Whisky from Edradour
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Edradour 12y Caledonia Tube Incl.
68360° view available
Edradour 12y Caledonia Tube Incl.
In stock
Edradour 12y Caledonia is a Highland single malt with a clearly defined sherry-matured personality. Aged for 12 years and bottled at 46%, it draws much of its depth from first fill sherry casks, giving it a darker, richer side while still keeping a fresh lift in the glass.
Caledonia also gives this bottle a little extra story. The release is signed by Dougie MacLean, a renowned Scottish singer, adding a distinctly Scottish cultural note to an already characterful Edradour.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for drinkers who enjoy sherry-matured single malt with fruit, wood, chocolate-like depth and gentle spice, rather than peat or coastal saltiness. It is the kind of whisky that rewards a slow glass and a bit of attention.
Edradour 10y New Edition Tube Incl.
68360° view available
Edradour 10y New Edition Tube Incl.
In stock
Edradour 10y New Edition is a Highland single malt from Scotland shaped by Oloroso Sherry casks. At 10 years old, it sits in a style where fruit and spice are the main points of interest, rather than peat smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would place in front of someone looking for a Scottish single malt with clear cask influence, but without a smoky direction. The wood influence is present without dominating, with a light floral touch in the background and a more pronounced fruity, spiced side at the centre.
Bottled at 46%, this Edradour has a confident presentation while remaining easy to understand in terms of style: a 10-year-old Highland single malt, built around Oloroso Sherry cask character and an unpeated profile.
Ballechin 15y 2nd Release Sv
168360° view available
Ballechin 15y 2nd Release Sv
In stock
Ballechin 15y 2nd Release Sv is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky from the Edradour brand, bottled with a clear focus on strength and presence. At 15 years old and 58.9% ABV, it is a whisky that keeps its intensity close to the glass rather than smoothing everything away.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out through the combination of age, cask strength character and limited availability. Only 3461 bottles were released, and with the final bottles now remaining, it has become a more scarce expression.
The style is shaped by noticeable wood influence, spice and peat, with fruit playing a quieter supporting role and a light salty edge adding extra definition. It is a firm, mature Ballechin for drinkers who enjoy Highland (…)Ballechin 2013 13y Nectar & Kirsch - Grand Marnier Finish (Signatory - The Nectar And Kirsch)
109
Ballechin 2013 13y Nectar & Kirsch - Grand Marnier Finish (Signatory - The Nectar And Kirsch)
In stock
Ballechin is the heavily peated side of Edradour, from the Highland region, linked in the supplied information to Scotland's smallest traditional distillery. This 2013 release spent 13 years maturing before being bottled by Signatory as part of the joint The Nectar & Kirsch bottling.
The distinctive twist here is the Grand Marnier hogshead finish. It does not simply soften the peat; it adds a layer of candied orange, clementine and vanilla around the smoky core of the spirit. That contrast gives the whisky a clear identity: dark, powerful and peated, yet with a vivid citrus accent from the finish.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Ballechin we like to point out to drinkers who enjoy whisky with real force and definition. Bottled at cask (…)Ballechin Straight From The Cask 2010 10y 50cl
LAST PIECES114360° view available
Ballechin Straight From The Cask 2010 10y 50cl
Only 3 left in stock!
Ballechin Straight From The Cask 2010 10y is a Highland single malt from Edradour with a very direct identity: one bourbon cask, bottled at cask strength. The appeal lies in that clarity. It was distilled on 28 October 2010 and bottled on 25 October 2021, giving a 10-year-old whisky that captures the character of one individual cask.
At 58.2% ABV, it keeps a firm, unsoftened presence. The profile is driven by peat and spice, with lighter touches of fruit, wood, floral nuance and salinity. The bourbon cask plays a supporting role rather than turning the whisky into something overly polished.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy cask strength single malts with a clearly defined origin. With only 319 (…)Edradour 10y Bourbon (Signatory Ibisco Decanter)
LAST PIECES128360° view available
Edradour 10y Bourbon (Signatory Ibisco Decanter)
On request only
Edradour 10y Bourbon is a Highland single malt bottled by Signatory as part of the Ibisco Decanter series. Distilled on 04/09/2013 and bottled on 06/11/2023, it captures Edradour at ten years old, with its maturation focused on first fill Bourbon Barrels.
The appeal here is in the directness of the presentation. Bottled at cask strength, 60.4%, with natural colour and without chill filtration, it keeps close to the whisky as it came from the cask rather than softening the edges for a broader style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of Signatory release stands out for customers who enjoy independent bottlings with a clear identity. It is a limited outturn of 1745 bottles, and with the last bottles now remaining, it has become a more finite release rather (…)Edradour 10y Mini
9360° view available
Edradour 10y Mini
Temporarily sold out
Edradour 10y Mini offers the 10-year-old Highland single malt in a smaller format, making it a thoughtful way to get to know this distinctive whisky. It comes from the southern Highlands and, according to the supplied product information, from Scotland's smallest distillery, a detail that suits the intimate, characterful nature of the dram.
Its profile is shaped by a marriage of casks that previously held oloroso sherry. That influence brings sweetness, fruit and depth, while the whisky keeps its focus away from smoke and towards honeyed, nutty, floral and spiced impressions.
The product information also notes that the 10-year-old expression has evolved notably since the distillery was taken over by Andrew Symington. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this (…)Edradour 12y Caledonia Mini
11360° view available
Edradour 12y Caledonia Mini
In stock
Edradour 12y Caledonia Mini is a Highland single malt built around first fill sherry maturation. With 12 years of ageing and a strength of 46%, it sits in a fuller, darker style, where fruit, wood and gentle spice have plenty of room to show.
A small detail gives this whisky a very Scottish touch: Caledonia is signed by Dougie MacLean, the renowned Scottish singer. It adds a personal note to the release without taking attention away from what matters most in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this mini as an approachable way to discover the Caledonia style. It carries enough depth to be taken seriously, yet the smaller format makes it easy to explore before choosing a larger bottle.
The aroma opens with clear sherry notes, clove and a (…)Edradour 12y Charity Scaa Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES90360° view available
Edradour 12y Charity Scaa Tube Incl.
On request only
Edradour 12y Charity Scaa is a 12-year-old Highland single malt bottled at 46%, shaped by an Oloroso Sherry cask influence. It is a whisky built around maturation, spice, fruit and wood rather than smoke or coastal sharpness.
The appeal here lies in its focused character. The cask presence gives structure, while the fruity and spiced elements keep the whisky expressive and warm. It feels like a considered release from Edradour, with enough depth to make the age and cask choice matter in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a Highland single malt with clear cask influence and a mature, flavour-driven profile. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has that extra sense of availability (…)Edradour 17y 2003 Lmdw Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES149360° view available
Edradour 17y 2003 Lmdw Tube Incl.
In stock
Edradour 17y 2003 Lmdw is a Highland single malt with a very defined point of view: one cask, 17 years of maturation and bottling at cask strength. Distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2021, it presents a specific slice of Edradour rather than a broad house-style release.
The sherry finish gives the whisky its frame, with fruit, spice and wood standing out as the main flavour directions. At 56.6%, it keeps a strong connection to the cask, and the single cask origin gives the bottle a clear sense of place and limitation.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release that adds real depth to a specialist whisky selection: Scottish single malt, Highland origin, cask strength, sherry finish and only 674 bottles produced. The fact that these are the last (…)Edradour 1989 35y Enigma N°2
LAST PIECES350360° view available
Edradour 1989 35y Enigma N°2
Very last one in stock!
Edradour 1989 35y Enigma N°2 is a Highland single malt with a distinctly limited nature. Distilled on 10 October 1989 and bottled on 2 July 2025, it brings together 35 years of maturation in one individual Oloroso Sherry cask.
Its appeal lies in the combination of age, cask strength and scarcity. Only 379 bottles were drawn, bottled at 62.3% ABV without dilution. Rather than a broad batch expression, this is the voice of one cask after a long maturation period.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this sit in a more specialised corner of the whisky selection, especially when only the last bottles remain. The giftpack also gives it a fitting presentation for a considered gift or for a moment when a mature Scottish single malt deserves proper (…)Edradour 1995 30y Chateau Neuf Du Pape Hogshead Incl. Box
LAST PIECES350360° view available
Edradour 1995 30y Chateau Neuf Du Pape Hogshead Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Edradour 1995 30y Chateau Neuf Du Pape Hogshead is a Highland single malt with time and scarcity at the centre of its appeal. Distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2025, it represents thirty years of maturation from one individual cask.
Bottled at cask strength, 55.1%, this single cask release comes from a Chateau Neuf du Pape hogshead. Only 129 bottles were filled, so the focus here is very much on one specific cask rather than a broader, blended expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we place in front of someone who appreciates the individuality of single cask bottlings: mature, limited, and tied to one precise moment of bottling. With the last bottles now remaining, its small outturn becomes even more relevant.
The (…)Edradour 1999 21y Barolo Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES163360° view available
Edradour 1999 21y Barolo Tube Incl.
On request only
Edradour 1999 21y Barolo is a Highland single malt from Scotland with a clear wine-matured identity. The name already sets the scene: distilled on 9 August 1999, aged for 21 years, and shaped by Barolo influence. It is a different side of Edradour than a whisky driven solely by bourbon or sherry casks.
At 54.8% alcohol, this is bottled at cask strength, keeping the whisky close to its natural intensity. The character indicated here is built around fruit, spice and wood, with no peat influence in the profile. That gives the whisky a focused style where maturity and wine-cask depth are central.
Only 580 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in view, this kind of expression has a special place in the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans. It captures (…)Edradour 2000 16y Barolo Finish Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES99360° view available
Edradour 2000 16y Barolo Finish Tube Incl.
On request only
Edradour 2000 16y Barolo Finish is a Highland single malt with a very specific sense of place and timing. Distilled on 28 November 2000 and bottled on 29 May 2017, it spent 16 years maturing, including a 46-month finish in Barolo wine casks. That extended wine-cask period is central to the way this whisky presents itself.
There is also a deliberately individual nature to the release. It is a single cask bottling, drawn at cask strength at 56.1%, with an outturn of 893 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value releases like this because they show one particular cask rather than a broader house style shaped for consistency.
The character is led by fruit, while spice and wood sit in a more supporting role. With the final bottles now in view, this Edradour (…)Edradour 2000 23y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
LAST PIECES217360° view available
Edradour 2000 23y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
On request only
Edradour 2000 23y is a Highland single malt with a very clear independent bottling identity. Distilled on 17 November 2000 and bottled on 29 April 2024, it spent 23 years in a single sherry butt. That one cask produced 656 bottles, released at cask strength with an alcoholic strength of 56.2%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to present as a specific cask story rather than a standard distillery expression. Signatory selected it for the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice series, where the individual cask is the centre of attention. It gives a focused view of Edradour after long maturation, shaped by one sherry butt from start to finish.
The profile is built around clear wood influence, spice and fruit. Because it is bottled as a (…)Edradour 2001 21y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice) Tube Incl.
350360° view available
Edradour 2001 21y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice) Tube Incl.
In stock
Edradour 2001 21y is a Highland single malt with a very precise identity: distilled on 6 December 2001, matured for 21 years and bottled by Signatory on 31 October 2023 as part of the Symington's Choice range.
It comes from a single first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead and was bottled at cask strength, 53.3%, with natural colour and without chill filtration. Only 321 bottles were drawn from the cask, so this is less about a broad house style and more about one individual cask captured at a particular point in its maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they combine maturity, cask strength and genuine small-batch scarcity. The fact that these are the last bottles simply reinforces the nature of the whisky: once (…)Edradour 2012 Sauvignon Finish
LAST PIECES91
Edradour 2012 Sauvignon Finish
On request only
Edradour 2012 Sauvignon Finish is a Highland single malt with a clear point of difference: twelve years of age and a finishing period in Sauvignon Blanc casks. That cask direction gives this Scottish whisky a profile where fruit, spice and wood influence all have a noticeable role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks to customers looking for a single malt with a wine-cask accent, while still remaining firmly within the world of Scotch whisky. Bottled at 48.2%, it has more presence than many standard releases, but its main interest lies in the meeting of Edradour's Highland identity and the Sauvignon Blanc finish.
With only the last bottles remaining, this 2012 release has become one to look at sooner rather than later for those (…)Edradour 2013 11y (Signatory Ibisco Decanter) Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES114360° view available
Edradour 2013 11y (Signatory Ibisco Decanter) Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Edradour 2013 11y is a Highland single malt with a notably direct presentation. Distilled on 7 September 2013, it spent 11 years in a bourbon cask before being bottled by Signatory as part of the Ibisco Decanter series.
Its appeal lies in the way it keeps close to the cask. Bottled at cask strength, at 60%, this is not a softened or heavily adjusted release. With 1997 bottles produced, and with the last bottles now in stock, it has a naturally limited feel within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
The flavour profile points towards clear spice, with lighter fruit, floral and woody accents in support. Peat and salinity are not part of the picture here, so the focus remains on the strength of the malt, the cask influence and the spiced line running through (…)Edradour 2013 12y Ibisco
LAST PIECES111360° view available
Edradour 2013 12y Ibisco
On request only
Edradour 2013 12y Ibisco is a Highland single malt with a strong sense of presence. Distilled in 2013, matured for 12 years and bottled at cask strength at 60.7%, it presents the whisky in a full-powered form rather than a softened or heavily adjusted style.
The bourbon barrel maturation gives this release a setting where fruity and spicy notes can take the lead, with the wood influence staying relatively light. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with whiskies for drinkers who enjoy a direct, cask-strength single malt with a clear maturation story.
With only the last bottles remaining, this 2013 Ibisco bottling has become especially relevant for those looking for this specific Edradour release. Its appeal lies in the combination of (…)Edradour 2014 11y Px Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES82360° view available
Edradour 2014 11y Px Tube Incl.
On request only
Edradour 2014 11y PX is a Highland single malt shaped by a clear sense of time and cask influence. Distilled in 2014 and matured for 11 years, it carries its Pedro Ximenez reference openly in both name and cask indication.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for drinkers who are drawn to a spicier style rather than a peated one. The profile points to pronounced spice, supported by a lighter fruity side and a gentle touch of wood.
Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to feel purposeful in the glass. With only the last bottles remaining, this Edradour is also a release with limited availability.
The available profile points to a whisky with spice as its main feature. Fruit sits more in the background, while the wood influence (…)Edradour 2014 12y St. Michael-Eppan Sauvignon
NEW74
Edradour 2014 12y St. Michael-Eppan Sauvignon
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Edradour 2014 12y St. Michael-Eppan Sauvignon shows a fresher side of Highland single malt. The collaboration with St. Michael-Eppan brings in the brighter Sauvignon character of Alto Adige white wine, while still keeping the focus firmly on the whisky.
Distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2026, this 12-year-old Edradour matured in 1st Fill Sauvignon Butts. The maturation draws out a lively combination of fruit, gentle spice and a light floral accent rather than a heavy wine influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we like to introduce to customers who are curious about wine-matured Edradour with freshness and definition. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and with natural colour, it keeps a close connection to its cask character.
Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan 11y Cabernet & Merlot
NEW74
Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan 11y Cabernet & Merlot
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Edradour 2015 11 Year Old St. Michael-Eppan Cabernet & Merlot is a Highland single malt with a clear wine-cask signature. It comes from the collaboration between Edradour and the St. Michael-Eppan winery, with a finish in casks from Alto Adige.
Distilled in 2015 and bottled in 2026, this 11-year-old whisky was finished in 1st Fill Cabernet & Merlot Hogsheads. That final maturation stage brings the fruitier side of the whisky forward, supported by gentle wood and spice rather than dominated by them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as an interesting bottle for anyone who enjoys exploring how a wine finish can shape a single malt in a precise and recognisable way. It is bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered and at natural colour, keeping the (…)Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan Chardonnay
NEW74
Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan Chardonnay
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan Chardonnay connects Highland single malt with the wine landscape of Alto Adige. Through the collaboration with St. Michael-Eppan, this 11-year-old Edradour takes on a distinctive direction, finished in 1st Fill Chardonnay Hogsheads.
The Chardonnay finish is central to its identity. It brings a creamy, yellow-fruit side to the whisky, while leaving room for floral notes, gentle spice and a restrained touch of wood. It is the kind of release that shows how a wine cask can add shape and nuance without overwhelming the malt.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this bottling as a thoughtful choice for drinkers who enjoy cask influence with a clear story behind it. Distilled in 2015 and bottled in 2026 at 46% vol., non-chill (…)Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan Lagrein
NEW74
Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan Lagrein
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Edradour 2015 11y St. Michael-Eppan Lagrein is a Highland single malt with a clear wine-led identity. It comes from a collaboration between Edradour and the St. Michael-Eppan winery, placing Lagrein in the spotlight: the distinctive red grape of Alto Adige.
Distilled in 2015 and bottled in 2026, this 11-year-old Edradour was finished in 1st Fill Lagrein Hogsheads. That detail gives the whisky its particular angle, bringing a red wine influence into conversation with the fruit and wood tones of the malt. It is bottled at 46% vol., non-chill filtered and with natural colour.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky that is worth explaining rather than simply placing on the shelf. It is not just a wine finish; it is a release built around a specific (…)
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:
-
Made from grains
-
Fermented with yeast
-
Distilled to a maximum of ±94.8% alcohol (so that flavour is retained)
-
Matured in wooden casks
-
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.
-
Must be wholly produced and matured in Scotland
-
Aged for at least 3 years in oak casks
-
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.
-
Produced and matured in Ireland
-
Aged for at least 3 years in wooden casks
-
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:
-
At least 51% corn in the grain mix
-
Matured in new charred oak barrels
-
Distilled to a maximum of 80% alcohol
-
In the barrel a maximum of 62.5% alcohol
-
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.
