Whisky from Glenrothes
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*Vintage* Glenrothes 1997 20y Sansibar For Whiskyklubben Slainte Sweden
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*Vintage* Glenrothes 1997 20y Sansibar For Whiskyklubben Slainte Sweden
Very last one in stock!
This Glenrothes 1997 is interesting because it is so clearly tied to one cask and one moment in time. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2017 after 20 years of maturation, it was drawn from a single Sherry Hogshead. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it gives a focused view of a mature Speyside single malt from one individual cask.
Sansibar bottled it for Whiskyklubben Slainte Sweden, with a total outturn of just 300 bottles. With the last bottles now in view, it has a natural place in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection for customers who enjoy whiskies with a defined origin, age and cask story.
Bottled at 53.6%, this is a cask strength Glenrothes with real presence. The profile points toward spice as the main driver, supported by clear wood influence (…)*Vintage* Glenrothes 1997 20y Whisky Fassle
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*Vintage* Glenrothes 1997 20y Whisky Fassle
Very last one in stock!
Glenrothes 1997 20 Year Old Whisky Fassle is a Speyside single malt with a very clear identity. It was distilled in 1997, bottled in 2017 and matured for twenty years before being drawn from a single sherry butt. At 47.9% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps the focus firmly on that individual cask rather than on a blended house style.
The character is shaped by a strongly spiced profile, with fruit and oak also clearly present. There is no peated direction indicated here, so the interest lies more in the interaction between maturation, sherry cask influence and the mature Speyside malt beneath it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that tells a compact but complete story: one distillation year, one cask, one bottling date, and now (…)Glenrothes 11y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
62
Glenrothes 11y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenrothes 11y Gmp is a Speyside single malt bottled by Gordon & MacPhail as part of the Discovery range. That series is built around clear flavour directions, and this release belongs firmly to the sherry side of the range, matured in a sherry butt and bottled at 43%.
The appeal here lies in its warm, fruit-led sherry character. Seville orange, stewed red fruit, plum and cherry form the centre of the whisky, with cinnamon, clove and a touch of milk chocolate adding spice and softness. Toasted oak and roasted walnut bring extra depth, giving the whisky structure without introducing peat smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fine example of a Speyside malt for drinkers who enjoy sherry maturation with a rounded, spicy-fruity profile and enough (…)Glenrothes 18y
91
Glenrothes 18y
In stock
Glenrothes 18y is a Speyside single malt built around maturity and sherry maturation. With 18 years behind it, the whisky has had time to develop a composed style, where fruit takes the lead and the cask influence adds gentle support rather than dominating the whole picture.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this among the Scottish single malts for drinkers who appreciate age, sherry cask influence and a fruit-driven profile. The supplied profile points to clear fruitiness, with lighter wood and spice accents, and no peated character steering the whisky away from its Speyside identity.
Bottled at 43%, Glenrothes 18y presents itself in a calm, mature way: not about force, but about the pleasure of a well-aged single malt with a clear sherry-matured (…)Glenrothes 1985 37y (The Whisky Agency)
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Glenrothes 1985 37y (The Whisky Agency)
Very last one in stock!
Glenrothes 1985 37y is a Speyside single malt where time is the central part of the story. Distilled in 1985 and aged for 37 years, it represents a clearly defined chapter in the life of Glenrothes rather than a standard everyday release.
The hogshead maturation gives the whisky a precise cask context, while the 43.4% alcohol strength keeps the presentation measured on paper. What stands out most is the combination of Glenrothes, Speyside origin, long maturation and a vintage that takes the drinker back to 1985.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits comfortably among whiskies chosen for customers who appreciate older Scottish single malts with a strong sense of origin and date. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that should be (…)Glenrothes 1986 36y (The Whisky Agency)
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Glenrothes 1986 36y (The Whisky Agency)
In stock
Glenrothes 1986 36y is a Speyside single malt built around patience and individuality. Distilled in 1986 and bottled in 2022, it spent 36 years maturing in a hogshead before being bottled at 44%. As a single cask release, it captures one particular cask rather than a broader house-style batch.
The bottling was selected by The Whisky Agency, the German independent bottler known for high-quality whiskies and highly decorative labels. That independent bottler's choice matters here: this is Glenrothes seen through the lens of one carefully chosen cask.
Only 231 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, it has a naturally limited feel. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits in the range as a mature Speyside for drinkers who appreciate aged fruit, (…)Glenrothes 1989 36y (The Whisky Agency - Made For Friends & Wave Farewell)
299
Glenrothes 1989 36y (The Whisky Agency - Made For Friends & Wave Farewell)
Temporarily sold out
Glenrothes 1989 36y is a Speyside single malt shaped by serious age rather than loudness. Distilled in 1989 and matured for 36 years in a Hogshead cask, it was bottled by The Whisky Agency from one individual cask. That single cask origin gives the whisky a very particular voice: not a general impression of Glenrothes, but one long-matured cask captured at its own point in time.
The bottling name, Made for friends & wave farewell, suits the mood of the release. This is a whisky for a considered pour, bottled at cask strength at 44.8%, where mature fruit, fine spice and polished wood form the centre of the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits among the bottles we would introduce quietly rather than loudly. Its interest lies in refinement: a (…)Glenrothes 1995 25y Art 12 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
350
Glenrothes 1995 25y Art 12 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Glenrothes 1995 25y Art 12 is a Speyside single malt with a very clear sense of origin and selection. Bottled by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition, it was drawn from a single sherry butt, giving this release the identity of one individual cask rather than a broader house-style composition.
At 25 years old and bottled at cask strength, 55.5%, it keeps the whisky close to the form in which it left the cask. The profile is built around fruit, spice and mature wood influence, without peat or salty notes taking the lead.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to place among limited independent releases with a precise story behind them. Only 448 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now remaining, it feels very much like a (…)Glenrothes 1995 28y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Glenrothes 1995 28y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
On request only
Glenrothes 1995 28y from Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice is a whisky built around one very specific cask. Distilled on 5 June 1995 and bottled on 30 October 2023, it spent 28 years maturing in a single first-fill Oloroso sherry butt, giving this release a clearly defined identity rather than a broad house-style expression.
Signatory bottled it at cask strength, 55% ABV, with natural colour and without chill filtration. Those choices keep the whisky close to its cask origin: mature Speyside single malt with wood, spice and fruit all clearly present, shaped by the long Oloroso maturation.
Only 533 bottles came from this individual cask, and with the last bottles now available, it holds a distinctive place in the Drankenshop Broekmans range. It is the kind (…)Glenrothes 1996 20y (Jack Wieber's - Old Train Line)
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Glenrothes 1996 20y (Jack Wieber's - Old Train Line)
On request only
Glenrothes 1996 20y is a Speyside single malt with a very focused story: one individual cask, twenty years of maturation, and bottling at cask strength. Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2016, it keeps its natural presence at 51.7% rather than being shaped into a broader house-style release.
This Jack Wieber's bottling comes from the Old Train Line series and was drawn from a Beer Cask. With only 240 bottles produced, it represents a specific cask selection rather than a widely available expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are especially interesting because they show a more particular side of a familiar Speyside name, and these are now the last bottles.
The flavour profile places fruit and spice at the centre, with lighter floral and woody (…)Glenrothes 1996 21y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Glenrothes 1996 21y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Glenrothes 1996 21y is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: distilled in 1996, matured for 21 years and selected by Wemyss for its Wemyss Single Cask series.
The hogshead maturation and 46% bottling strength give it a clear, composed presence. Based on the supplied profile, the whisky leans towards fruit and wood influence, with lighter floral and spiced accents rather than peat smoke or coastal salinity.
Only 342 bottles were filled, and the remaining stock is now marked as last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of bottling has a natural place for customers who enjoy older Speyside single malt seen through the lens of an independent bottler.
The supplied flavour profile points to a whisky where fruit and wood (…)Glenrothes 1996 21y Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
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Glenrothes 1996 21y Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
On request only
Glenrothes 1996 21y Dd is a Scottish Speyside whisky built around a clear sense of time and origin. The essential details are right there in the name: Glenrothes, distilled in 1996 and aged for 21 years. Bottled within The Nectar of the Daily Drams range, it presents a more specific view of Glenrothes than a regular core release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are interesting because they show how a familiar distillery name can appear through a particular bottler's selection. With an alcoholic strength of 51.3%, this Glenrothes carries a more assertive presence than many standard-strength whiskies, without needing unnecessary decoration in the description.
The fact that only the last bottles remain gives this release an added sense of immediacy. (…)Glenrothes 1997 24y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glenrothes 1997 24y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Glenrothes 1997 24y Tb is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity. Distilled on 19 November 1997 and bottled on 1 March 2023, it spent 24 years in a refill hogshead before being released as a single cask bottling.
What makes it stand apart is the scale. One cask, 269 bottles, bottled at cask strength at 48.9%. The refill hogshead keeps the wood influence in a supporting role, giving space to the fruity and spiced side of the whisky. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for customers who enjoy discovering a specific cask-driven take on Glenrothes rather than a broader house expression.
With only the last bottles remaining, it has become an increasingly finite release. More than just an age statement, it is a particular (…)Glenrothes 2005 14y 50cl (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Glenrothes 2005 14y 50cl (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
In stock
Glenrothes 2005 14 Year Old from Douglas Laing is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: one distillery, one sherry butt and a limited outturn of 368 bottles. As part of the Old Particular range, it presents Glenrothes through the lens of a single cask rather than a broader house-style vatting.
Bottled at cask strength and 48.4%, it keeps close to its cask origins without becoming all about alcohol strength. The sherry butt influence sits alongside a flavour profile where fruit and wood are clearly present, supported by a lighter thread of spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that speaks to drinkers who enjoy individual cask selections and limited releases. With only the last bottles remaining, its availability is (…)Glenrothes 2005 18y (Douglas Laing - Provenance) Tube Incl.
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Glenrothes 2005 18y (Douglas Laing - Provenance) Tube Incl.
Last one in stock!
Glenrothes 2005 18y is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: one vintage, one cask and a small outturn. It was distilled in February 2005 and bottled in October 2023 after 18 years of maturation in a sherry butt.
Douglas Laing selected and bottled it for the Provenance range, where the emphasis is placed on origin and the individuality of the cask. At 56.9% cask strength and with just 264 bottles released, this is far removed from a broad house-style bottling; it is a precise snapshot of one particular cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that invites a more attentive tasting moment. The appeal lies in the combination of mature Glenrothes, Speyside origin, sherry butt maturation and the directness of a single cask (…)Glenrothes 2009 16y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Glenrothes 2009 16y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
In stock
Glenrothes 2009 16y Awwif shows a generous, dessert-led side of Speyside whisky. Bottled by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series, it comes from a single cask and has been released at cask strength.
The defining detail here is the long Moscatel Hogshead finish of around six years. That finishing period gives this 16-year-old Glenrothes a creamy, patisserie-like richness, while the whisky still keeps enough lift and energy on the palate.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we would point out to customers who enjoy a fuller Speyside style with sweetness, soft spice and real presence. At 58.1% and with only the last bottles remaining, it feels generous rather than shy, carried by its rich cask influence and dessert-like (…)Glenrothes 2010 15y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail Single Cask) Incl. Box
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Glenrothes 2010 15y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail Single Cask) Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Glenrothes 2010 15y Gmp is a Speyside single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Gordon & McPhail selected and bottled this whisky as a single cask release after 15 years in a sherry hogshead, with distillation in 2010 and bottling in 2025.
Its cask strength of 57.4% keeps the whisky close to the character of the barrel, giving this release a more concentrated presence than a reduced-strength bottling. Only 313 bottles came from the cask, so the focus here is on a small, clearly defined selection rather than a widely available expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Glenrothes sits well among independent bottlings for drinkers who enjoy exploring specific cask-driven interpretations of familiar distilleries. The style points towards a (…)Glenrothes 23y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Glenrothes 23y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Glenrothes 23y is a Speyside single malt where maturity is the central idea. At 23 years old, it sits in a more developed style of whisky, yet the supplied profile points towards fruit and spice rather than a whisky dominated by heavy oak.
This release is bottled by Cadenhead as part of the Original Collection. Bourbon and sherry cask influence give the whisky its framework, with clear fruitiness and spice supported by a lighter touch of wood. At 46% alcohol, it has enough presence while keeping the focus on the malt's character rather than sheer strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers looking for an independently bottled, well-aged Speyside. With only the last bottles indicated, it is also a release that (…)Glenrothes 25y
337
Glenrothes 25y
Last one in stock!
Glenrothes 25y is a Speyside single malt shaped by age and sherry maturation. With 25 years behind it, this Glenrothes sits firmly in the mature side of the range, with wood, spice and fruit forming the main lines of its character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for drinkers who appreciate the quieter depth of an older single malt, especially when cask influence is part of the attraction. There is no peat or coastal salinity driving the style here; the focus is on sherry-matured richness, mature wood influence and a composed Speyside profile.
Bottled at 43% alcohol, it keeps the emphasis on refinement rather than sheer strength. It is the kind of whisky that rewards a slower glass, where the mature elements can show themselves with clarity (…)Glenrothes 31y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland Marriage)
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Glenrothes 31y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland Marriage)
In stock
Glenrothes 31y is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky bottled by The Single Malts of Scotland as part of the Marriage series. At 31 years old, it is a whisky where maturation time is central to the identity of the release, presented outside the framework of a standard distillery bottling.
It is bottled at cask strength, 53.2%, giving the whisky a direct and undiluted presentation. That makes it a bottle to approach slowly, either neat or with careful additions of water according to preference.
In the Drankenshop Broekmans selection, this Glenrothes stands out through its age, independent bottling background and limited availability. With 560 bottles produced and only the last bottles remaining, it is a release with a clearly finite character.
Glenrothes Elders Reserve
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Glenrothes Elders Reserve
Last one in stock!
Glenrothes Elders Reserve is an 18-year-old Speyside single malt from Scotland, bottled at 43% ABV. Its character is shaped by maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, placing the emphasis on mature wood influence, spice and a lighter fruit dimension.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would introduce as a more composed Glenrothes rather than a loud or showy dram. The Elders Reserve name sits naturally with the 18-year age statement: it suggests a whisky where time in cask is central to the experience.
The available profile points clearly towards wood and spice as the main flavour themes, with fruit playing a supporting role. There is no indication here of peat smoke or salinity, so the focus remains firmly on Speyside single malt maturity (…)Glenrothes Lh Port Sd (Stalla Dhu)
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Glenrothes Lh Port Sd (Stalla Dhu)
In stock
Glenrothes Lh Port Sd is a Speyside Scotch whisky with two clear points of character: a Port Finish and a substantial bottling strength of 64.2%. It is the kind of Glenrothes where the cask finishing and the alcoholic strength take the lead in the conversation.
There is no age statement attached to this release, so the focus is not on years in cask but on the way this bottling presents itself: Speyside origin, Glenrothes identity, port cask finishing and a notably powerful strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits among the more distinctive whisky choices for customers who appreciate a stronger style and a clear cask influence. With the last bottles now available, it is becoming a limited presence on the shelf.
No detailed tasting notes are (…)Glenrothes Minister's Reserve
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Glenrothes Minister's Reserve
On request only
Glenrothes Minister's Reserve is a 21 year old Speyside single malt bottled at 43%. Its appeal lies in maturity rather than volume: oak cask ageing gives it structure, while the flavour profile points towards gentle wood, spice and fruit rather than smoke or salinity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glenrothes we would place in front of someone looking for an older Scotch single malt with a composed, measured style. It does not try to impress through peat or high strength; its interest is in the quieter detail that comes with age and restraint.
With only the last bottles remaining, Minister's Reserve also carries a sense of limited availability. That does not need to be overstated, but it does make this 21 year old Glenrothes feel like a bottle (…)Glenrothes The 15y Tube Incl.
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Glenrothes The 15y Tube Incl.
Only 3 left in stock!
Glenrothes The 15y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with maturity and fruit at the centre of its style. The 15-year age statement gives it a clear identity: a whisky shaped by time, with a calmer and more developed feel than a younger malt.
Its profile is led by fruit, while wood, spice and a light floral side play more of a supporting role. Peat is not part of the picture here, so the focus remains on a softer, fruit-forward expression of Speyside single malt.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would introduce to someone looking for a mature Scotch malt without pronounced smoke. Bottled at 43%, Glenrothes The 15y keeps a composed, approachable style while still carrying the depth that comes with its age.
The flavour (…)
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.
