Whisky from Glencadam
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Glencadam 10y
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Glencadam 10y
In stock
Glencadam 10y shows a delicate side of East Highland single malt, built around freshness, fruit and a clean, lively style. It spends 10 years in American bourbon casks and is bottled at 46% without chill filtration, giving it a natural feel without pushing the wood influence too far.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to place in front of someone looking for an unpeated Highland malt with clarity rather than weight. Tropical fruit, citrus and soft vanilla shape the character, while gentle spice and a light woody note add quiet structure.
It is not a whisky that relies on smoke or heaviness. Glencadam 10y is more about precision, brightness and approachable fruit, making it a rewarding dram for drinkers who enjoy a clean and elegant (…)Glencadam Reserva Tawny Port Finish Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Reserva Tawny Port Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam Reserva Tawny Port Finish is a Highland single malt given an additional finish in tawny port casks. That final maturation brings a darker, fruit-led tone to the whisky, with rich dark fruit and gentle wood notes forming the heart of its character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glencadam for drinkers who enjoy a Scotch single malt with ripe fruit, soft spice and a warmer dessert-like edge, rather than peat or coastal salinity. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to carry those flavours without losing its rounded feel.
It is a no-age-statement release where the emphasis is clearly on the tawny port finish and the richer side it brings to the distillery's Highland malt.
The aroma opens with dark fruits, candied clove, (…)Glencadam 13y Tube Incl.
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Glencadam 13y Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam 13y is a Highland single malt with a robust presence, yet without moving into smoky or heavily wooded territory. Matured in bourbon casks and bottled at 46%, it keeps enough strength to carry its creamy, fruity side with clarity.
Thirteen years of maturation give this whisky room to develop roundness and depth, while the overall impression remains clean and approachable in style. With 6000 bottles released, it also has the feeling of a defined bottling rather than a standard anonymous release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Scottish single malt we like to introduce to customers who enjoy creaminess, gentle fruit and a warm finish, without looking for peat smoke or pronounced oak influence.
The aroma is creamy, with (…)Glencadam 15y 2008 Madeira Finish Tube Incl.
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Glencadam 15y 2008 Madeira Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam 15y 2008 Madeira Finish brings a warm, dessert-led side to Highland single malt. It was matured in bourbon casks before being finished in Madeira casks, giving the whisky an extra layer of fruit, gentle spice and rounded sweetness.
At 15 years old and bottled at 46%, it has enough maturity and strength to feel substantial, while the supplied profile points to a soft and inviting style rather than a heavy one. Fruit and spice sit at the centre of the experience, with wood playing a supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glencadam we like to present to customers looking for a non-peated Highland malt with a more distinctive cask influence. With 5,826 bottles released, it is a clearly defined expression from the 2008 (…)Glencadam 15y Tube Incl.
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Glencadam 15y Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam 15y is a Highland single malt with a clearly classic sense of style. Matured in bourbon casks and bottled at 46%, it brings together richness, creaminess and composure without becoming heavy-handed. The age gives it time to develop, while the whisky keeps a clean and balanced line.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glencadam we like to introduce to customers who appreciate a refined Highland malt without peat or overt spice taking over. Fruit, soft vanilla notes and a rounded texture do the talking here, supported by the maturity of fifteen years in cask.
The aroma brings orchard fruit, vanilla and citrus, with a hint of roasted nuts underneath. On the palate it is sweet and creamy, showing almond, panna cotta and dried apple, followed (…)Glencadam 15y White Port
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Glencadam 15y White Port
On request only
Glencadam 15y White Port is a Highland single malt shaped by age and cask influence. Distilled in 2006 and carrying a 15-year age statement, it was finished in port casks, with the White Port reference in the name giving this release its own clear identity within Glencadam.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we tend to appreciate bottlings like this for the way they keep the whisky's single malt character in focus while adding a distinct cask-led dimension. The profile points mainly towards fruit, supported by lighter floral, woody and spicy accents. Peat and salt are not part of the main picture here, so the emphasis sits more on fruit and gentle spice than on smoke or coastal intensity.
At 46% ABV and with 3684 bottles released, it is a focused Glencadam edition for (…)Glencadam 17y 2006 Pedro Ximenez Sherry Tube Incl.
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Glencadam 17y 2006 Pedro Ximenez Sherry Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam 17y 2006 Pedro Ximenez Sherry is a Highland single malt built around depth and cask influence. It matured in bourbon casks before being finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry quarter casks, a detail that helps explain the whisky's rich and intense direction.
The character sits firmly in the darker, more generous register: fruit, spice and wood all have a clear presence, while peat smoke is not part of the picture. Bottling at 46% gives the whisky enough structure to carry its sweeter, dessert-like notes without making the strength the main point.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glencadam that speaks to drinkers looking for a Highland malt with a pronounced PX finish. With 17 years of maturation and 4188 bottles released, it feels like a (…)Glencadam 18y
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Glencadam 18y
In stock
Glencadam 18y is an 18-year-old Scotch single malt from the Highlands, bottled at 46%. The available profile points to a restrained style built around gentle fruit, light floral notes, soft wood influence and a touch of spice, rather than peat smoke or coastal salinity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of mature Highland malt we would introduce to someone looking for age and poise without an overly heavy flavour direction. The 18 years of maturation give the whisky its sense of development, while the bottling strength adds enough presence to carry those subtler elements.
Its interest lies in that quiet composition: fruit, flower, wood and spice sitting close together, with no single element pushed to the front.
The flavour impression (…)Glencadam 1996 27y Incl. Box
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Glencadam 1996 27y Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Glencadam 1996 27y is a Highland single malt built around patience and maturity. Distilled in 1996 and bottled after 27 years, it speaks more through depth and development than through force, with a style that stays away from peat and lets the mature whisky do the talking.
Its maturation started in bourbon casks before receiving a finish in Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez. That final stage adds richness and darker layers, bringing the fruit, spice, chocolate and nutty notes further forward. Bottled at 46%, it keeps a composed strength that suits the whisky's age and layered character.
Only 1691 bottles were released, giving this Glencadam a clear sense of limitation. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for (…)Glencadam 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Glencadam 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
On request only
Glencadam 2011 14y is a Highland single malt with fruit at the centre of the conversation, but delivered with real cask-strength presence. Drawn from cask #800224 and bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd for the Odyssey Range, it comes at 57.8%, giving the whisky a broad, full voice rather than a polished, reduced style.
There is also a nice sense of place behind it. Glencadam is a small distillery in Brechin, on the southern edge of the Highlands, with only two stills and a history dating back to 1825. In this 14-year-old release, the Muscat finish brings forward ripe stone fruit, honeyed sweetness and warm oak spice.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out because it feels very specific: one cask, 232 bottles, and now only the (…)Glencadam 2015 11y Single Cask The Nectar
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Glencadam 2015 11y Single Cask The Nectar
In stock
Glencadam 2015 11y Single Cask The Nectar was selected to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Nectar. Rather than choosing a whisky built around sheer intensity, this release reflects a more refined idea: authenticity, elegance and the pleasure of discovering a well-chosen cask.
Drawn from a single bourbon barrel and bottled at 46% after 11 years, it represents one very specific selection rather than a broad vatting. Only 318 bottles were filled. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are especially interesting when scarcity is supported by character, and here the appeal lies in Glencadam's clear, fruity and subtly floral side.
The bourbon barrel influence adds gentle notes of vanilla and honey around fresh orchard fruit, without taking over the (…)Glencadam 25y Incl. Box
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Glencadam 25y Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Glencadam 25y is a Highland single malt built around patience, maturity and restraint. Matured for twenty-five years in bourbon casks, it is described as elegant, complex and well balanced, with its age bringing depth rather than heaviness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of older malt we like to introduce to customers who appreciate refinement in a whisky. With 1600 bottles released and a bottling strength of 46%, it has a measured presence while keeping the more delicate side of Glencadam in view.
The style leans into ripe fruit, gentle spice and a subtle touch of wood. There is no peated profile here; the emphasis is on fruit, pastry-like nuances and a mature Highland character that unfolds calmly in the glass.
The aroma brings (…)Glencadam American Oak Tube Incl.
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Glencadam American Oak Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam American Oak is a Highland single malt with a light, fruit-led style and a clear emphasis on gentle aromatics. It was fully matured in American bourbon casks, so the name tells you quite a lot about the whisky: soft oak influence, a rounded feel and a character that remains easy-going rather than heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glencadam for drinkers who enjoy single malt whisky with fruit, vanilla-like softness and a modest touch of spice, rather than smoke or weight. It does not rely on an age statement; its identity comes from a clearly chosen maturation style.
The Highland origin gives it its Scottish single malt foundation, while the American Oak maturation brings a softer, gently tropical side. It is a whisky to choose when (…)Glencadam Origin 1825 Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Origin 1825 Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam Origin 1825 takes its name from the distillery's foundation year in the Royal Burgh of Brechin. It is an East Highland Single Malt built around a gentle, polished Glencadam style, with no age statement but a clear sense of origin and house character.
Maturation begins in American white oak bourbon casks, followed by a finish in Oloroso sherry casks. The emphasis remains on creamy malt, fruit and a light floral touch rather than heavy oak or peat smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Scottish single malt for drinkers who enjoy a Highland whisky with a softer, fruit-led personality and a clean, approachable profile shaped by traditional maturation.
The aroma opens on creamy, floral malt with a hint of vanilla and summer (…)Glencadam Reserva Andalucia Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Reserva Andalucia Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam Reserva Andalucia takes its character from the meeting of Highland single malt and Andalusian sherry cask influence. It is created from carefully selected sherry and bourbon casks, then married together and finished in Oloroso sherry casks from Andalusia.
The result is a warm and gently rounded style rather than a heavy or smoky one. The Andalusian reference in the name is meaningful, but the whisky still keeps its single malt identity: fruit, creamy sweetness and a measured touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glencadam we like to introduce to customers looking for a sherry-finished Highland whisky with presence at 46%, yet with a flavour direction that stays soft, fruity and polished around raisins, orchard fruit, honey and (…)Glencadam Reserva Madeira Wine Cask Finish Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Reserva Madeira Wine Cask Finish Tube Incl.
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 17/11/2026Glencadam Reserva Madeira Wine Cask Finish brings a warmer, fruit-led side to this Highland distillery, founded in 1825 in the Royal Burgh of Brechin. Glencadam is known for elegant East Highland single malts, and that sense of refinement remains at the heart of this release.
Made in small batches, it starts with single malt matured in bourbon casks before being finished in Madeira casks from Portugal. That finishing period gives the whisky a distinctive layer of fruit and spice, while the bottling at 46%, natural colour and non-chill filtered presentation help preserve its texture and depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glencadam we like to place in front of someone who enjoys Highland malt but wants an extra wine-cask dimension. The Madeira (…)Glencadam Reserva Pedro Ximenez Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Reserva Pedro Ximenez Tube Incl.
| 1 review
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 17/11/2026Glencadam Reserva Pedro Ximenez shows the Highland single malt from Glencadam in a richer, more dessert-led style. Its Pedro Ximénez cask finish is central to the experience, bringing pronounced sweetness, pastry-like notes and a darker spicy depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for drinkers looking for a clearly cask-influenced single malt without peat taking the lead. Bottled at 46%, it has enough weight to carry the sweet, spiced and fruity elements with confidence.
There is no age statement here; the focus is on style and flavour. Warm, generous and built around dried fruit, chocolate, caramel and spice, it is the kind of Highland whisky that naturally suits a slower glass after dinner.
The aroma opens in (…)Glencadam Reserve De Bordeaux Merlot Finish Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Reserve De Bordeaux Merlot Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam Reserve De Bordeaux Merlot Finish shows a wine-influenced side of this Highland single malt. It is first matured in bourbon casks and then finished in Merlot casks from Bordeaux, giving the whisky a fruitier and more spiced direction than a straightforward bourbon-cask style.
The Bordeaux Merlot finish brings the focus towards berries, cooked fruit, cocoa and warming spice. It is the kind of cask influence that adds colour and depth without turning the whisky into something overly heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among the Scottish single malts for drinkers who enjoy a wine finish with a clear fruit-and-spice signature. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry that character with confidence.
The aroma opens with (…)Glencadam Reserve De Burgundy Pinot Noir Finish Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Reserve De Burgundy Pinot Noir Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam Reserve de Burgundy Pinot Noir Finish shows a richer side of Highland single malt, shaped by a clear cask story. It begins its maturation in bourbon casks, then receives a finish in Pinot Noir casks from Burgundy. That final stage brings dark-fruited depth and a more seductive edge, while remaining firmly within the world of Scotch single malt.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out for the way it connects classic whisky maturation with a Burgundy wine-cask influence. The focus is not on an age statement, but on the extra layer that the finish brings to the whisky.
Bottled at 46%, it has a confident presence in the glass. The character moves through fruit, gentle spice, chocolate-like notes and nutty accents, making it a rewarding choice (…)Glencadam Riserva Di Amarone Tube Incl.
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Glencadam Riserva Di Amarone Tube Incl.
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 17/11/2026Glencadam Riserva di Amarone brings a wine-cask accent to the Highland single malt style of Glencadam. The distillery has been working with tradition and elegance since 1825, and this release keeps that sense of refinement while adding a more fruit-driven, spiced dimension.
The whisky was first matured in bourbon casks, then finished in Amarone casks from Italy. That final stage gives this bottling its distinctive direction, with red-fruit character and warm spice sitting at the heart of the experience. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we find this a particularly useful bottle to show how a wine finish can shape a malt without turning it into something heavy or smoky.
Made in small batches, unfiltered, natural in colour and bottled at 46%, it feels carefully (…)
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.
