Whisky from Laphroaig
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Laphroaig 10y Incl. Box
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Laphroaig 10y Incl. Box
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Laphroaig 10y is a Scottish single malt from Islay with a very clear sense of identity. Its character is built around pronounced peat smoke and a strong salty impression, giving it the kind of profile that stands apart from softer whisky styles.
Ten years of maturation in oak casks add a firm woody backbone, while the peat and salinity remain at the centre of the experience. A light touch of spice gives the whisky some extra definition without taking attention away from its smoky Islay core.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Laphroaig 10y as a whisky for drinkers who deliberately look for a bold Islay single malt: smoky, saline and unmistakably direct in character.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Laphroaig Select Incl. Box
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Laphroaig Select Incl. Box
In stock
Laphroaig Select is a Scotch single malt from Islay with peat smoke and saltiness at the heart of its character. Its New Oak Finish adds a modest touch of wood, giving the whisky a little extra structure while leaving the smoky, coastal-style profile firmly in front.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a clear introduction to the more assertive side of Islay single malt. The emphasis is on peat and saline depth, supported by light spice and oak rather than fruitiness or floral notes. Bottled at 40%, it presents that character in a straightforward, approachable way.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.laphroaig.com/
The flavour profile is led by peat and pronounced saltiness. Smoke is a defining feature here, (…)Islay's Finest 2nd Ed (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Islay's Finest 2nd Ed (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Islay's Finest 2nd Ed is a Scottish single malt with a clearly defined Islay voice: peat, coastal saltiness and spice form the core of its identity. It was bottled by The Nectar as part of the Daily Dram range, placing the focus on an individual selection rather than a broad, standard expression.
The appeal here lies in its precision. This is a single cask whisky from one Bourbon Barrel, bottled at cask strength at 53.7%. With only 240 bottles produced, it is a limited release, and the remaining bottles at Drankenshop Broekmans have become especially interesting for drinkers who appreciate small-batch Islay bottlings.
Bottled in 2017, it presents a specific snapshot of one cask rather than a blended house profile. The emphasis is firmly on peat, salt and (…)Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength 2019 Batch11
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Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength 2019 Batch11
Only 3 left in stock!
Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength 2019 Batch 11 shows the Islay single malt in a more forceful form. At 58.6% ABV, this 10-year-old release is built around intensity, with peat and spice taking the lead rather than a softened, rounded presentation.
The oak cask maturation gives the whisky its foundation, while the flavour direction remains firmly focused: smoky, spicy, lightly salty and supported by a modest fruit note. It is a bottling with a clear identity, especially for those who want Laphroaig with extra weight and presence.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, Batch 11 is the kind of release we place in front of customers who already know they enjoy a stronger Islay style. With the last bottles now available, this 2019 batch also carries a sense of (…)Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength B13
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Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength B13
In stock
Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength B13 is a(n) whisky from Scotland by the brand Laphroaig. It falls within the whisky group under the category Single Malt. This whisky comes from the Islay region. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This whisky from Laphroaig will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this Laphroaig will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This whisky is matured in Bourbon Barrel barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 57,9%.
The whisky was bottled at cask strength. What does cask strength mean? A cask strength whisky is not diluted with water before bottling, but goes straight from the cask into the (…)Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength Batch 15
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Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength Batch 15
In stock
Laphroaig 10y Cask Strength Batch 15 presents Islay single malt in a particularly direct form: ten years old, bottled at cask strength and carrying a substantial 56.5% alcohol. It is a version that keeps closer to the strength of the cask rather than being softened into a gentler standard bottling.
Bourbon cask maturation provides the setting, but the main impression is shaped by the clearly present Islay elements: peat, saltiness and spice take the lead, with a lighter fruit note sitting behind them. Batch 15 is therefore a whisky with real presence, built around intensity rather than restraint.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers looking for Laphroaig with extra force and definition. With only the last (…)Laphroaig 10y Sherry Finish
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Laphroaig 10y Sherry Finish
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Laphroaig 10y Sherry Finish starts from a very recognisable Islay foundation: a 10-year-old Scottish single malt where peat and spice play a clear role. The sherry finish gives this release its own angle within the Laphroaig range, adding another layer without taking it away from its island identity.
Bottled at 48%, it has enough strength to carry that smoky, spiced character with confidence. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fine choice for drinkers who enjoy the peated side of Islay and want to explore how a sherry finish shapes that profile.
Additional information can be found at https://www.laphroaig.com/
The flavour profile is led by peat and spice, with a lighter fruit note and a gentle salty accent in support. It remains clearly (…)Laphroaig 14y Willem Dafoe Incl. Box
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Laphroaig 14y Willem Dafoe Incl. Box
In stock
Laphroaig 14y Willem Dafoe is an Islay single malt with a story that feels very much in line with its name. This limited Bold Character edition was created in collaboration with actor Willem Dafoe, whose distinctive personality and long-standing connection with the distillery helped inspire both the whisky selection and the packaging.
The core remains unmistakably Laphroaig: medicinal peat smoke with a coastal edge. Its maturation adds another layer. After initial ageing in American bourbon casks, the whisky was finished in carefully selected Oloroso sherry casks, bringing extra depth through dried fruit, caramel, coffee and rich sherry influence alongside the smoke.
Bottled at cask strength, 53.7%, this 14-year-old has real presence, yet the story is not (…)Laphroaig 15y
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Laphroaig 15y
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Laphroaig 15 Year Old brings an important age statement back into the permanent range of this Islay single malt. More than ten years after the previous 15-year-old release, it now sits between the 10 and 18 Year Old, showing a more mature side of Laphroaig while keeping the distillery's unmistakable identity intact.
Full maturation in American bourbon casks gives this whisky its rounded edge. The familiar peat smoke remains firmly in place, but it is softened by vanilla, gentle sweetness and a fruitier elegance. The extra ageing adds polish and depth without taking away the maritime Islay character.
Bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered, it keeps a full texture and clear aromatic presence. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly interesting (…)Laphroaig 1976 35y (Scotia Royale)
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Laphroaig 1976 35y (Scotia Royale)
Very last one in stock!
Laphroaig 1976 35y is a Scottish single malt where the story is built around age, origin and scarcity. The name points to 1976, while the stated 35 years of maturation places it far away from everyday whisky territory.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this is best understood as a carefully defined Islay release rather than a casual dram. It carries the Laphroaig name, comes from Scotland's Islay region and is bottled at 43.4%, with its long age statement giving the whisky its central identity.
With the last bottles indicated and the product marked as a collectors item, availability becomes part of the conversation. This is a whisky for someone looking for a specific older Laphroaig, where provenance and remaining stock matter as much as the label (…)Laphroaig 1996 21y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular)
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Laphroaig 1996 21y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular)
Very last one in stock!
Laphroaig 1996 21y Dlxop is an Islay single malt where the details really matter. Distilled in July 1996 and bottled in September 2017, it spent 21 years maturing before Douglas Laing released it as part of the Extra Old Particular range.
Its appeal lies in the precision of the bottling: a single hogshead cask, filled at cask strength and yielding just 253 bottles. At 53.4% alcohol, this is not a broad house-style release, but a very specific cask-driven snapshot of mature Laphroaig.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as one of those bottles that belongs among the more scarce Islay selections. With the last bottles available and its status as a collector's item, it carries a clear sense of rarity. In character, the emphasis sits on peat and spice, (…)Laphroaig 1996 25y Nectar (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland For The Nectar)
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Laphroaig 1996 25y Nectar (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland For The Nectar)
In stock
Laphroaig 1996 25y Nectar is a tightly focused Islay single malt: one cask, a long maturation, and a very small outturn. Distilled on 2 May 1996 and bottled in August 2021, it brings together 25 years of ageing with the unmistakably peated side of Laphroaig.
The release was bottled by The Single Malts of Scotland for The Nectar. It comes from a single bourbon barrel and was bottled at cask strength, at 50.9% ABV. With only 204 bottles drawn from the cask, this is not a general release but a sharply defined snapshot of one individual barrel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out for customers who appreciate age, provenance and limited availability in a whisky. Its combination of Islay origin, 25 years of maturation, cask strength and single-cask (…)Laphroaig 1998 21y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular)
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Laphroaig 1998 21y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular)
Very last one in stock!
Laphroaig 1998 21y DLXOP is an Islay single malt bottled by Douglas Laing for the Extra Old Particular range. Distilled in April 1998 and bottled in August 2019, it brings together 21 years of maturation with the directness of a cask strength release.
Its appeal lies in the very specific nature of the bottling. This is a single cask whisky from a refill hogshead, released at 53.4% and limited to just 224 bottles. With only the last bottles remaining, it has the quiet scarcity that often makes independent single cask releases so compelling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a mature Laphroaig for drinkers who appreciate a clear Islay profile without losing sight of nuance. Peat, spice and fruit are the main threads here, while the wood influence stays (…)Laphroaig 2000 25y #4078 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Laphroaig 2000 25y #4078 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
Very last one in stock!
Laphroaig 2000 25y #4078 is a very focused Islay single malt: distilled in 2000, matured for 25 years and drawn from one individual cask. Signatory bottled it as part of the Symington's Choice range at natural cask strength, so the personality of cask #4078 remains firmly in view.
The Oloroso Sherry cask gives the whisky a defined maturation context, while the supplied profile points to a style where peat, fruit, spice and wood all have a clear role. A lighter salty accent adds to the Islay impression, and at 54.5% the whisky keeps a concentrated, unpolished presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected for drinkers who enjoy the detail of a single cask rather than the predictability of a larger batch. With only the last bottles (…)Laphroaig 2001 20y Art11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Laphroaig 2001 20y Art11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Laphroaig 2001 20y Art11 is an Islay single malt built around a very specific cask story: distilled in 2001, matured for 20 years in a single sherry butt, and bottled in 2021 by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the personality of one individual cask.
At 58.3% ABV, this is a cask strength release, so the whisky keeps its natural weight and directness. Only 590 bottles came from the cask, and with the last bottles now in play, the sense of limitation is very real without needing to be overstated.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the sort of bottle that adds depth to a specialist whisky selection: independent bottling, Islay origin, a named vintage, sherry butt maturation and two decades of age (…)Laphroaig 2001 Lbb Sv 18y 59,3 (Signatory Vintage Various) Incl. Box
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Laphroaig 2001 Lbb Sv 18y 59,3 (Signatory Vintage Various) Incl. Box
In stock
This Laphroaig 2001 from Signatory is built around the individuality of one cask. Distilled on 14 February 2001 and bottled on 21 August 2019, it spent 18 years maturing in a refill butt before being released as a single cask whisky at its natural cask strength of 59.3%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the way they show a distillery through a very specific lens. Only 606 bottles were drawn from this cask, so the whisky is not presented as a broad house style but as one defined chapter: Laphroaig, Islay, one refill butt, bottled by Signatory without being brought down to a lower drinking strength.
The flavour profile points to a firm Islay presence, with peat, wood and fruit all clearly in view. A lighter salty and spicy edge adds (…)Laphroaig 2005 20y (The Whisky Agency - Milroy's For Twa)
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Laphroaig 2005 20y (The Whisky Agency - Milroy's For Twa)
On request only
Laphroaig 2005 20y shows a very direct Islay personality, but with the extra depth that comes from long maturation in a single hogshead. The core remains unmistakably maritime and medicinal: iodine, peat and sea salt are central, while a surprising touch of ripe banana gives this older Laphroaig an additional point of interest.
Distilled in 2005 and bottled after 20 years by The Whisky Agency under the Milroy's for TWA label, this is a single cask release bottled at cask strength, 52.2%. That makes it feel less like a regular expression and more like a precise snapshot of one individual cask at maturity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out because it brings together age, Islay intensity and genuine scarcity. With only the last bottles remaining, (…)Laphroaig 2014 12y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Laphroaig 2014 12y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Laphroaig 2014 12y from Watt Whisky is a focused Islay single malt rather than a broad, polished release. Distilled in 2014 and matured for twelve years in a sherry hogshead, it was bottled at 57.1% from a single cask, with only 330 bottles released.
The appeal here lies in the way the whisky keeps its intensity. The heavily peated, maritime and medicinal side of Laphroaig remains very much in front, supported by a salty edge and an oily texture. The sherry hogshead gives the maturation its setting, but it does not hide the robust smoke, coastal notes and spice that define the character of this bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we value for drinkers who enjoy seeing a distillery through the lens of one individual cask. It carries (…)Laphroaig 2015 10y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Laphroaig 2015 10y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Laphroaig 2015 10y is an Islay single malt with a familiar origin, yet shown here in a notably fresh style. Laphroaig has been associated for more than two centuries with peat smoke, medicinal notes and maritime influence. In this Cadenhead Original Collection release, that identity comes through with citrus, saline edges and refined peat smoke at the centre.
Distilled in 2015 and matured for 10 years, it spent its full maturation in a bourbon barrel. That cask choice supports the brighter side of the whisky, without softening away the Islay character. The peat is clearly present, joined by spice, coastal freshness and a modest fruit note that gives the whisky lift.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like to highlight for (…)Laphroaig 2016 10y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Laphroaig 2016 10y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 27/10/2026Laphroaig 2016 10y brings together the unmistakable Islay side of Laphroaig with the influence of an ex-red wine cask. Its iodine-rich smoke remains firmly at the centre, but the cask adds a sweeter layer of dark fruit. That contrast gives this 10-year-old single malt a darker, more rounded edge without taking away its coastal, peated identity.
Bottled by Douglas Laing for the Old Particular range, this release sits within the Wine Cask Collection. It was distilled in 2016, bottled at 48.4% vol. and presented without colouring or chill filtration. As a single cask release of 384 bottles, it captures one particular cask and one specific maturation path rather than a broad house-style blend.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Islay whisky we like to (…)Laphroaig 2016 10y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
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Laphroaig 2016 10y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
On request only
Laphroaig 2016 10 Year Old Rum Cask Finish is an Islay single malt bottled by Douglas Laing for the Old Particular range, as part of the Paradise In Smoke Collection. It keeps the unmistakable Laphroaig identity in view: medicinal peat smoke, maritime depth and a firm smoky presence.
The distinctive twist is its finish in a Trinidad rum cask. That finish brings a more exotic layer to the whisky, adding notes of tropical fruit, brown sugar and soft caramel around the classic Islay smoke. It does not soften the whisky into something anonymous; it gives Laphroaig a more adventurous edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present to drinkers who already enjoy smoky whisky but want to explore a less conventional side of it. With 10 (…)Laphroaig 25y 2014
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Laphroaig 25y 2014
In stock
Laphroaig 25y 2014 brings together mature Scotch whisky and the unmistakable island style of Islay. The 25-year age statement gives this release a more developed presence, while the profile still stays firmly within Laphroaig territory, with peat, salt and wood taking a leading role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking beyond standard Islay whisky and into a more mature, specific release. It is not presented as a quiet old whisky; the flavour profile points to a pronounced maritime and peated character, with clear spice and a smaller fruity accent behind it.
As a collectors item with the last bottles remaining, the 2014 release has an added sense of scarcity. It is a bottle for those who appreciate age, (…)Laphroaig 25y 2021
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Laphroaig 25y 2021
In stock
Laphroaig 25y 2021 brings together two elements that make it stand out immediately: a quarter century of maturation and an Islay single malt identity shaped by sherry and bourbon casks. The supplied profile points to a whisky where peat and spice remain important, while lighter fruit, salt and wood notes add supporting detail rather than taking over.
At 51.9% ABV, it has a serious presence in the glass. Within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection, older Laphroaig releases like this are the kind of bottles we present with a little extra attention, especially when only the last bottles remain. It is a mature take on Islay whisky, centred on peat, cask influence and age.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.laphroaig.com/
Laphroaig 25y 2022
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Laphroaig 25y 2022
In stock
Laphroaig 25y 2022 is a mature Islay single malt with real presence: aged for 25 years, bottled at cask strength at 53.4%, and matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. It places the familiar Laphroaig elements in a more developed setting, with peat, spice and cask influence carrying the main story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a whisky like this sits naturally among bottles for drinkers who appreciate an older Islay style without losing sight of its origin. The peated side is clearly part of the character, supported by spice, light wood influence, gentle fruitiness and a saline edge.
The bourbon and sherry cask combination gives this 25-year-old release its framework, while the cask strength keeps the presentation direct and full of energy. It is a (…)
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.
