 13y is a Highland single malt shaped by Alistair Walker's taste for less conventional maturation. In his Infrequent Flyers series, Walker selects rare casks and experiments with bold finishes, and this release follows that approach closely. The cask influence comes from Recioto, an Italian dessert wine, described in the supplied information as one of the house specialities.
The finish lasted four years, so the wine cask has had real time to leave its mark. Rather than presenting a simple layer of sweetness, the whisky leans into a strong wood presence, supported by spice and a more restrained fruitiness. That combination gives this Ben Nevis a firm, mature feel while keeping the wine character clearly part of the conversation.
At Drankenshop (…)Ben Nevis 2013 11y (Adelphi)
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Ben Nevis 2013 11y (Adelphi)
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Ben Nevis 2013 11y is a Highland single malt with a firm, expressive presence. Distilled at Ben Nevis in 2013 and bottled in 2025 by Adelphi, it comes at cask strength with an alcohol level of 59.9%.
The whisky matured in a refill Oloroso sherry butt, giving it a rich and structured feel while still leaving room for the forceful Ben Nevis character to come through. Ripe fruit, wood and spice form the main lines of the whisky rather than a soft or polished style.
As a single cask release, only 624 bottles were drawn. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we place with care: direct, limited and very much shaped by one individual cask.
The aroma brings ripe fruit together with sherry notes and wood. On the palate it is intense yet (…)Ben Nevis 2016 8y (Douglas Laing - Provenance)
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Ben Nevis 2016 8y (Douglas Laing - Provenance)
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Ben Nevis 2016 8y is a Highland single malt bottled by Douglas Laing for the Provenance range. Distilled in October 2016 and bottled in March 2025, it captures a lively side of Ben Nevis, with freshness, savoury depth and a lightly wild edge rather than a polished, overly rounded style.
Maturation took place in a single Refill Hogshead, giving the spirit room to speak. The cask influence supports the whisky without dominating it, allowing the fruitier side to sit alongside deeper, more robust aromas. It was bottled at 46%, without colouring and without chill filtration, keeping the presentation close to the whisky's natural character.
With only 370 bottles drawn from this cask, and the final bottles now available, this release has a clear sense of (…)Benrinnes 2011 14y (Adelphi)
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Benrinnes 2011 14y (Adelphi)
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Benrinnes 2011 14y is a Speyside single malt with a clear cask-led identity. Matured in a refill Oloroso sherry hogshead and bottled at cask strength, it keeps close to the individual cask from which it came.
The appeal here lies in the combination of 14 years of maturation, a firm natural strength of 56.2% and the rich, full character associated in the supplied information with Benrinnes' partly triple distillation process. The refill sherry cask adds room for wood influence, soft spice and a restrained dried-fruit side rather than turning the whisky into a broad, generic sherry style.
As a single cask release of 282 bottles, now down to the last bottles, it has a naturally limited character. Within the Drankenshop Broekmans whisky selection, this is the (…)Benrinnes 2012 13y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Benrinnes 2012 13y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Benrinnes 2012 13y Ww is a Speyside single malt with a distinctive final chapter: 21 months in an Armagnac cask. That finishing period gives this 13-year-old whisky a fuller, richer style, with the fruit character taking on a warmer and more indulgent edge.
It was drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength, at 58%. With only 318 bottles released, this is very much a snapshot of one particular cask rather than a broad, standard expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for drinkers who appreciate limited Speyside bottlings with real strength and a clearly defined cask influence.
The supplied tasting profile points to apple crumble, vanilla custard, melon and lychee, with a deeper toffee biscuit note on the palate. The Armagnac (…)Blair Athol 2013 12y (Adelphi)
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Blair Athol 2013 12y (Adelphi)
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Blair Athol 2013 12y presents a fresh, fruit-led side of this Highland distillery from Pitlochry. Blair Athol is known for a rich, malty style, yet this cask selected by Adelphi brings forward a more elegant and finely drawn expression of the spirit.
Matured for 12 years in a First Fill Bourbon Barrel and bottled at cask strength, 58.3%, it has the directness and concentration one expects from a single cask release. The bourbon barrel adds creaminess, vanilla and depth, while the distillery character remains clearly in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Highland single malt we like to introduce to customers who enjoy whiskies with a clear sense of origin and cask identity. As one individual cask with the last bottles now available, it (…)Blair Athol 2013 12y #303635 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Blair Athol 2013 12y #303635 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Blair Athol 2013 12y #303635 is a Highland single malt shaped by a very specific cask story. It comes from a single cask and was given a Pomerol wine finish from Bordeaux, bringing the whisky towards ripe red fruit, gentle spice and a fuller, rounded style.
The bottling is by Berry Bros. & Rudd, described in the supplied information as a wine and whisky merchant with roots going back to 1698. Their Odyssey approach is built around matching Scotch single malts with selected wine casks from across Europe, taking time to find combinations that genuinely add something. In this Blair Athol, the Pomerol cask is central to the personality of the whisky, adding a plum-like richness and extra depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would (…)Blair Athol 2013 12y #303639 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Blair Athol 2013 12y #303639 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Blair Athol 2013 12y #303639 is a Highland single malt with a very clear cask identity. Berry Bros selected it for Berry's Exceptional Casks, within the Odyssey Concept, a programme built around matching Scottish single malts with distinctive wine casks from across Europe.
This Margaux version is described as the more elegant side of the comparison: less driven by fruit, more by flowers, refinement and freshness. That gives the whisky a different emphasis, showing how a carefully chosen wine finish can steer the same spirit in a noticeably different direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for their specificity. It is a single cask release, bottled at cask strength at 58.2%, aged for 12 years and limited to 288 bottles. With the (…)Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2019 6y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2019 6y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2019 6y Ww shows a bold, peated side of Islay single malt. Young in age but far from shy in personality, it was matured in a sherry hogshead, giving the whisky a meeting point between dense smoke and red-fruited richness.
There is a very direct feel to this release. It comes from a single cask, bottled at 57.1% cask strength, so the character is presented with real intensity. The supplied notes point clearly towards smoky barbecue sauce, dry ash, strawberry, raspberry and dark cherry.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we like to place in front of customers who enjoy peat with a clear sherry influence rather than a soft background accent. With 330 bottles filled and the last bottles now in circulation, it is a limited (…)Campbeltown Blended Malt 9y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Campbeltown Blended Malt 9y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
Very last one in stock!
Campbeltown Blended Malt 9y Ww is a Scottish blended malt with a distinctly coastal and pastry-led personality. Distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2025, it spent 9 years in a single Bourbon Barrel and was bottled at cask strength, coming in at 57.1%.
Its appeal lies partly in its small scale. One cask produced just 252 bottles, and with the last bottles now in circulation, this is a release with a naturally limited window. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value bottlings like this because they show the character of one individual cask rather than a broad house style.
The flavour story is very specific: blueberry muffins, salted caramel, grassy notes and nougat, with a finish that brings to mind pebble beaches and crème brûlée. It carries the (…)Caol Ila 2006 18y (The Single Malts Of Scotland) Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 2006 18y (The Single Malts Of Scotland) Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 2006 18y is a tightly defined Islay single malt: distilled on 23 August 2006, matured for 18 years in a single refill hogshead and bottled on 24 April 2025. With only 271 bottles drawn from cask #307354, and with the last bottles now indicated, this is the kind of release where the individual cask really matters.
The setting behind the whisky is part of its identity. Caol Ila is located at the foot of the cliffs near Port Askaig on Islay's east coast, and the supplied information describes the distillery as known for elegant, maritime peated whiskies. This bottling stays close to that idea, bringing together smoke, saltiness and mature cask influence in a way that keeps the distillery character visible.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this (…)Caol Ila 2016 9y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Caol Ila 2016 9y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Caol Ila 2016 9y shows a young Islay single malt with real coastal energy, but also with the softer peat and malty sweetness that give this bottling its charm.
Selected by The Nectar for the Daily Dram range, it comes from a single cask and is bottled at cask strength at 58.4%. The Chardonnay finish adds another layer to a whisky already driven by smoke, spice, fruit and salinity, keeping the profile lively rather than heavy.
Only 300 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in view, this Caol Ila has a distinctive place in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection. It is a focused small-batch Islay bottling for drinkers who enjoy peat with texture, coastal freshness and a generous, creamy sweetness.
The aroma is buttery and inviting, (…)Chichibu 2014 10y #10416 Incl. Box
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Chichibu 2014 10y #10416 Incl. Box
In stock
Chichibu 2014 10y #10416 is a Japanese single malt with a very defined identity: drawn from a single cask, bottled at cask strength and limited to just 246 bottles. It also closes the In the Wake of Silence series within the Itinîraires collection, giving this release the feel of a final chapter rather than a standalone bottling.
The sherry finish is described as a meeting point between Japan and Andalusia. That idea comes through in the whisky's sense of maturity, its refined classicism and the precise way its aromatic notes are presented. The reference to shimmering orange tones fits naturally with the bitter orange, candied apricot and dried fruit found in the tasting notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottling like this stands out because the (…)
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.
