Whisky from Benrinnes
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Benrinnes 11y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Benrinnes 11y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
Very last one in stock!
Benrinnes 11y is a Speyside single malt bottled by Douglas Laing as part of the Old Particular Wine Cask Collection. The series focuses on single cask Scotch whiskies lifted by the influence of carefully selected wine casks, and this release captures one particular cask at 11 years of age.
Only 361 bottles were drawn from this cask, giving the whisky a clearly limited character. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are interesting because they do not try to represent a broad house style; they show a defined moment where Benrinnes spirit, maturation and cask influence meet.
Bottled at 48.4%, it has enough strength to carry its fruit, sweetness and gentle spice without feeling driven by alcohol alone. For drinkers exploring limited Speyside single (…)Benrinnes 12y Macb (Elixir Distillers - Macbeth Series)
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Benrinnes 12y Macb (Elixir Distillers - Macbeth Series)
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Benrinnes 12y Macb is part of Elixir Distillers' Macbeth Collection, a set of 42 Scotch whiskies each named after a character from Shakespeare's tragedy. This Benrinnes takes the role of Soldier, one of the household characters, and the whisky has been chosen to match that image: firm, powerful and full of presence.
The Speyside origin is central to the story. The collection refers to Ben Rinnes, the landmark hill visible across the region, with the distillery located at its foot. Twelve years of maturation in refill sherry butts underline the whisky's meaty, solid structure while keeping the character direct and expressive.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Speyside single malt for drinkers who want more than gentle fruit alone. Bottled at 53.5% ABV (…)Benrinnes 15y (Flora & Fauna)
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Benrinnes 15y (Flora & Fauna)
In stock
Benrinnes 15y is a Scottish single malt from Speyside, built around maturity rather than volume. Its 15 years of age give the whisky its main point of interest: time in maturation, with a character that stays measured and composed.
In the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Benrinnes stands out as a malt with a quietly layered profile. The flavour indications point to gentle floral, fruity, woody and spicy elements rather than one dominant note. Peat and salt are not part of the picture here, so the focus remains on the Speyside malt character and its aged, rounded style.
At 43% alcohol, Benrinnes 15y keeps its strength in a restrained register. It is a whisky for moments when subtlety and gradual discovery matter more than sheer intensity.
Benrinnes 15y Artist 10th (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
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Benrinnes 15y Artist 10th (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
In stock
Benrinnes 15y Artist 10th is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: distilled in 2005, bottled in 2020 at 15 years old, and released by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Artist Edition. As a single cask bottling at cask strength, it presents the whisky with the directness and individuality of one specific cask.
The sherry finish gives the whisky its richer direction, with fruit and spice standing at the centre of the profile. Wood and floral touches play a lighter supporting role, while peat smoke is not part of its character.
Only 687 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now indicated, this Benrinnes has a naturally limited feel. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits in the kind of selection that speaks to drinkers looking for an (…)Benrinnes 1997 (Jack Wieber's - The Scottish Malt's Steamship Line)
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Benrinnes 1997 (Jack Wieber's - The Scottish Malt's Steamship Line)
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Benrinnes 1997 is a Speyside single malt with the kind of identity that makes independent bottlings so engaging. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2015 by Jack Wieber's for The Scottish Malt's Steamship Line, it spent 18 years maturing before being released.
This is not a large-scale expression. It was drawn from a single hogshead and bottled at cask strength, with just 156 bottles produced. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they capture one individual cask rather than a repeated house style.
At 49.1% ABV, it carries its strength naturally, while the supplied profile points towards a fruit-led Speyside character with gentle wood and spice in the background. Peat and salinity are not part of the main picture here, so the focus (…)Benrinnes 1997 19y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
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Benrinnes 1997 19y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
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Benrinnes 1997 19y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland, bottled by Berry Bros as part of Berry's Own Selection. Its main appeal lies in the single cask origin: this is not a broad vatting, but the voice of one refill hogshead captured on its own terms.
Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2017, it spent 19 years maturing before release. The refill hogshead points to a whisky where the cask influence remains supportive rather than heavy. The supplied profile places the emphasis on fruit and spice, with gentler wood and floral elements in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are the kind we enjoy presenting to customers who are curious about independent selections. Berry Bros gives this Benrinnes a focused setting: one cask, 46% (…)Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 is a Speyside single malt built around one very clear idea: one cask, long maturation and a small outturn. Distilled on 27 October 1997 and bottled on 29 April 2024, it spent 26 years in a Sherry Hogshead before being released at 53.7% cask strength.
Signatory bottled this whisky as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range. The focus here is not on a standardised distillery profile, but on the individual voice of cask #9749. With only 230 bottles drawn, this is a tightly defined release rather than a widely available expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Benrinnes stands out for customers who enjoy mature Scotch single malt with a clear cask identity and limited availability. The fact that these are the last bottles (…)Benrinnes 2002 20y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Whisky Trail)
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Benrinnes 2002 20y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Whisky Trail)
In stock
Benrinnes 2002 20y is a Speyside single malt distilled in 2002 and bottled in 2022 after twenty years of maturation. Released by The Single Malts of Scotland as part of the Whisky Trail series, it feels very much like a whisky chosen for the individuality of its cask.
The whisky was drawn from a single hogshead, so the focus is on one specific maturation rather than a broader vatting. With 527 bottles produced and only the last bottles remaining, there is a natural sense of scarcity here, but the real interest lies in tasting a mature Benrinnes shaped by one cask over two decades.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we appreciate releases like this because they give whisky drinkers something precise to explore. The profile moves through warm sweetness, nutty richness (…)Benrinnes 2008 12y (The Single Malts Of Scotland)
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Benrinnes 2008 12y (The Single Malts Of Scotland)
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Benrinnes 2008 12y is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: one distillation date, one cask and a small outturn. It was distilled on 30 September 2008 and bottled on 29 July 2021 after 12 years in a hogshead.
As a single cask release bottled at cask strength, it is less about a polished house style and more about the voice of one individual cask. Only 282 bottles were drawn, and with the last bottles remaining, there is a natural sense of scarcity around this release. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this sit particularly well for customers who enjoy seeing how specific a single malt can become when it is not blended across multiple casks.
At 56.2% ABV, this Benrinnes keeps its strength and directness. The profile is led by a clear wood (…)Benrinnes 2009 11y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
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Benrinnes 2009 11y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
On request only
Benrinnes 2009 11 Year Old is a Speyside single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Drawn from a single hogshead and bottled at cask strength by Berry Bros for Berry's own selection, it presents a particular snapshot of Benrinnes rather than a broad, blended house expression.
Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2021, it spent 11 years maturing before being released at 52.9% ABV. The wood influence is clearly part of its identity, with spice, fruit and a light floral side playing a more supporting role.
Only 316 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it has the naturally limited feel that comes with a single cask release. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to present to drinkers who enjoy (…)Benrinnes 2010 11y Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Benrinnes 2010 11y Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Benrinnes 2010 11 Year Old Artist 5 presents a Speyside single malt through the independent lens of Signatory. Part of the Artist Edition, it brings together an 11-year maturation, a 2010 distillation vintage and bottling at 48%, giving the whisky a clearly defined identity within the Benrinnes name.
The sherry butt maturation gives the release its framework, while the available flavour profile points towards fruit, spice and floral notes rather than peat, salt or heavy wood influence. That makes it a whisky with a focused Speyside character, shaped by cask choice but not described as smoke-driven or heavily oaked.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with the more distinctive independent Scotch selections. With 1639 bottles produced (…)Benrinnes 2011 10y Art12 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Benrinnes 2011 10y Art12 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Benrinnes 2011 10y Art12 is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky bottled by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. Its appeal lies in the focus on one individual cask: a sherry butt distilled in 2011 and bottled in 2022 after 10 years of maturation.
Bottled at cask strength, this Benrinnes stays close to the whisky as it came from the cask. At 58.1% ABV, it carries real intensity, while the single cask nature keeps the release tightly defined rather than broadly blended. Only 660 bottles were filled.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottling for drinkers who enjoy discovering Speyside through independent releases. The combination of Signatory, Artist Edition, sherry butt maturation and the final bottles remaining gives this Benrinnes a very (…)Benrinnes 2011 14y (Adelphi)
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Benrinnes 2011 14y (Adelphi)
On request only
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 2011 15y (Berry Bros For Kirsch And The Nectar)
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Benrinnes 2011 15y (Berry Bros For Kirsch And The Nectar)
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Benrinnes is one of those Speyside names that does not appear as a single malt all that often, and that already gives this 2011 release a certain pull. The product information also points to the distillery's partial triple distillation, described here as giving the whisky unusual weight and richness.
At 15 years old, this bottling was finished in a Pomerol Hogshead and bottled at cask strength, 54.6%. The wine influence is not just a background detail; it helps shape the darker fruit, the structure and the depth that define the whisky's personality.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that adds real interest to a selection of Scottish single malts: a single cask release of only 256 bottles, bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd together with 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 (…)Benrinnes 2012 14y (Adelphi)
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Benrinnes 2012 14y (Adelphi)
In stock
Benrinnes is presented here in one of its most convincing forms: full-bodied Speyside single malt with real weight and an oily texture. This Benrinnes 2012 14y is not built around lightness or easy sweetness, but around depth, structure and the naturally robust character associated with the distillery.
Selected by Adelphi, it comes from a single cask and was bottled at cask strength, 58.3% ABV. Maturation in a refill butt with Oloroso sherry influence gives the whisky support without letting the wood dominate. That leaves room for the distillate itself, with ripe fruit, malt and gentle spice at the centre of the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show a very specific snapshot of one cask rather than a polished (…)Benrinnes 2012 14y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Benrinnes 2012 14y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Benrinnes shows a particularly full and oily side of Speyside, and that makes it a strong candidate for a more expressive cask treatment. This 2012 vintage was chosen by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series and bottled at 14 years of age at natural cask strength, 57.4%.
The defining element is its nearly four-year finish in a Barolo barrique. Rather than simply adding a wine note, that long finishing period builds around the weight of the Benrinnes spirit, bringing ripe fruit, gentle spice and subtle wine influence into the whisky's naturally robust frame.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for their precise sense of place and cask. With just 282 bottles from a single cask, it is less about a standard house style and more (…)Benrinnes 2014 12y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Benrinnes 2014 12y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 28/10/2026Benrinnes 2014 12y is a Speyside single malt built around contrast: the robust nature of Benrinnes on one side, and the aromatic lift of a Purple Moscatel wine cask finish on the other. As part of The Speyside Collection, it illustrates the idea of taking a powerful distillate and giving it a new fruit-driven dimension through an original finish.
Douglas Laing bottled this whisky for the Old Particular range as a single cask release. That gives it a very defined identity: one cask, one development, and only 354 bottles worldwide. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is exactly the kind of whisky we like to present to customers who enjoy seeing how a distillery can speak through one individual cask.
The 12 years of maturation and 48.4% strength keep the whisky firm (…)Benrinnes 2015 11y Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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Benrinnes 2015 11y Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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Benrinnes 2015 11y Monuments Of Scotland is a Speyside single malt bottled by Signatory at 50.8%. Aged for 11 years, it brings together the powerful distillery character of Benrinnes with the rich influence of a first fill Oloroso sherry cask finish.
It is presented without chill filtration and without added colouring, keeping the whisky close to the character shaped by the spirit and the cask rather than polishing it into a more standardised style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out for the way it combines Benrinnes, Signatory and the Monuments of Scotland series. The range takes inspiration from Scottish landmarks, and this release is linked to the prehistoric Tomnaverie Stone Circle.
As a limited edition now down to the last (…)Benrinnes 21y Special Release 55,40° 2024 Tube Incl.
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Benrinnes 21y Special Release 55,40° 2024 Tube Incl.
In stock
Benrinnes 21y Special Release 2024 shows a mature, full-flavoured side of Speyside single malt. With 21 years of age behind it and bottled at cask strength at 55.40°, it carries a clear sense of depth and intensity while keeping a lively feel.
As part of the Diageo Special Releases 2024, this Benrinnes is built around rich fruit, noticeable spice and a restrained touch of wood. The supplied product information describes it as deep and abundant, yet still finely balanced, which is exactly the kind of contrast that makes an older cask-strength malt engaging.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling sits naturally among whiskies for drinkers looking for a more mature and powerful Speyside expression. The fact that only the last bottles remain adds to its (…)
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.
