Whisky from Bowmore
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*Vintage* Bowmore 1979 Bicentenary Soffiantino Import Incl. Box
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*Vintage* Bowmore 1979 Bicentenary Soffiantino Import Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
The *Vintage* Bowmore 1979 Bicentenary Soffiantino Import stands out as an older Bowmore release with clear collector interest. The 1979 vintage reference, the Bicentenary name and the Soffiantino Import indication all give this bottle a very different presence from a standard contemporary single malt.
It is still firmly a Bowmore single malt from Islay, yet much of its appeal lies in the bottle's own story and in its place among older whisky releases. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a whisky like this is treated as something for people who appreciate the character and rarity of past bottlings, especially with only the last bottles remaining.
The flavour profile points towards a fruit-led style, with wood and spice clearly supporting it. Light floral, salty and (…)*Vintage* Bowmore 1996 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
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*Vintage* Bowmore 1996 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
Very last one in stock!
This Vintage Bowmore 1996 20 Year Old is the kind of Islay single malt where the story sits very close to the liquid. Distilled on 17 September 1996 and bottled on 23 November 2016, it was drawn from a single Oloroso sherry cask and bottled at natural cask strength, 56.2%.
The hand-filled at the distillery detail gives it a more personal feel than a standard release. Rather than representing a broad batch, this is a focused single cask Bowmore, shaped by twenty years of maturation and the influence of an Oloroso sherry cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this naturally stands out for customers who appreciate provenance, limited availability and distillery-linked bottlings. With the final bottles remaining and the product marked as a collector's (…)*Vintage* Bowmore 1998 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
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*Vintage* Bowmore 1998 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
Very last one in stock!
Bowmore 1998 20 Year Old Hand-Filled At The Distillery is a single malt with a very clear sense of origin. It was distilled on 13 January 1998 and bottled on 24 December 2018, giving it a precise vintage identity rather than a broad house-style presentation.
Drawn from a single Oloroso Sherry cask and bottled at cask strength, it comes across as a whisky with focus and presence. At 57.5% alcohol, it has not been softened into a standard strength release, so the link between cask, maturation and distillery remains very direct. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bowmore we like to present with a little extra context, because the details genuinely matter here.
With the final bottles available and the whisky marked as a collector's item, its scarcity (…)Black Bowmore 1995 25y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular)
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Black Bowmore 1995 25y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular)
On request only
Black Bowmore 1995 25y Dlxop is a mature Islay single malt with a very clearly defined identity. It brings together Bowmore, Douglas Laing and the Extra Old Particular series in a release built around age, origin and limited availability.
Distilled on 1 May 1995, it spent 25 years maturing in a hogshead before being bottled at 46.9%. With only 302 bottles released, it has the feel of a whisky chosen for a specific moment rather than a standard expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are the kind we like to present with a little context: an older Scottish single malt from Islay, independently bottled by Douglas Laing, and marked as a collector's item. It is a bottle for someone who values provenance, maturity and scarcity in the glass.
Bowmore 10y Aston Martin 7th Edition 1l Incl. Box
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Bowmore 10y Aston Martin 7th Edition 1l Incl. Box
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In stockBowmore 10y Aston Martin 7th Edition presents an Islay single malt with a controlled sense of place. It is aged for 10 years, bottled at 40%, and comes in a generous one-litre format. The Aston Martin 7th Edition name also gives this Bowmore a distinct position within the range.
Maturation in bourbon barrels suggests a wood influence that supports rather than dominates the whisky. The supplied flavour profile points most clearly towards spice, with lighter touches of fruit, floral character, gentle saltiness and restrained peat adding detail around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle with Islay whiskies that show their maritime and lightly smoky side without becoming heavy. It is a Bowmore where spice takes the lead, while the coastal and (…)Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks
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Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks
In stock
Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks is an Islay single malt with a more limited and forceful identity than a regular core-range whisky. It brings together 10 years of maturation, sherry cask influence and cask strength bottling at 56.7%, keeping the whisky close to its natural strength.
Only 6000 bottles were released, and with its collector's item status and last-bottle availability, this edition carries a sense of scarcity. It is not presented as an everyday Bowmore, but as a specific release with a clear place among limited Islay bottlings.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who are drawn to peat, spice and the richer direction of sherry maturation. The lighter touches of salt, fruit and wood support that profile without softening the (…)Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks Batch 1
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Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks Batch 1
Last one in stock!
Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks Batch 1 is an Islay single malt with a deliberately forceful identity. Aged for 10 years, sherry matured and bottled at cask strength at 56.9%, it is built around impact rather than understatement. The name Devil's Casks gives a fair sense of the mood: bold, smoky and spicy in character.
As the first batch, limited to 6000 bottles, this release also carries clear collector interest. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a distinctive Bowmore for those who appreciate the meeting point between Islay peat, sherry maturation and natural cask-strength intensity.
More information about Bowmore can be found at https://www.bowmore.com/
The flavour direction is led by peat smoke and spice. Sherry maturation gives the whisky a (…)Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks Batch 2
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Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks Batch 2
Only 2 left in stock!
Bowmore 10y Devil's Casks Batch 2 is an Islay single malt with a deliberately bold identity. The name sets the mood immediately: a 10-year-old Bowmore bottled at cask strength, carrying 56.3% alcohol.
Sherry maturation is central to its style. The profile brings together clear peat, spice and fruit, with lighter wood influence and a subtle salty edge in support. It is a whisky where the sherry cask presence and the Islay origin sit close together, giving the release a darker, more forceful feel than a regular expression.
Limited to 6000 bottles and marked as a collector's item, Batch 2 has a special place among Bowmore releases. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a bottle for customers who are drawn to the combination of cask strength, sherry maturation (…)Bowmore 11y Incl. Box
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Bowmore 11y Incl. Box
In stock
Bowmore 11y is an Islay single malt from Scotland with a clear island signature, though it is not built on peat alone. Its 11 years of maturation in bourbon and sherry casks give it a layered frame: peat and spice are the leading elements, while lighter fruity, floral and gently salty touches add detail around them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Bowmore sits well among Islay whiskies for drinkers who enjoy smoke and spice but do not necessarily want a heavily wood-driven dram. The flavour profile points away from dominant oak and more towards the interaction between peat, seasoning and subtle supporting notes.
Bottled at 40% alcohol, Bowmore 11y keeps its strength measured while still showing a recognisable Islay identity. It is a single malt with enough (…)Bowmore 12y Incl. Box
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Bowmore 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Bowmore 12y is a Scottish single malt whisky from Islay, matured for twelve years in oak casks and bottled at 40% ABV. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as an Islay whisky with a measured profile rather than one built around an overwhelmingly smoky style.
The flavour indication points to light peat, gentle fruitiness and a touch of spice. None of these elements is presented as dominant, so the whisky is best understood as an Islay single malt where peat is part of the conversation, not the whole story.
Its twelve-year age statement gives it a clear and recognisable position: a matured single malt with straightforward character, shaped by oak cask ageing and a restrained set of flavour markers.
Additional information about the brand can be (…)Bowmore 12y Sherry Incl. Box
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Bowmore 12y Sherry Incl. Box
In stock
Bowmore 12y Sherry is the 12-year-old entry point into Bowmore's Sherry Oak range, an Islay single malt that presents the distillery's character in an approachable way. It matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, followed by an additional sherry cask finish, giving the whisky a clear sherry influence while keeping its Islay identity in view.
What makes this release appealing is the way fruit and spice sit at the centre, with smoke building more gradually rather than taking over immediately. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fine introduction to Bowmore for drinkers who want a sherried style with a touch of Islay smoke, but without moving into a heavier expression.
With 12 years of maturation and an alcoholic strength of 40%, it remains easy to (…)Bowmore 14y Bordeaux Finish Incl. Box
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Bowmore 14y Bordeaux Finish Incl. Box
In stock
Bowmore 14y Bordeaux Finish is built around a clear meeting point: Islay single malt on one side, a Bordeaux cask finish on the other. The whisky keeps its Scottish island identity, while the Bordeaux Finish adds another layer to a 14-year-old Bowmore.
What stands out here is the way the profile is shaped. Peat and a salty accent are present, but they do not take over completely. Spice has the stronger voice, with lighter touches of fruit, floral notes and wood sitting around it. That gives the whisky a more layered impression than a purely peat-driven Islay malt.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this kind of Bowmore as especially interesting for drinkers who enjoy Islay, yet want to explore what a wine cask finish can bring to a single malt. Bottled at 43%, (…)Bowmore 15y + 2 Glasses
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Bowmore 15y + 2 Glasses
Very last one in stock!
Bowmore 15y + 2 Glazen presents a 15-year-old Islay single malt Scotch whisky in a gift pack with two glasses. Bottled at 43%, it has the composed feel of a mature whisky without turning the presentation into something overly heavy.
The maturation in bourbon and sherry casks gives this Bowmore its main direction: clear fruit and wood, supported by gentle spice, a light salty edge and a modest peated note. It carries its Islay origin with restraint, allowing the cask influence and age to remain part of the conversation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this set as the kind of whisky that works particularly well when the presentation matters too. The glasses make it ready to share, and with only the last bottles indicated, this gift pack is no longer something (…)Bowmore 15y Incl. Box
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Bowmore 15y Incl. Box
In stock
Bowmore 15y is a Scottish single malt from Islay shaped by age, origin and a sherry finish. Its 15 years of maturation give it a more developed position within the Bowmore range, while the sherry finish points the whisky toward a clearly fruit-led style.
The Islay side is still part of the picture, but it does not dominate the whole story. Based on the supplied flavour profile, peat is present as a lighter accent, with gentle spice in support and fruit taking the main role. That makes the whisky more about interplay than sheer smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce Bowmore 15y to someone looking for an Islay single malt with recognisable peat influence, but also with the rounder, fruitier direction brought by a sherry finish. It is a whisky with (…)Bowmore 15y Laimrig Batch 3
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Bowmore 15y Laimrig Batch 3
Very last one in stock!
Bowmore 15y Laimrig Batch 3 is an Islay single malt with a clear sense of purpose: 15 years of age, sherry maturation and a robust strength of 53.7%. It is a Bowmore with real presence, built around peat smoke and spice rather than a soft, background style.
There is also a finite character to this release. With 18,000 bottles produced and only the last bottles remaining, it has become a particularly noteworthy bottle within the Drankenshop Broekmans whisky selection. Its status as a collector's item adds to that appeal, though the real interest remains in the way maturity, sherry influence and Islay character come together.
The sherry maturation gives the whisky its framework, while the flavour profile keeps the Islay signature in view through peat, a light (…)Bowmore 15y Sherry Incl. Box
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Bowmore 15y Sherry Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Bowmore 15y Sherry shows a richer side of this Islay single malt. It spends 15 years maturing in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, followed by a sherry finish, giving it extra depth and maturity compared with the 12-year-old expression it builds upon.
The sherry influence adds weight and darker sweetness, but it does not push the Islay character into the background. Gentle smoke, a light salty edge, spice and wood all sit within the same frame, making the whisky feel layered rather than simply sweet.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bowmore we would introduce to someone looking for a fuller style within the Sherry Oak range. Bottled at 43%, it remains approachable in strength while offering a more developed, mature and spice-led drinking (…)Bowmore 16y Ruby Port Finish Incl. Box
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Bowmore 16y Ruby Port Finish Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Bowmore 16y Ruby Port Finish brings together two defining elements: Bowmore's Islay origin and a finishing period in port casks. At 16 years old and bottled at 43%, it is presented as a single malt where maturation and cask influence matter more than sheer strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits comfortably among Scotch whiskies for drinkers who want to see Bowmore through a slightly richer cask lens. Spice is the clearest part of the profile, with fruit, wood, salinity and peat smoke playing a more restrained supporting role.
That makes the Ruby Port Finish angle especially meaningful: it adds another layer to the whisky without turning it away from its Islay identity. It is a Bowmore where the port finish is part of the story, not just a (…)Bowmore 18y Aston Martin
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Bowmore 18y Aston Martin
Temporarily sold out
Bowmore 18y Aston Martin is an Islay single malt with age and sherry maturation at the centre of its identity. At 18 years old and bottled at 43%, it sits in a more mature register, with the sherry influence pointing the whisky towards fruit and spice rather than sheer peat intensity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bowmore we would introduce as a refined Islay expression: still carrying a touch of coastal, smoky character, yet with clear fruitiness and spice forming the main thread. Gentle wood, light floral notes and a salty accent add supporting detail without taking over.
The Aston Martin name gives this edition its own place within the Bowmore range. With only the last bottles remaining, it is particularly relevant for anyone specifically (…)Bowmore 18y Incl. Box
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Bowmore 18y Incl. Box
In stock
Bowmore 18y is an 18-year-old Islay single malt bottled at 43%. It presents the more mature side of Bowmore, with time in cask giving the whisky a calmer, more developed presence rather than a forceful first impression.
The maturation in sherry and bourbon casks frames a profile where fruit is the clearest element, supported by gentle wood, a touch of spice and a lighter thread of peat. The Islay origin is there, but the peat does not dominate the story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Bowmore 18y as a fine choice for those exploring Islay through a more aged and composed single malt. It is the kind of whisky that rewards a little patience in the glass, especially if you enjoy fruit-led character with subtle smoky depth.
Additional information (…)Bowmore 18y Sherry Incl. Box
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Bowmore 18y Sherry Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Bowmore 18y Sherry shows a mature, layered side of Islay single malt. Aged for 18 years, it matured in carefully selected bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, with an additional finish in Pedro Ximînez.
The cask influence brings depth rather than simple sweetness: dark chocolate tones, fruit, spice and wood sit alongside a measured thread of peat and a light coastal note. It keeps the Bowmore identity connected to Islay, while placing the emphasis on sherry richness, maturity and controlled complexity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for an 18-year-old single malt with real depth of flavour, where sherry cask character and island influence meet in a composed, intense style.
The aroma (…)Bowmore 1972 45y (Signatory Vintage 30th Birthday) Incl. Box
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Bowmore 1972 45y (Signatory Vintage 30th Birthday) Incl. Box
On request only
Bowmore 1972 45y is a whisky where the story is carried by time, origin and restraint. Distilled on 21 June 1972 and bottled on 8 June 2018, this Islay single malt spent 45 years maturing before Signatory released it as part of the Signatory Vintage 30th Birthday series.
It was drawn from a single sherry butt and bottled at cask strength, 46.7%. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one individual cask after a very long maturation. With only 246 bottles produced, the release is highly limited by nature.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Bowmore stands out for customers who appreciate older Scottish single malt with a clearly defined provenance and a genuine sense of rarity. The combination of Bowmore, Islay, Signatory and 45 years of age gives (…)Bowmore 1973 43y
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Bowmore 1973 43y
Only 3 left in stock!
Bowmore 1973 43y is the kind of single malt where the date immediately matters: distilled on 10 May 1973 and aged for 43 years. It comes from Islay, though the supplied profile does not place peat at the centre of the story. Fruit is the dominant theme, supported by a clear wood influence, with spice and peated notes playing a lighter role.
The Bourbon Hogshead maturation gives this old Bowmore a clear and restrained frame. Age, origin and cask type carry much of the interest here, especially for drinkers who appreciate a whisky defined by time rather than by overt power.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits in the range as a rare mature Islay single malt with genuine scarcity around it. With the last bottles indicated and its status as a collectors (…)Bowmore 1974 41y (Signatory Rare Reserve) Incl. Box
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Bowmore 1974 41y (Signatory Rare Reserve) Incl. Box
On request only
Bowmore 1974 41y is the kind of Islay single malt that does not need much embellishment. Distilled on 29 November 1974 and bottled on 11 January 2016, it captures 41 years of maturation in Signatory's Rare Reserve series.
Drawn from a single hogshead and bottled at cask strength, it stands at 50.4% ABV. That gives this release a very defined identity: one individual cask, bottled as a limited snapshot of its long development rather than as part of a larger vatting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Bowmore stands out for the way its age, origin and scarcity come together. Only 108 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it is clearly one of the more distinctive Scottish single malts in this range.
The flavour profile (…)Bowmore 1980 30y Queen's Visit
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Bowmore 1980 30y Queen's Visit
Very last one in stock!
Bowmore 1980 30y Queen's Visit is an Islay single malt with a very precise sense of place and time. It was distilled on 9 August 1980 and bottled on 7 September 2011, after thirty years of maturation. That long ageing period already sets it apart from more regular releases.
Drawn from a single hogshead and bottled at cask strength at 46.7%, this is a narrowly defined release rather than a broad house style. Only 156 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now indicated, Drankenshop Broekmans treats it as a particularly specific snapshot of Bowmore from one individual cask.
The stated flavour profile points towards clear wood influence and fruit, with spice, salinity and peat playing supporting roles. In other words, the Islay identity is present, but (…)
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.
