Whisky from Compass Box
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Compass Box This Is A 10y Old (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box This Is A 10y Old (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box This Is A 10y Old is a Scottish blended malt with a clear idea behind it. With this 10-year-old whisky, Compass Box marks ten years of commitment to transparency in the whisky world. That sits very naturally with the way we like to discuss whisky at Drankenshop Broekmans: with attention to what is actually in the glass and how it came to be.
The recipe brings together Clynelish, bought immediately after distillation and then matured in casks selected by Compass Box, with two malts from Ardnamurchan. That gives this limited Compass Box release more than just an age statement; it tells a story of selection, origin and maturation.
Bottled at 50.5%, without chill filtration and without added colouring, it stays close to its natural form. The release (…)Compass Box Glasgow Blend
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Compass Box Glasgow Blend
In stock
Compass Box Glasgow Blend is a Scottish blended whisky bottled at 43%, without an age statement. Rather than putting the focus on a stated number of years, it presents itself through the style and structure of the blend.
Its profile is driven by spice, supported by light fruit, gentle wood influence, a subtle salty edge and a modest peated note. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as the kind of Scotch blend that has enough character to hold your attention without becoming heavy-handed.
The multivintage indication points to a whisky built from different components rather than centred on a single vintage. That makes the composition itself the point of interest: a blend shaped around flavour, texture and balance.
More information about Compass (…)Compass Box 3 Y Old Deluxe (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box 3 Y Old Deluxe (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box 3 Y Old Deluxe is a Scottish blended malt with a name that immediately catches the eye: three years old, yet presented as a deliberate limited edition. With 3282 bottles released, it has a very specific place at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who enjoy smaller-run bottlings with a clear identity.
At 49.2% alcohol, it carries more weight than a standard-strength whisky. The available profile points towards fruit, spice and wood, with a lighter floral accent in the background, rather than a peated or smoky style.
As a limited edition with the last bottles available, it also has genuine collector appeal. Its interest lies in that precise combination: a concise age statement, a restricted bottling and the distinctive Compass Box approach to (…)Compass Box A-Side Blended Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box A-Side Blended Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box A-Side Blended Grain is a Scottish blended grain whisky released as a limited edition of 930 bottles. That gives it a more focused identity than a regular core-range whisky: it is a particular take on grain whisky rather than a broad house style.
Bottled by Compass Box at 48%, it carries no age statement, so the emphasis sits on composition and cask influence. Bourbon and Madeira casks shape the direction, with fruit and spice forming the main line of the whisky and lighter floral and wood notes supporting it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who want to explore grain whisky in a more distinctive limited release. It is not built around peat or coastal salinity; the interest lies in its fruit-driven and spiced (…)Compass Box Architectonics
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Compass Box Architectonics
In stock
Compass Box Architectonics is a Scotch blended whisky with a distinctly limited feel. Only 1400 bottles were released, and with the final bottles now remaining, it stands as one of those Compass Box editions that has a clear sense of scarcity around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling sits naturally among whiskies for drinkers who enjoy blends with a deliberate flavour direction. There is no age statement here, so the focus shifts away from years in cask and towards the composition itself: fruit and peat form the main lines, supported more quietly by wood, spice and a lightly salty edge.
Bottled at 49%, Architectonics carries more presence than many everyday blends. Its limited release and collectors item status make it especially interesting for (…)Compass Box Art & Decadence (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
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Compass Box Art & Decadence (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Compass Box Art & Decadence is a blended Scotch whisky with a name that sets the mood straight away. Its inspiration comes from decadence in the late nineteenth-century sense: art for art's sake, beauty without a practical excuse, and the pleasure of things that are not strictly necessary.
That idea suits this limited Compass Box release rather well. There is no age statement here; the focus is on composition, atmosphere and flavour rather than a number on the label. The background to the release refers to names such as Balmenach, Glen Moray, Port Dundas and Linkwood, giving the whisky a layered identity rather than a single-distillery voice.
At 49% ABV, Art & Decadence has the strength to carry its richer side: fruit, vanilla, dark chocolate and (…)Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Confidence (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Confidence (Artist Collection)
On request only
Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Confidence is a Scottish blended whisky from the Compass Box Artist Collection. It has the feel of a deliberately framed release rather than an everyday blend, with its name and series giving it a clear identity of its own.
Only 966 bottles were produced, and it is listed as a collector's item. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that speaks to people who enjoy limited releases with a distinct place in a broader creative collection, without needing an age statement to define its appeal.
Bottled at cask strength, 55.3% alcohol, it presents itself with real weight. The flavour profile points towards floral, spicy and fruity elements, with wood playing a quieter supporting role rather than taking over the (…)Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Fortitude (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Fortitude (Artist Collection)
In stock
Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Fortitude is a Scottish blended whisky from the Artist Collection, bottled at cask strength. At 52.5%, it presents itself with real firmness rather than a softened, lower-strength style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out because it belongs to a defined limited release rather than an ongoing expression. Only 1074 bottles were produced, and the available stock is now down to the last bottles, giving Pentalogy Fortitude a clear sense of scarcity within the Compass Box range.
The supplied flavour profile points towards a whisky shaped by saline and peated notes, with lighter fruity, spicy and floral accents around it. With no age statement, the focus remains on the composition, strength and character of this (…)Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Generosity (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Generosity (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Generosity is a Scottish grain whisky from the Compass Box Artist Collection. The name immediately places it outside the everyday range: this is a release where the whisky itself and the artistic presentation form part of the same story.
Bottled at 51.9%, it is presented at cask strength, giving it a firm presence in the glass. That higher strength suits the more specialised nature of this release and gives the whisky room to show its character without feeling like a routine bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly interesting Compass Box release because of its limited scale and collectible positioning. Only 630 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now available, Artist #11 Pentalogy (…)Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Wisdom (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Wisdom (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Wisdom is a Scottish blended whisky from the Artist Collection, bottled at cask strength at 50.1%. That higher natural strength gives the release a more direct presence than a conventional blended whisky, with the focus clearly placed on the bottling's own identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Compass Box stands out as a limited release with only 654 bottles produced. With the last bottles now available, it also carries genuine appeal for collectors. There is no age statement here; the interest lies in the specific Artist #11 edition and the way Pentalogy Wisdom sits within the wider Artist Collection.
Additional information about Compass Box can be found at https://www.compassboxwhisky.com/
The flavour (…)Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Wonder (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Wonder (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Wonder is a Scotch blended malt from the Artist Collection, bottled at a cask strength of 52.4%. It presents itself as a release with presence rather than polish for its own sake, letting concentration and character take the lead.
Its small scale is a major part of the appeal. Only 384 bottles were produced, and the remaining stock now belongs to the last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they bring together the Compass Box name, a limited Artist Collection bottling and a flavour direction that clearly favours peat and spice.
There is no age statement attached to this whisky, so the focus naturally falls on the composition and identity of this particular release. Alongside the more (…)Compass Box Artist Blend
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Compass Box Artist Blend
On request only
Compass Box Artist Blend is a Scotch blended whisky built around composition rather than an age statement. The emphasis is on the assembled style: fruit sits at the centre, with lighter supporting notes that give the whisky shape without making it feel heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who is curious about blend as a deliberate whisky style, not simply as a category. Its multivintage nature supports that idea, bringing different components together into one finished expression instead of focusing on a single vintage or stated age.
Bottled at 43%, Artist Blend keeps a measured strength while still presenting a clear flavour direction. The profile is fruit-led, with gentle floral, woody and spicy accents (…)Compass Box B-Side Blended Malt (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box B-Side Blended Malt (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box B-Side Blended Malt is a Scottish blended malt from the Compass Box Limited Edition range. The name says quite a lot: B-Side feels like a release made to show another angle, away from the most obvious route.
Its appeal lies in the limited nature of the bottling and in the Compass Box approach to blended malt whisky. Only 1530 bottles were produced, and at Drankenshop Broekmans we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy discovering a temporary release rather than a permanent shelf staple.
There is no age statement here, so the focus shifts to composition and character rather than a number on the label. Bottled at 49%, it has a confident presence in the glass. The available profile points towards fruit and wood at the (…)Compass Box Brulée Royale (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Brulée Royale (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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On request onlyCompass Box Brulée Royale is a Scottish blended malt with a distinctly pâtisserie-minded inspiration. The release looks back to 17th-century French chef François Massialot and to the history of turning natural sugars, heat and technique into increasingly refined delicacies, with crème brûlée sitting at the heart of that idea.
For this limited edition, Compass Box brought together single malts matured in special American white oak casks, including Aberlour, Ardbeg, Clynelish and Speyburn. The cask work is central to the story. The supplied information highlights precise toasting and charring, giving the whisky a signature of peach, butterscotch and spiced molasses.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Compass (…)Compass Box Canvas (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Canvas (Compass Box Limited Edition)
On request only
Compass Box Canvas is a Scottish blended malt from the Compass Box Limited Edition range, bottled at 46%. Rather than presenting itself through an age statement, it is built around a defined style: fruit, spice and wood all play a clear role, while peat is not part of the flavour direction.
The release was limited to 5,880 bottles, and with the final bottles now remaining, it has a different kind of appeal from a standard everyday whisky. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the sort of Compass Box bottling we would point out to customers who enjoy limited Scottish releases with a distinct identity.
Its collector's interest comes from the combination of a finite production run, the Compass Box approach to blended malt whisky and the fact that the bottling is (…)Compass Box Celestial (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
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Compass Box Celestial (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Compass Box Celestial brings the Extinct Blends Quartet to a close, following Ultramarine, Delos and Metropolis. As a limited edition, it takes its inspiration from a 1960s whisky with an extravagant flavour profile, and it is described as the most heavily peated whisky in the quartet.
The celestial imagery is very much part of its identity: rolling clouds, shimmering constellations and a whisky with real depth rather than quiet understatement. At 50% alcohol, Celestial has the strength to carry its mature, smoky style with conviction, while staying true to the deep flavour that has become a hallmark of the series.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Compass Box release that speaks to drinkers who follow the bottler's more imaginative side. With (…)Compass Box Crimson Cask
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Compass Box Crimson Cask
In stock
Compass Box Crimson Cask is a Scottish blended malt whisky built around the influence of Oloroso sherry casks. The name points straight to the idea behind the release: a malt whisky shaped by cask character, with fruit and spice taking the lead rather than peat or coastal salinity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits in that appealing space where blended malt is presented as a matter of style and composition rather than age statement. There is no declared age here; the focus is on how the malt components and Oloroso cask influence come together. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to carry that profile clearly.
Crimson Cask is not a whisky that leans on smoke or heavy oak. Its interest lies in the way Compass Box frames a Scottish blended malt around a (…)Compass Box Delilah's (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Delilah's (Compass Box Limited Edition)
Only 3 left in stock!
Compass Box Delilah's is a blended malt with a story rooted in music, whisky and bar culture. This limited edition was created for the 25th anniversary of Delilah's, Mike Miller's Chicago punk rock whisky bar, named by Whisky Magazine as the best whisky bar in the USA.
Compass Box used the original Delilah's blend as its starting point and added malt matured in Spanish sherry casks. That gives this release a special place in the Compass Box story, as the supplied information identifies it as the first sherry-matured Compass Box reference. Bottled at 46% and without an age statement, it focuses on the interplay between American oak and sherry maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as one of those bottles where the background genuinely adds to the (…)Compass Box Delilah's (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Delilah's (Compass Box Limited Edition)
Very last one in stock!
Compass Box Delilah's is a Scottish blended whisky released as a limited edition by Compass Box. It is not built around an age statement, but around the personality of the blend itself: bottled at 40%, matured in American Oak, and shaped by a light interplay of floral, fruity, spicy and woody notes.
With 6,324 bottles released, this is a clearly defined bottling rather than a standard ongoing expression. Now that only the last bottles remain, it naturally becomes more interesting for those who keep an eye on distinctive Compass Box releases. At Drankenshop Broekmans, Delilah's sits comfortably among limited Scottish blends with a gentle, unpeated style.
Additional information about Compass Box can be found at https://www.compassboxwhisky.com/
Compass Box Delos (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
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Compass Box Delos (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Compass Box Delos is a Scottish blended whisky from Compass Box, released as a limited edition. With 5,520 bottles produced, it has the feel of a clearly defined release rather than a permanent house expression.
Bottled at 49%, it carries a little extra presence in the glass. The American Oak maturation supports a flavour direction built around fruit, spice and wood, with a lighter floral note sitting in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Delos stands out as a Scotch blend for drinkers who appreciate a more deliberate, composed style of whisky. The absence of an age statement keeps the focus on the blend itself and on the character Compass Box wanted to present in this release.
Additional information about Compass Box can be found at (…)Compass Box Double Single (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Double Single (Compass Box Limited Edition)
On request only
Compass Box Double Single is built around a wonderfully restrained idea: how few components are needed to create a genuinely engaging blended Scotch whisky? Here, Compass Box uses just two. A single grain from Girvan and a single malt from Glen Elgin are brought together in proportions chosen to make the combination feel greater than the individual parts.
Bottled at 46%, with natural colour and no chill filtration, it keeps a clear connection to its ingredients. The Bourbon Cask element supports the creamy vanilla and malty side of the whisky, while the malt component brings fruit and herbal touches into the conversation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly interesting Compass Box release for drinkers who enjoy the craft of blending when (…)Compass Box Enlightenment (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Enlightenment (Compass Box Limited Edition)
Only 3 left in stock!
Compass Box Enlightenment is a Scottish blended malt with a name that carries real meaning. The idea of enlightenment is woven into the presentation: a reference to clarity, reason and transparency, drawing a parallel between Compass Box's own Scotch whisky transparency campaign and the historical Age of Enlightenment, when logic and individual thought challenged old structures.
As a limited edition from Compass Box, this is not built around an age statement, but around concept, composition and character. Only 5,922 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it holds a distinctive place at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who enjoy the more thoughtful side of modern Scotch whisky.
The whisky mirrors its theme rather neatly: clear (…)Compass Box Ethereal Lmdw (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Ethereal Lmdw (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box Ethereal Lmdw is a Scottish blended malt from the Compass Box Limited edition range. Rather than focusing on an age statement, it is built around a clear interplay of fruit, spice and wood-driven character.
Only 2,430 bottles were produced, giving this release a distinctly limited nature. With the last bottles now available, it holds a particular place at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who enjoy the more special and less permanent Compass Box releases.
At 49% alcohol, Ethereal Lmdw has enough strength to carry its profile with confidence. It is above all a whisky for those who appreciate Compass Box's creative way of working with Scotch whisky and its limited-edition bottlings.
Additional information about Compass Box can be (…)Compass Box Experimental Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Experimental Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box Experimental Grain is a Scottish grain whisky with a name that sets the tone straight away. Experimental gives this limited edition a more exploratory feel: there is no age statement, so the focus sits on style, composition and the particular direction chosen for this release.
Bottled by Compass Box at 46%, it is linked to American Oak maturation, though the stated profile does not place oak at the centre. Instead, the character points towards floral, spiced and peated elements, with fruit playing a quieter supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone who wants to look at grain whisky from a less predictable angle. As a limited edition with the last bottles now available, it also carries (…)
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.
