Whisky from Macallan
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Macallan 12y Double Cask
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Macallan 12y Double Cask
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 28/10/2026Macallan 12y Double Cask is a Speyside single malt shaped by sherry cask maturation and twelve years of ageing. Rather than relying on force, it presents a composed style in which gentle fruit, light spice, restrained wood and a subtle floral touch sit close together.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Scotch we would introduce to someone looking for a polished single malt without peat smoke or a salty edge. Bottled at 40%, it keeps its presentation approachable, while the Double Cask name and sherry-matured character give the whisky its clear sense of identity.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.themacallan.com/
On the palate, Macallan 12y Double Cask stays refined rather than heavy. Gentle fruit is (…)Macallan 12y Sherry 110 Proof
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Macallan 12y Sherry 110 Proof
In stock
Macallan 12y Sherry 110 Proof is the kind of whisky where the name already carries much of the interest. This is a Scottish single malt from Speyside, aged for 12 years and bottled at 55% alcohol. The 110 proof indication places it in a stronger register than many standard releases, while the age statement and origin keep the identity clearly framed.
The Sherry reference in the name gives this Macallan a recognisable position, and the combination of age, Speyside provenance and higher strength makes it a bottle worth noting for anyone comparing specific releases rather than general styles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would present it as a Macallan with a defined profile and collector relevance, rather than simply another single malt.
As it is marked as a (…)Macallan 12y Sherry Incl. Box
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Macallan 12y Sherry Incl. Box
In stock
Macallan 12y Sherry is a Scottish Speyside single malt shaped by sherry cask maturation. Its profile places the emphasis on fruit and spice, with a lighter touch of wood and no peated or salty character taking the lead.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a clear example of a sherry-matured single malt where the cask influence supports the whisky without making the profile feel heavy. Twelve years of age and 40% alcohol keep the presentation focused, approachable in structure, and firmly rooted in its Speyside identity.
Further information about the brand can be found at https://www.themacallan.com/
The flavour direction is led by fruit and spice. Wood is present in a gentler role, adding support rather than becoming the main feature.
Macallan 15y Double Cask
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Macallan 15y Double Cask
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 28/10/2026Macallan 15y Double Cask presents a mature Speyside single malt with the cask at the heart of its identity. Fifteen years of age gives it a considered presence, and the Double Cask name immediately points towards a whisky shaped by maturation rather than by peat or coastal sharpness.
The stated Oloroso Sherry cask influence supports a style where wood is the most pronounced element, with lighter layers of spice, fruit and a gentle floral touch around it. It is a whisky built around depth from the cask, without moving into smoky or salty territory.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this Macallan with customers looking for a Scottish single malt that carries age, Speyside refinement and a clear sense of wood influence. Bottled at 43%, it keeps its poise (…)Macallan 18y Double Cask Incl. Box
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Macallan 18y Double Cask Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Macallan 18y Double Cask is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with maturity at the centre of its identity. The 18-year age statement gives it a composed, developed feel, while the Double Cask name places the cask influence firmly in the spotlight.
The sherry-matured character in the supplied information supports a style built around fruit and spice, with wood and floral notes playing a more restrained role. This is not presented as a peated whisky; its appeal lies in depth, warmth and a polished Speyside profile rather than smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Macallan for drinkers who appreciate an older single malt with a clear cask-driven personality and a refined, non-smoky direction. At 43% alcohol, it keeps a measured strength while (…)Macallan 18y Sherry Oak
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Macallan 18y Sherry Oak
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Macallan 18y Sherry Oak is a Speyside single malt with maturation at the heart of its identity. Eighteen years in sherry wood gives it a mature, composed style, where oak and spice take the lead and fruit plays a quieter supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Scotch whisky we place among the classic sherry-matured single malts rather than the smoky or heavily peated styles. Bottled at 43%, it keeps the focus on age, wood influence and the measured depth that comes from long maturation.
It is a whisky of patience and structure, shaped by sherry oak rather than by force or exaggeration.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.themacallan.com/
The flavour impression is led by clear (…)Macallan 1990 30y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
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Macallan 1990 30y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
Very last one in stock!
Macallan 1990 30y Artist #10 is a Speyside single malt with a very focused sense of place and time. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in 2020, it captures thirty years of maturation from one individual hogshead cask.
Bottled by La Maison du Whisky for the Artist Edition, this release has the quiet seriousness that comes with genuine limitation. It is a single cask whisky, bottled at cask strength at 53.5%, with only 141 bottles released. With the last bottles now available, its scarcity is part of the story rather than a decorative detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are approached as specialist pieces: mature, tightly defined and clearly intended for those who appreciate the difference between a broad release and a single cask snapshot. The (…)Macallan 1997 25y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Macallan 1997 25y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
In stock
Macallan 1997 25y is the kind of single malt where the details genuinely shape the story. Distilled on 24 September 1997 and bottled on 10 July 2023, it spent 25 years maturing before being selected by Signatory for the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice series.
Rather than a broad release, this is a single cask bottling from an Oloroso Sherry cask, presented at cask strength at 54.8%. That gives the whisky a very direct connection to one individual cask, one maturation path and one precise bottling moment. With 649 bottles produced and the last bottles now remaining, it occupies a notably limited place in the Drankenshop Broekmans whisky selection.
Its appeal lies in that sense of focus: mature Speyside single malt, independent bottling, cask strength and (…)Macallan 1997 25y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice) Tube Incl.
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Macallan 1997 25y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice) Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Macallan 1997 25y is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky with a very defined identity: 25 years old, bottled by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range, and drawn from a single Oloroso Sherry cask.
It was distilled on 24 September 1997 and bottled on 9 February 2023, so this is a precise snapshot of one cask rather than a broad house-style release. Only 660 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now indicated, its limited nature is very much part of the story. Within the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a rare and carefully specified Macallan bottling.
At 55%, this is presented at cask strength, keeping the whisky close to the way it came from the cask. The combination of age, single cask (…)Macallan 21y Fine Oak
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Macallan 21y Fine Oak
Very last one in stock!
Macallan 21y Fine Oak is a mature Speyside single malt built around age and cask influence. With 21 years of maturation and a combination of sherry and bourbon casks, it sits in a more composed, reflective style where oak, fruit and gentle spice each have their place.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out as an older Macallan with a clearly defined Fine Oak identity. The wood influence is present but not heavy; it frames the fruit-driven side of the whisky, with light floral and spicy accents giving extra detail.
As these are the last bottles and the release is marked as a collectors item, there is a natural sense of scarcity around it. For someone looking specifically for a 21-year-old Macallan from Speyside, this is a bottle with a very clear (…)Macallan 25y Fine Oak
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Macallan 25y Fine Oak
Only 2 left in stock!
Macallan 25y Fine Oak is a Speyside single malt from Scotland, shaped by long maturation and a combination of sherry and bourbon casks. At 25 years old, it sits firmly in the world of mature whisky, where time in wood becomes one of the central parts of the story.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out because only the last bottles remain. That gives it a quieter kind of appeal: not a whisky chosen in passing, but one to consider for its age, its Macallan origin and its Fine Oak identity.
Its stated flavour profile points toward fruit, spice and wood, with a lighter floral accent in the background. Peat and salty notes are not part of the profile, so the focus stays on cask influence, maturity and a refined Speyside style.
Macallan 25y Sherry Oak
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Macallan 25y Sherry Oak
Only 3 left in stock!
Macallan 25y Sherry Oak is built around maturity, patience and sherry-influenced cask ageing. As a 25-year-old Speyside single malt, it sits in a more composed register, with wood playing a clear role and fruit and spice adding quieter support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for someone drawn to Macallan in a mature, sherry-led style rather than a loud or heavily smoky one. At 43%, the focus remains on the long maturation and the character carried by the cask.
Its appeal lies in that combination of age, Speyside origin and sherry oak direction. It is a whisky where the story is shaped by time in wood, with a measured profile rather than overt intensity.
Additional information about Macallan can be found at (…)Macallan 30y Double Cask
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Macallan 30y Double Cask
Last one in stock!
Macallan 30y Double Cask is a Scottish single malt from Speyside where age and cask selection do most of the talking. The name already gives the essentials: thirty years old, with a Double Cask approach built around sherry and bourbon casks.
Rather than moving into smoky or salty territory, the emphasis is on mature wood, spice and a lighter thread of fruit and floral notes. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Macallan for those who appreciate a long-aged, cask-led Speyside whisky with a composed, non-peated profile.
Bottled at 43% vol., it keeps a classic presentation, allowing the long maturation and the influence of the sherry and bourbon casks to remain central.
The stated flavour profile points to a whisky led by wood and spice. (…)Macallan 30y Sherry Oak
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Macallan 30y Sherry Oak
Last one in stock!
Macallan 30y Sherry Oak is a Speyside single malt shaped by time and sherry cask maturation. The name says much of what matters here: Macallan, thirty years old, matured in a sherry-led style, with the age and cask influence forming the heart of the whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for a mature single malt with a clear sherry oak identity. The profile points towards fruit, spice and wood as the main elements, supported by a lighter floral touch. Peat smoke is not part of the picture, so the focus stays firmly on maturation and cask character.
Bottled at 43%, this 30-year-old whisky sits in a composed, reflective style. It is the sort of dram to take your time with, allowing the long maturation (…)Macallan A Night First Light Incl. Box
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Macallan A Night First Light Incl. Box
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Macallan A Night First Light is a limited edition Speyside single malt with a very particular point of view: a Scottish whisky inspired by New Zealand, one of the first places in the world to greet the sunrise of the new year. Created in collaboration with New Zealand artist Bonnie Brown, the release pays tribute to the country's distinctive landscapes and to that sense of first light breaking over a new beginning.
The whisky itself stays closely connected to Macallan's cask-led style. It is built from sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks, with a measured addition of American oak casks that previously held bourbon to bring a delicate sweetness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we like to present when the packaging, the story and the flavour (…)Macallan A Night On Earth Jerez Incl. Box
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Macallan A Night On Earth Jerez Incl. Box
In stock
Macallan A Night On Earth Jerez is a Speyside single malt shaped around New Year's Eve in Jerez de la Frontera. The inspiration is Nochevieja, the old night: a celebration described here as rich in meaning, tradition and the nostalgic flavours of home.
Its Jerez connection is carried through maturation in oak sherry casks, with American and European oak influence. Rather than peat or coastal salinity, the emphasis is on sweet pastry, fruit, spice and warmth. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a festive Macallan with a clear sherry-led identity, especially fitting when the whisky is meant to be shared or given as a thoughtful gift.
As a limited release now down to the last bottles, it has the feeling of a whisky tied to a particular moment rather than a (…)Macallan A Night On Earth The Journey 2023 Tube Incl.
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Macallan A Night On Earth The Journey 2023 Tube Incl.
In stock
Macallan A Night On Earth The Journey 2023 is a Scottish single malt from Speyside, presented as a named release rather than an age-stated whisky. That gives the bottle a different kind of focus: less about a number on the label, more about the style and identity of this particular edition.
Its profile is led by fruit, with lighter floral, woody and spiced notes in support. Peat and salty elements are not part of the picture here, so the whisky stays firmly in a clean, non-smoky direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits naturally among the Macallan releases for drinkers who enjoy following specific editions. With only the last bottles remaining, it also carries a sense of limited availability while still being a whisky to open, share and explore.
Macallan Aera For Taiwan
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Macallan Aera For Taiwan
In stock
Macallan Aera For Taiwan is a Speyside single malt with a name that immediately sets it apart. The Taiwan reference gives this bottle a more specific identity than a standard Macallan release, while the whisky itself remains centred on sherry maturation.
There is no age statement here, so the focus moves towards the chosen maturation style and the flavour direction. The profile points to a clearly spiced character, supported by lighter fruit, floral and woody touches. It is not a peated style, so the emphasis stays on sherry-driven warmth rather than smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Macallan we would present to someone looking for a bottle with a distinctive market reference and a limited availability feel. With only the last bottles (…)Macallan Amber Meadow The Harmony Collection Incl. Box
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Macallan Amber Meadow The Harmony Collection Incl. Box
In stock
Macallan Amber Meadow The Harmony Collection is a Speyside single malt Scotch from Macallan's Harmony Collection. The name gives the release a gentle, open feel: more meadow and amber than smoke or maritime edge. That impression fits the supplied flavour profile, where fruit is the clearest element, supported by lighter floral, woody and spicy accents.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle among the Macallan releases that carry interest beyond the glass as well, since it is marked as a collector's item. It has no age statement and is bottled at 44.2%, so the focus is less on a stated number of years and more on the particular style of this Harmony Collection release.
For anyone following Macallan as a Speyside single malt producer, Amber Meadow (…)Macallan Anecdotes Of Ages Series, An Estate, A Community, A Distillery Peter Blake
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Macallan Anecdotes Of Ages Series, An Estate, A Community, A Distillery Peter Blake
In stock
Macallan Anecdotes Of Ages Series, An Estate, A Community, A Distillery Peter Blake is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with a name that immediately frames the bottle as more than a standard age-led release. The emphasis is on the estate, the community and the distillery, rather than on an age statement.
Sherry maturation gives this whisky its main direction, with the 47.7% bottling strength adding presence without changing the essential story: wood and spice sit at the centre, while fruit and floral notes play a more restrained role. It is not a peated or coastal-style profile; the supplied flavour profile points more clearly towards sherry-influenced structure and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out through the combination of (…)Macallan Classic Cut 2023 Incl. Box
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Macallan Classic Cut 2023 Incl. Box
In stock
Macallan Classic Cut 2023 is a Scottish single malt from Speyside built around sherry maturation and a confident drinking strength of 50.3%. It has more weight than a gentle everyday malt, yet it remains firmly rooted in a recognisable single malt style.
With no age statement, the focus moves to the way this 2023 release presents itself: sherry matured, clearly spiced, with lighter touches of wood, fruit and floral character supporting the main line. It is a whisky where strength and structure matter more than a long list of details.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Macallan as an interesting bottle for those who appreciate a well-known Speyside name in a more concentrated form. Its collectors item status gives it extra appeal, while the whisky itself (…)Macallan Classic Cut 2024 Incl. Box
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Macallan Classic Cut 2024 Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Macallan Classic Cut 2024 is the eighth release in this limited annual series, and it places the focus exactly where Classic Cut tends to be most engaging: strength, cask influence and the way a whisky changes when water is added. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Macallan we like to present as a tasting experience rather than just another release.
The 2024 edition continues The Macallan's exploration of flavours drawn from ex-Bourbon American oak and sherry-seasoned European oak casks. That combination gives the whisky room to move between rich vanilla, orchard fruit, sweet oak, chocolate and measured spice. Bottled at 52.4%, it shows itself at full strength, while the concept of the release also highlights how the whisky opens when cut with water to 40% ABV. (…)Macallan Classic Cut 2025 Incl. Box
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Macallan Classic Cut 2025 Incl. Box
In stock
Macallan Classic Cut 2025 is built around a very deliberate strength: 50.6%, the level chosen by the whisky maker to reveal the character of this single malt. It gives the whisky a firm, concentrated feel, while also making it rewarding to explore with a careful addition of water.
Maturation in European and American oak sherry casks, alongside ex-bourbon casks, shapes the whisky's layered style. At full strength, the emphasis falls on velvety milk chocolate and orange peel, with a subtle cask-derived wood note and a clear thread of spice giving structure.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Macallan we like to introduce as a whisky for slow tasting rather than quick judgement. A little water brings out brighter grapefruit and creamy vanilla panna (…)Macallan Concept Nr2 2019
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Macallan Concept Nr2 2019
Only 2 left in stock!
Macallan Concept Nr2 2019 is a Speyside single malt from Scotland that is shaped more by its release identity than by an age statement. As the 2019 second edition in Macallan's Concept line, it sits in that part of the whisky world where the bottle, the idea behind the release and the distillery name all matter.
The key production detail here is the use of sherry and bourbon casks. Rather than presenting the whisky around a stated age, Macallan places the focus on the cask combination and the Concept positioning. Bottled at 40% ABV, it remains at a familiar drinking strength while still carrying the appeal of a collector-focused Macallan release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers who follow Macallan's special releases and (…)
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.
