Whisky from Auchentoshan
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Auchentoshan 12y Double Cask Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan 12y Double Cask Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan 12y Double Cask is a Scottish single malt from the Lowland region, carrying a clear 12 year age statement. The name places the focus on cask influence through its Double Cask identity, while keeping the whisky straightforward and easy to place.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a Scottish single malt with a defined origin, stated age and a clear maturation theme. Bottled at 40%, it sits in a classic style, with the Lowland provenance and 12 years of maturation giving it a more specific sense of place and structure.
Its appeal lies in that clarity: Auchentoshan, Scotland, Lowland, 12 years old and presented as a Double Cask single malt. Nothing needs to be overcomplicated for the whisky (…)Auchentoshan '99 22y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Auchentoshan '99 22y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
In stock
Auchentoshan '99 22y is a Lowland single malt with a very specific identity: distilled in 1999, bottled by Signatory for the Cask Collection, drawn from a single sherry butt and presented at cask strength, 55.6% ABV.
What makes this release stand apart is its single cask nature. Rather than representing a broad, recurring style, it captures one individual cask, bottled in a run of 689 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that speaks to drinkers who enjoy provenance, limited availability and the detail of a clearly defined maturation.
The supplied profile points towards a whisky where wood, spice and fruit all have a clear presence. There is no peated element shaping the experience; the focus stays on maturation, cask strength (…)Auchentoshan 12y Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan 12y is a Scottish Lowland single malt with a distinctly floral personality and a clear fruity side. Twelve years in oak casks give it some shape and maturity, while the wood remains a supporting element rather than the main feature.
Its profile is all about clarity. There is no peat, no salty edge and no pronounced spice in the supplied flavour profile, so the focus stays on floral notes, fruit and a light touch of oak. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of a Lowland malt for customers looking for refinement rather than weight.
Bottled at 40%, Auchentoshan 12y keeps a gentle, composed style that lets its floral and fruity character speak clearly. Further information about the brand can be found at (…)Auchentoshan 13y 48,4 (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Auchentoshan 13y 48,4 (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
Very last one in stock!
Auchentoshan 13 Year Old from Douglas Laing's Old Particular Wine Cask Collection is a single cask Lowland single malt shaped by a carefully selected wine cask finish. Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2026 at 48.4%, it sits in a series built around the meeting point between Scotch whisky tradition and the extra dimension that wine casks can bring.
The appeal here is very much in the individuality of the release. This is not a broad, ongoing expression, but whisky from one specific cask, with only 266 bottles drawn from it. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are always interesting to talk about because they give a clear sense of place, time and cask influence in one bottle.
The tasting profile points towards ripe red fruit, soft confectionery notes, (…)Auchentoshan 18y Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan 18y Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Auchentoshan 18y is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky matured for 18 years in oak casks. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present to customers looking for maturity without heaviness: floral in direction, shaped by oak, and not driven by peat smoke.
The 18-year age statement gives it a calm, developed feel. Bottled at 43%, it keeps a composed style while still showing the influence of time in wood. The main impression is floral, supported by fruit, oak and a light touch of spice.
For those exploring older Lowland single malts, this Auchentoshan offers a clear and refined expression of the distillery's character as represented in the supplied profile.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)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 (…)Auchentoshan 1997 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Auchentoshan 1997 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Auchentoshan 1997 21y is a Lowland single malt with a very defined identity: one cask, one maturation journey, and just 236 bottles. Distilled on 22 October 1997 and bottled on 1 August 2019, it spent 21 years maturing before being released by The Nectar in the Daily Dram series.
Drawn from a sherry hogshead and bottled at cask strength, 53.4%, this is not a broad house-style expression but a focused look at what one individual cask delivered after more than two decades. The profile points toward pronounced fruit, supported by clear wood influence and spice, giving it a mature and concentrated feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for their specificity: independent selection, clear vintage detail, age, cask type and limited (…)Auchentoshan 2003 13y (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
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Auchentoshan 2003 13y (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
On request only
Auchentoshan 2003 13y is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky, independently bottled by Signatory as part of the Unchill Filtered range. That already gives it a more specialist feel: not a standard distillery release, but a selected bottling with its own presentation and point of view.
Distilled in 2003 and matured for 13 years, it was given a sherry finish before bottling. At 46% alcohol and without chill filtration, the emphasis remains on flavour and texture, while the style stays away from peat-driven weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for customers who enjoy exploring familiar distillery names through independent bottlers. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that will not stay around (…)Auchentoshan 2007 13y Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan 2007 13y Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan 2007 13y Artist 5 is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky bottled by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. Distilled in 2007 and matured for 13 years in a sherry butt, it was bottled at 48% alcohol.
What gives this release its appeal is its very specific identity. It is an independent bottling with a defined maturation and a limited outturn of 1,581 bottles, rather than a broad, standard expression. The sherry butt maturation also gives a clear direction to the style, with fruit standing at the centre and spice playing an important supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Auchentoshan we like to highlight for customers who enjoy exploring individual releases from familiar distilleries. With the final bottles now in view, (…)Auchentoshan 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Auchentoshan 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
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 (…)Auchentoshan 2013 13y Sv Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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Auchentoshan 2013 13y Sv Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
On request only
This Auchentoshan from Signatory Vintage sits within the Monuments of Scotland series, and its label points to St Andrews Cathedral on Scotland's east coast. Once the largest church in the country and now an impressive ruin, it gives the bottle a sense of place that goes beyond the usual distillery details.
Distilled in 2013 and bottled after 13 years, it brings together Auchentoshan's Lowland identity, its triple distillation, and a finish in first fill Oloroso sherry butts. Bottled at 50.8% vol., non-chill filtered and with natural colour, it keeps the presentation close to the whisky itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like to place in front of curious single malt drinkers: clearly defined, characterful, and tied (…)Auchentoshan 24y Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan 24y Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Auchentoshan 24y is a Scottish Lowland single malt shaped by age rather than sheer force. Distilled on 22 June 1998 and matured for 24 years, it speaks to whisky drinkers who appreciate the quieter depth that comes with long ageing.
With 774 bottles released, this is a limited bottling with a notably focused character. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a strong choice for those looking for an older Lowland single malt where fruit and spice take the lead, without peat smoke or a salty edge defining the experience.
Bottled at 43%, it keeps a composed drinking strength. Light touches of wood and floral nuance support the whisky, but the main impression remains centred on ripe fruitiness and warming spice.
The flavour profile is led by fruit (…)Auchentoshan American Oak
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Auchentoshan American Oak
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Auchentoshan American Oak is a Scottish single malt from the Lowland region, bottled at 40% ABV. The name tells you where the focus lies: maturation in American Oak, presented here without an age statement.
Its character leans towards floral and fruity notes, with oak and spice playing a gentler supporting role. There is no peated emphasis or salty profile in the supplied flavour indication, so the impression is more about brightness and approachability than smoke or coastal weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a clear and straightforward Lowland single malt for anyone looking to explore Auchentoshan through the lens of American Oak maturation, with a style that stays on the lighter, more fragrant side of Scotch whisky.
Additional (…)Auchentoshan American Oak 1l Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan American Oak 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan American Oak 1l is a Scottish single malt from the Lowland region, bottled at 40% and shaped by American Oak casks. With no age statement, the emphasis is on a clear, approachable style rather than on a fixed maturation age.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a useful bottle for customers looking for a Scotch single malt without a smoky or coastal edge. Its profile stays light in several directions at once: gentle floral notes, a touch of fruit, mild wood influence and soft spice, with peat and salt not playing a defining role.
The one-litre format adds to its appeal as a familiar bottle to keep on hand for regular serving moments, especially when a calmer Lowland-style single malt is preferred. More information about the brand can be found (…)Auchentoshan Blood Oak 1l Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan Blood Oak 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan Blood Oak 1l is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 46%. The name draws attention to oak, yet the available flavour profile points to a measured style rather than a heavily wooded one, with gentle fruit, spice and oak notes and no peated or salty emphasis.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle with Scottish single malts that offer a little extra presence while staying away from smoke-driven intensity. The one-litre format also gives it a generous, shareable feel, the kind of bottle that can comfortably sit open for relaxed tastings and return visits.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.auchentoshan.com/
Auchentoshan Blood Oak shows a profile built around light fruit, gentle (…)Auchentoshan Dark Oak 1l Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan Dark Oak 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan Dark Oak 1l is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky shaped by a combination of sherry and bourbon cask influence. The emphasis is on a fruit-led style, with gentle oak and spice adding structure in the background.
With no age statement, the focus is less on a specific number of years and more on the flavour direction created by the cask selection. The Dark Oak name points to that wood-driven identity, though the whisky's profile remains clearly away from peat or coastal salinity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a generous one-litre bottle for drinkers looking for a Scottish single malt at 43% with a clear, approachable fruit character and a subtle cask influence. It is a straightforward way to explore Auchentoshan through a (…)Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc is a Scottish Lowland single malt shaped by a wine finish, with the Sauvignon Blanc reference giving the whisky its main point of interest. Rather than focusing on an age statement, this release is presented through its finishing style and the aromatic direction that comes with it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottling among single malts where the floral side of the profile matters most. The supplied flavour profile points clearly towards flowers, with lighter touches of wood, spice and fruit sitting behind it. Peat and salt are not part of the stated profile, so the focus stays on a gentler, wine-influenced expression of single malt.
Bottled at 47%, it has a little extra strength compared with many standard (…)Auchentoshan Three Wood
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Auchentoshan Three Wood
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 28/10/2026Auchentoshan Three Wood is a Lowland single malt Scotch with the cask influence placed firmly at the centre. The name already suggests the direction: this is a whisky shaped around wood, fruit and gentle spice rather than peat smoke or coastal salinity.
Sherry and bourbon casks define its style, giving the whisky a clearly wooded and fruity profile, supported by lighter floral and spicy touches. With no age statement leading the story, the emphasis falls on the chosen maturation style and the way the casks shape the final character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling sits naturally among single malts for drinkers looking for a Scottish whisky with Lowland origin, a pronounced cask-driven identity and an approachable strength of 43%.
Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Batch 2
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Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Batch 2
In stock
Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Batch 2 is a Lowland single malt from Scotland with oak placed firmly in the foreground. The name says a great deal already: Virgin Oak, supported by the American Oak cask reference, points to a whisky where the wood influence is part of the main conversation rather than a quiet background note.
There is no age statement here, so the identity of the whisky rests more on cask choice, batch character and style. At 46% ABV it has enough presence to carry its fruit-led and wood-driven profile, while the available information does not point towards peat or salty coastal notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Auchentoshan we would place in front of someone curious about a more oak-accented side of the Lowland single malt style. (…)
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.
