Whisky from Starward
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Starward Nova Incl. Box
74
Starward Nova Incl. Box
| 1 review
In stockStarward Nova is an Australian single malt with a distinctly contemporary point of view. Rather than leaning on a heavily traditional whisky framework, it draws much of its identity from wine maturation, giving it a different angle within the single malt category.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Nova as a good example of how Australian whisky can bring its own voice to the shelf. Its profile is led by spice, supported by gentler fruity, floral and woody notes. Peat smoke is not part of the indicated profile, so the focus stays firmly on the spiced and wine-matured side of the whisky.
Bottled at 41%, Starward Nova remains approachable in strength while still offering a clear sense of style and origin. Additional information can be found at (…)Starward 100 Proof 1l
39360° view available
Starward 100 Proof 1l
In stock
Starward 100 Proof 1l is an Australian single malt with a distinctly contemporary feel. Bottled at 50% alcohol, it carries more weight than many standard releases, while keeping the focus firmly on its fruit-led style.
The wine-matured cask influence is the key part of its identity. Rather than presenting itself through an age statement, this Starward is built around a clear flavour direction: fruit comes forward, with lighter support from wood, spice and a subtle floral touch. Peat is not part of the profile, so the attention stays on the wine cask maturation and the whisky's bright, approachable side.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out for customers looking beyond the more familiar single malt regions. Australia, wine (…)Starward 100 Proof Incl. Box
69
Starward 100 Proof Incl. Box
In stock
Starward 100 Proof is an Australian single malt bottled at 50%, fully matured in ex-red wine American oak casks from the Barossa Valley. The cask story is not a background detail here; it is the heart of the whisky's personality.
Cabernet and Shiraz leave a clear mark, bringing ripe fruit depth, a vinous richness and the warm presence of American oak. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fine example of how Starward gives single malt whisky a distinctly Australian voice, with wine cask maturation taking centre stage.
With no age statement, the focus stays firmly on flavour and cask influence. Starward 100 Proof is a bold, fruit-led whisky with enough strength in the glass to carry its darker, sweeter and spiced notes with confidence.
The (…)Starward 3x20cl Left Field, Nova, Fortis 43,7°
103
Starward 3x20cl Left Field, Nova, Fortis 43,7°
In stock
This Starward gift pack brings together three Australian single malts in practical 20 cl bottles: Left Field, Nova and Fortis. It is a thoughtful way to explore the Starward range side by side, without having to commit to one full-size bottle straight away.
The set stands out through its combination of Australian single malt whisky and a clear wine-cask influence. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a pack like this is especially useful for customers who enjoy comparing expressions and getting a feel for a producer's style in a more considered way.
There is no age statement here; the focus is on the character of the three named whiskies and on a profile where fruit, spice and wood all have a noticeable role. Bottled at 43.7%, it keeps enough presence while remaining (…)Starward Botrytis Cask Incl. Box
106360° view available
Starward Botrytis Cask Incl. Box
In stock
Starward Botrytis Cask is an Australian single malt built around a very distinctive cask influence. Botrytis cinerea, often known as noble rot, affects certain grapes only under specific climatic conditions and plays a key role in the creation of concentrated sweet wines.
For this release, Starward used casks that had previously held that particular style of wine. The result draws on the sweet, fruity side associated with botrytis, with apricot, honey and orange blossom woven into a whisky that also carries spice and wood from the charred barrels.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present to customers who are curious about how wine casks can shape single malt. Bottled at 48%, it has enough strength to carry its fruit, spice and (…)Starward Bourbon Cask #2 Incl. Box
108360° view available
Starward Bourbon Cask #2 Incl. Box
In stock
Starward Bourbon Cask #2 is an Australian single malt with a clear point of difference. Starward is described here as normally maturing its whisky in Australian red wine barrels, yet this release spent its full maturation in bourbon barrels for 5 Melbourne years.
That cask choice lets the tropical side of the Starward spirit come forward. The profile is built around grilled pineapple, honey and vanilla, with the 52% strength giving this light-bodied whisky a more forceful, subtly spicy edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to explain rather than simply place on the shelf. It shows Starward from a different angle: fruit-driven, buttery, touched by toasted oak and shaped entirely by bourbon cask maturation. With only the last (…)Starward Dolce 50cl
LAST PIECES50
Starward Dolce 50cl
On request only
Starward Dolce 50cl brings an Australian angle to single malt whisky, shaped around a wine finish rather than an age statement. The focus here is on style: a whisky where the cask influence and a clearly spiced profile are the main points of interest.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out for its Australian origin, its 50cl format and its 48% strength, giving it a little more presence than many lighter-drinking whiskies. The flavour profile points towards spice first, supported by gentler fruity, floral and woody notes.
With only the last bottles remaining, Dolce has become one of those Starward releases that draws attention from customers looking beyond the classic whisky regions. It is a good bottle to consider when the appeal lies in (…)Starward Ginger Beer Cask #7 Incl. Box
LAST PIECES110
Starward Ginger Beer Cask #7 Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Starward Ginger Beer Cask #7 is an Australian single malt with a distinctly playful edge. It is the seventh release in Starward's Ginger Beer Cask project and, according to the supplied information, the most expressive version so far.
The story begins with ginger beer made at the distillery itself. That ginger beer spent six months in former Starward casks, after which whisky from red wine and Apera casks was finished in those ex-ginger beer casks. It gives the whisky a very specific identity: not simply a finish for novelty's sake, but a layered meeting of Starward's whisky style with the bright spice and freshness of ginger beer.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy whisky with a clear point of difference. Ginger runs (…)Starward Left-Field
13360° view available
Starward Left-Field
In stock
Starward Left-Field is an Australian single malt whisky with a clear fruit-led personality. It brings a different angle to single malt, away from the most familiar whisky origins, while keeping the style easy to understand and pleasant to explore.
French Oak gives a gentle woody frame, but the main impression remains fruity, with light floral and spicy touches in support. There is no peat-driven character here, and the wood does not dominate; the appeal lies in its lively, contemporary feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Left-Field as a good introduction to Australian single malt for drinkers who are curious about a modern whisky style beyond the traditional routes. Additional information can be found at https://www.starward.com.au/
The (…)Starward Peated Finish Incl. Box
107
Starward Peated Finish Incl. Box
In stock
Starward Peated Finish takes the familiar fruit-driven Starward style in a more unexpected direction. Starward does not use its own peated whisky here; instead, this Australian single malt first matured in red wine casks before being moved into peated Islay casks.
The release follows the earlier Unexpeated experiment. That first version spent 18 months in peated Islay casks, while this Peated Finish was given an additional 9 months in that same cask influence. Rather than turning into a heavily peated whisky, it keeps its Starward identity, with fruit, spice, oak and a smoky edge woven together.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point to when someone enjoys Starward's fruit-forward character but wants to explore it with a maritime, (…)Starward Single Cask #14384 The Nectar Incl. Box
166
Starward Single Cask #14384 The Nectar Incl. Box
In stock
Starward Single Cask #14384 The Nectar is an Australian single malt with a very direct sense of place and cask. Drawn from one individual cask and bottled at cask strength, it carries its 54.8% ABV with the kind of presence you expect from a whisky left close to its natural form. Only 286 bottles came from this cask, and with the last bottles now remaining, it feels like a tightly defined snapshot rather than a broad, polished release.
Distilled in December 2017 and bottled in August 2022, this 4-year-old whisky was wine matured. That gives the release its setting, but the real point of interest is cask #14384 itself. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like bottlings like this because they show a more specific side of a producer: less about a standard house expression, more about (…)Starward Solera Incl. Box
84360° view available
Starward Solera Incl. Box
In stock
Starward Solera is an Australian single malt whisky with a personality that sits outside the more traditional whisky map. Its story is built around a fruit-forward and spiced style, shaped by maturation in Apera casks.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of how Australian single malt can bring a different perspective to the glass. It is not presented as a peated or heavily smoky whisky; the focus is more on fruit, spice and a gentle touch of wood.
Bottled at 43%, Starward Solera keeps a clear and approachable profile while still showing its own identity. With no age statement, the emphasis falls on style, cask influence and the Starward signature rather than on a number of years.
Additional information about the brand can be (…)Starward Stout Cask Incl. Box
108
Starward Stout Cask Incl. Box
In stock
Starward Stout Cask comes from the Starward Projects programme, where the distillers are given room to explore different casks and flavour directions. This release has a very Melbourne feel to it: whisky and craft beer meet through barrels from Brick Lane's sought-after 'Trilogy of Fear' imperial stout series.
The whisky starts as an assembly of Starward's red wine and Apera matured whiskies, Apera being the Australian alternative to sherry. It then spends a further 18 months in those special stout barrels. That extra maturation brings the familiar Starward notes of tropical fruit and vanilla into contact with a darker, malt-driven side, shaped by chocolate malt and roasted stout character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly engaging (…)Starward Tawny Cask
103
Starward Tawny Cask
In stock
Starward Tawny Cask is an Australian single malt with a character that leans toward fruit and floral expression rather than peat or coastal salinity. The Tawny Cask name is central to the identity of the whisky, and at 50% alcohol it carries a firm presence without needing an age statement to define it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we place this among the bottles that show how varied modern single malt whisky can be beyond the traditional regions. Its appeal lies in style and cask character rather than a stated age, with light wood and spice supporting the more pronounced fruit-driven and floral side.
As these are the last bottles in this selection, it is not a whisky that will remain available indefinitely. More information about Starward can be found at (…)Starward Unexpeated
LAST PIECES161
Starward Unexpeated
On request only
Starward Unexpeated is an Australian single malt with a deliberately unexpected twist. Rather than focusing on an age statement, it draws attention to its Islay finish, adding a light thread of peat and salinity to a whisky where spice remains the most pronounced element.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that shows how a finish can shift the tone of a single malt without turning it into something overwhelmingly smoky. The Islay influence is present, but measured, sitting alongside gentle fruit, wood and floral notes.
Bottled at 48%, it has enough strength to carry that character clearly. With only the last bottles remaining, this is a release with limited availability in our selection.
Additional information about the (…)Starward Vitalis 15th Birthday
134
Starward Vitalis 15th Birthday
In stock
Starward Vitalis 15th Birthday is an Australian single malt with an anniversary feel rather than a conventional age-statement story. Its multi-vintage nature is the key idea here: this is not presented as whisky from one fixed age bracket, but as a composition drawn from more than one vintage.
That makes it an engaging bottle to discuss in a specialist setting. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see releases like this as a way to explore how a distillery can shape character through selection and blending, instead of relying on a single number on the label.
At 52% ABV, Vitalis has a firm presence. The available flavour profile points towards a clearly fruity and spiced style, supported by lighter floral and woody accents. Peat smoke and salty notes are not defining (…)Starward X Lagavulin Incl. Box
COLLECTOR155
Starward X Lagavulin Incl. Box
In stock
Starward X Lagavulin brings two whisky worlds into the same glass. Starward contributes its Australian sense of curiosity and tropical fruit character, while Lagavulin appears through casks that had been steeped in its unmistakable Islay malt, known here for richness, smoke and intensity.
This release marks Starward's first collaboration with a distillery, giving it a special place in the brand's story. The whisky spent a further 18 months maturing in these Lagavulin casks, allowing Starward's tropical side to meet a peated, smoky influence from Scotland. It is not simply an Australian single malt with a twist, nor a straightforward Islay-style whisky, but a meeting point between the two.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we value for the (…)
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:
-
Made from grains
-
Fermented with yeast
-
Distilled to a maximum of ±94.8% alcohol (so that flavour is retained)
-
Matured in wooden casks
-
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.
-
Must be wholly produced and matured in Scotland
-
Aged for at least 3 years in oak casks
-
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.
-
Produced and matured in Ireland
-
Aged for at least 3 years in wooden casks
-
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:
-
At least 51% corn in the grain mix
-
Matured in new charred oak barrels
-
Distilled to a maximum of 80% alcohol
-
In the barrel a maximum of 62.5% alcohol
-
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.
