Whisky from Johnnie Walker
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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
In stock
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is a Scottish blended whisky built around a gentle, approachable style. No age statement is given, so the focus is less on a specific maturation period and more on the character of the blend itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle among the more nuanced blends in the whisky range. The available flavour profile points to light touches of fruit, floral notes, wood and spice, without peat or saltiness taking a leading role.
Bottled at 40% alcohol, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby stays close to the classic strength associated with blended whisky. It carries the familiar Johnnie Walker name while presenting itself with its own Black Ruby identity.
The flavour profile of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is not driven (…)Johnnie Walker Double Black
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Johnnie Walker Double Black
Only 2 left in stock!
Johnnie Walker Double Black is a Scottish blended whisky with a noticeably darker, gently smoky direction within the Johnnie Walker range. It carries no age statement, and its charred cask maturation helps give the whisky a little more wood presence and depth of tone.
The appeal here lies in the way the whisky brings together light peat, subtle oak and a modest fruity note without turning into a heavy or highly technical dram. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a useful choice for drinkers looking for a familiar blended Scotch style with a firmer, smokier edge.
Bottled at 40%, Double Black remains approachable, yet the charred cask influence gives it a more pronounced personality than the strength alone might suggest. It stays true to the blended Scotch (…)Johnnie Walker Black Label 12y
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Johnnie Walker Black Label 12y
In stock
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12y is a Scottish blended whisky built around a classic, well-composed style. The 12-year age statement gives it a clear sense of maturity, with time spent in oak casks shaping the whisky without pushing it towards an overly heavy expression.
The profile points to gentle fruit and a light touch of spice. It is a whisky with a familiar structure rather than a dramatic one, and that is part of its appeal. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits comfortably among Scotch blends chosen for drinkers who value consistency, age and a recognisable house style.
At 40% alcohol, Black Label 12y keeps a measured and straightforward character. Its interest lies in the combination of Scottish origin, twelve years of maturation and the composed nature of (…)Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve Incl. Box
In stock
Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve is a Scottish blended whisky bottled at 40%, carrying the familiar Johnnie Walker signature in a polished and approachable form. Rather than focusing on a single distillery or individual cask, it is built around the idea of a composed blend with a recognisable house identity.
Oak cask maturation provides the classic Scotch framework, while the available flavour profile points to a gentle fruity accent. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a natural choice within the blended whisky range for customers who enjoy the Johnnie Walker style and want something clear, familiar and neatly put together.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/
The available flavour profile (…)Johnnie Walker Black Islay 12y 1l
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Johnnie Walker Black Islay 12y 1l
On request only
Johnnie Walker Black Islay 12y 1l presents a more peat-led side of the Johnnie Walker name. Based on the available details, this is a 12-year-old Scottish blended malt bottled at 42%, with Islay giving the whisky its main direction.
The appeal here lies in that Islay emphasis. Peat is clearly present, supported by lighter fruity, spicy, floral and salty touches rather than a heavy wood-driven profile. The oak cask maturation and age statement give it a familiar whisky framework, while the one-litre bottle makes it a generous format on the shelf.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out as a specific Johnnie Walker variation for drinkers looking for a stronger Islay accent. With the last bottles indicated, it is also a release we would point out to (…)Johnnie Walker Black Label 12y 1,75l
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Johnnie Walker Black Label 12y 1,75l
Last one in stock!
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12y 1.75l is a blended Scotch whisky with a clear 12-year age statement. In this larger bottle, it becomes especially practical for anyone who likes to keep a reliable Scotch on hand for regular pours, shared moments or a well-stocked home bar.
The 1.75 litre format gives it a more generous presence than a standard bottle. It is the kind of whisky that makes sense when there are guests around, when a familiar blend is appreciated, or when you simply prefer not to run out too quickly.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Johnnie Walker as a straightforward Scottish blend with a gentle aromatic direction: lightly floral, lightly fruity and lightly spiced. Bottled at 40%, it stays within a classic drinking strength, with no heavy (…)Johnnie Walker Black Label 35cl
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Johnnie Walker Black Label 35cl
In stock
Johnnie Walker Black Label 35cl is a Scottish blended whisky in a smaller, convenient bottle size. The 35cl format makes sense when you want to get to know the Johnnie Walker style, keep a compact bottle at home, or choose a whisky that does not require committing to a full-size bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits among the recognisable Scottish blends: familiar in name, straightforward in presentation and bottled at 40% alcohol. The supplied profile points to a gentle touch of fruit and spice, with maturation in oak casks forming part of its character.
No age statement is listed in the provided product data, so the focus here is on the blend itself rather than on a specific number of years. It is presented as a Scottish whisky with a measured, (…)Johnnie Walker Black Label Mini
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Johnnie Walker Black Label Mini
In stock
Johnnie Walker Black Label Mini takes a 12-year-old blended Scotch whisky and presents it in a compact miniature format. Bottled at 40%, it is a small bottle with a grown-up identity: Scottish whisky, aged in oak casks, with the convenience of a size made for tasting rather than committing to a full bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, miniatures like this are useful in a very practical way. They allow customers to explore a recognised blended whisky style, compare it with other drams, or include a small bottle in a gift. Based on the supplied flavour profile, the emphasis sits mainly on floral character, with lighter fruit and spice in support rather than peat, salt or pronounced woodiness.
Additional information can be found at (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Berlin 40
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Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Berlin 40
| 1 review
In stockJohnnie Walker Blue Cities Berlin 40 is a Scottish blended whisky where the appeal lies in the combination of a familiar Johnnie Walker name and a clearly defined city edition. The Berlin reference gives this bottle its own identity within the Blue Cities expression, without presenting itself through an age statement.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of release that speaks to drinkers who appreciate a recognised blend in a specific version. Bottled at 40%, it places the focus on composition and style rather than on declared age.
With only the last bottles remaining, the Berlin edition has an added sense of availability to consider for anyone looking for this particular Johnnie Walker release. More information about the brand can be found at (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Mars
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Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Mars
Very last one in stock!
Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Mars is a Scottish blended whisky from Johnnie Walker, bottled at 40%. The name places it within the Blue Cities range, while Mars gives this release a clearly distinctive identity among the brand's different editions.
There is no age statement on the bottle, so the focus sits on the blend's overall style rather than on a declared maturation period. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Johnnie Walker bottle that stands slightly apart from the everyday line-up: familiar in name, but specific enough to catch the attention of someone looking for this particular release.
With only the last bottles remaining, it is not a whisky we can treat as a regular shelf staple. That makes it especially relevant for customers who are (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Of The Future London
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Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Of The Future London
In stock
Johnnie Walker Blue Cities Of The Future London is a Scottish blended whisky with its identity built around the London edition of the Cities Of The Future theme. Rather than presenting itself through an age statement, it draws attention to the Johnnie Walker Blue name, the city-led concept and a familiar 40% strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a more distinctive Johnnie Walker bottle: still clearly a blended Scotch, but with an added sense of occasion through the London designation. With only the last bottles available, it feels less like an everyday shelf reference and more like a specific edition for someone who appreciates the brand's themed releases.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Elusive Umami Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker Blue Elusive Umami Incl. Box
In stock
Johnnie Walker Blue Elusive Umami starts from the foundation of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, then takes it in a more culinary direction. Dr. Emma Walker, Master Blender at Johnnie Walker, joined forces with Japanese chef Kei Kobayashi to explore one of the most elusive tastes: umami.
What makes this Scotch blend stand out is the way it moves between sweetness and savoury depth. Blood orange and red berries bring a bright fruit note, while pepper, salt and a subtle hint of smoked meat add a more gastronomic edge. It is a whisky built around contrast and detail rather than volume alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly intriguing choice for anyone familiar with Blue Label who wants to experience a different, more flavour-led interpretation. (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Ice Chalet Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker Blue Ice Chalet Incl. Box
In stock
Johnnie Walker Blue Ice Chalet is a Scotch blended whisky shaped around a distinctly winter-inspired theme. Master Blender Emma Walker drew on the Alpine landscape and the majestic beauty of winter, bringing together rare Scottish whiskies from some of Diageo's most northerly and high-altitude distilleries.
The blend includes whisky from Brora, Clynelish and Dalwhinnie, alongside distillates produced during Scotland's coldest winters. Maturation is mainly linked to refill American oak barrels, heavily charred casks, old bourbon casks and a selection of wine and sherry casks. That combination gives the whisky a layered style, with orchard fruit, gentle spice, creamy vanilla and a measured wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Blue Ice Chalet as one (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Label Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label Incl. Box
In stock
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a Scottish blended whisky with a deliberately polished style. Its character is built around gentle oak, light spice and a modest fruity note, rather than one dominant flavour direction.
The oak cask influence gives it a classic whisky foundation, while the 40% strength keeps the overall impression measured and composed. This is a blend for a calmer, more refined drinking moment, where subtlety matters more than intensity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Johnnie Walker Blue Label as one of those bottles people often consider for a special occasion, a thoughtful gift or a quiet pour where the appeal lies in smoothness and restraint.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George 5
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George 5
Last one in stock!
Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George 5 is a Scotch blended whisky with a distinctly elevated feel within the Johnnie Walker range. The Blue Label name already sets a certain expectation, and the King George 5 presentation adds a more ceremonial note to the bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this among the whiskies that suit a carefully chosen gift or a more considered occasion. The giftpack supports that sense of presentation, while the whisky itself remains the focus: a Scottish blend built around polish rather than force.
Maturation in oak cask and a strength of 43% give it a classic foundation. The flavour profile points towards gentle wood, spice, fruit and a light floral accent, with peat and salinity not taking the lead.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year Of The Snake Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year Of The Snake Incl. Box
In stock
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year Of The Snake is a Scottish blended whisky created for the Chinese New Year celebrations on 29 January 2025. This luxury limited edition takes its inspiration from the mysterious Year of the Snake and presents Blue Label in a festive, visually striking form.
The collaboration with artist James Jean gives the Lunar New Year 2025 release much of its identity. It is a bottle with a strong cultural and artistic angle, made to stand apart from the regular presentation of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this edition naturally draws attention because it brings together Johnnie Walker Blue Label, a Scottish blended whisky style and a seasonal limited release. With only the last bottles remaining, it is especially (…)Johnnie Walker Blue Yoh Robert Wun Year Of The Horse Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker Blue Yoh Robert Wun Year Of The Horse Incl. Box
| 1 review
In stockJohnnie Walker Blue Yoh Robert Wun Year Of The Horse is a Scottish blended whisky released for Lunar New Year 2026. This limited edition brings together Johnnie Walker Blue Label and visionary couturier Robert Wun, with a vivid design inspired by the strength and optimism of the horse.
It is a bottle with a clear sense of occasion. The haute couture influence gives the presentation a celebratory elegance, while the Blue Label name keeps the focus firmly on refined blended Scotch whisky. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release that stands out because the story, the design and the whisky all speak the same language.
Bottled at 40%, it leans into a smooth and polished style, with fruit sweetness, gentle spice and subtle wood in support. The tasting (…)Johnnie Walker Explorers Club Collection The Gold Route 1l
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Johnnie Walker Explorers Club Collection The Gold Route 1l
In stock
Johnnie Walker Explorers Club Collection The Gold Route is a blended Scotch whisky bottled in a generous one-litre format. The name places it within the Explorers Club Collection, with The Gold Route standing as a distinct release in that line. Rather than focusing on an age statement, this whisky is presented through the style of the blend itself, at 40% alcohol.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it earns its place as a recognisable Johnnie Walker release with a more specific collection identity. With only the last bottles remaining, it is especially relevant for customers looking for this particular edition rather than a standard everyday bottling.
Its flavour direction is gentle rather than heavy, with light floral, fruity and spicy elements. Peat, saltiness and (…)Johnnie Walker Explorers Club Collection The Royal Route 1l
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Johnnie Walker Explorers Club Collection The Royal Route 1l
In stock
Johnnie Walker Explorers Club Collection The Royal Route is a blended Scotch whisky bottled at 40% in a generous one-litre format. Within the Johnnie Walker range, the name gives it a distinct identity: part of the Explorers Club Collection, presented without an age statement and focused on the character of the blend itself.
The style indicated here is measured rather than heavy. Light fruit, a gentle floral note, restrained spice and a touch of oak all sit in the same register, with no single element dominating. Peat is not a defining feature, so the emphasis stays on a smooth, approachable blended Scotch profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as an appealing choice for customers looking for a less everyday Johnnie Walker bottling, especially as only (…)Johnnie Walker G&r V Port Dundas43,8 Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker G&r V Port Dundas43,8 Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Johnnie Walker G&R V Port Dundas is a Scottish blended whisky where the Port Dundas name gives the bottle its point of focus. With no age statement, the emphasis sits on the composition and style of the blend rather than on a number of years.
Bottled at 43.8%, it points towards a lighter, nuanced profile: gentle fruit, floral hints, a touch of wood and a little spice. Peat and salt are not part of the main flavour direction, so the whisky speaks more through subtle detail than through heavy impact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Johnnie Walker release we would take a moment to explain to customers looking for something more specific within the range, especially now that only the last bottles remain.
Additional information (…)Johnnie Walker Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich
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Johnnie Walker Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich
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Johnnie Walker Ghost & Rare Pittyvaich is a Scotch blended whisky with a name that immediately sets it apart from the brand's more familiar everyday expressions. There is no age statement here; the focus is on the blend itself and on the particular character carried by this release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out even more because we are down to the last bottles. That makes it a bottle to consider when looking for a Johnnie Walker with a more specific identity than a regular core-range whisky.
The flavour profile points towards a whisky where fruit and wood are clearly present, with lighter floral and spicy accents in support. Peat smoke and salinity are not part of the main picture, so the emphasis falls on a fruit-led, wood-influenced style. At (…)Johnnie Walker Green Label 15y Incl. Box
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Johnnie Walker Green Label 15y Incl. Box
In stock
Johnnie Walker Green Label 15y is a Scottish blended malt whisky where the age statement really matters. With 15 years of maturation behind it, Green Label sits in a more mature part of the Johnnie Walker range, while still keeping the clarity and approachability associated with the name.
The oak cask influence is present without taking over. Its profile points towards gentle fruit, a light touch of wood and a restrained peated note, giving the whisky a calm, malt-led character rather than a heavy or forceful one.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good choice for customers who know Johnnie Walker but want to explore a more malt-focused expression with a little more age and depth.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Johnnie Walker Rare Side Of Scotland
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Johnnie Walker Rare Side Of Scotland
On request only
Johnnie Walker Rare Side Of Scotland is a Scottish blended whisky whose name immediately sets the tone. Rather than pointing to a single distillery or a stated age, it presents a broader blended view of Scotland. Bottled at 40% and released without an age statement, the emphasis in the available information sits on the concept of the blend rather than on a particular maturation figure.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy exploring Johnnie Walker beyond the most familiar labels. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has a more fleeting presence on the shelf, without needing to make claims beyond what the product details support.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Johnnie Walker Red 1,75l
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Johnnie Walker Red 1,75l
In stock
Johnnie Walker Red 1.75l is a Scottish blended whisky offered in a generous bottle size. The 1.75-litre format makes sense when you want a familiar blend available for repeated serving moments rather than a standard smaller bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a practical large-format choice within the blended Scotch category: Johnnie Walker, 40% alcohol, no age statement, and matured in oak casks. The available profile does not point towards a strongly woody or spicy whisky.
Instead, the character indicated here is light, with floral and fruity accents taking the main role. That keeps the focus on an approachable, straightforward blended Scotch in a bottle built for sharing or keeping well stocked.
The available flavour profile (…)
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.
