Whisky
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Kentucky Vintage
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Kentucky Vintage
In stock
Kentucky Vintage is a small batch bourbon from the United States with a firmly classic character. It is built around familiar bourbon notes: caramel, vanilla, oak and a rounded, harmonious palate rather than an overly heavy or exaggerated style.
Maturation in new oak gives it a clear Kentucky-style wood influence, while brown sugar and gentle spice keep the flavour warm and approachable. At 45% ABV, it has enough presence to carry those flavours without losing its balanced feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Kentucky Vintage fits neatly among bourbons for drinkers looking for a traditional small batch style with warmth, structure and a measured oak-driven finish.
The aroma brings forward caramel, vanilla and oak. On the palate it is round and (…)Wild Turkey 101 Proof
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Wild Turkey 101 Proof
In stock
Wild Turkey 101 Proof is an American bourbon with a noticeably firm presence. The name already tells part of the story: 101 proof, corresponding to 50.5% alcohol. That gives this whiskey more weight and drive than many lower-strength bourbons.
New oak is an important part of its identity, bringing a clear wood influence, with spice and fruit present in a lighter supporting role. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bourbon we place in front of customers looking for an American whiskey with a stronger frame and a more pronounced character.
There is no age statement given, so the focus stays on style: bourbon from the United States, matured in new oak and bottled at a confident 50.5%. Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Jack Daniels N°7 1l
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Jack Daniels N°7 1l
Only 3 left in stock!
Jack Daniels N°7 1l is a Tennessee whiskey from the United States with a clear focus on fruit and oak. The use of New Oak gives the whiskey a noticeable woody side, while the fruit-driven element keeps the profile open and approachable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a familiar American whiskey for those who appreciate a straightforward Tennessee style without peat or salty edges. The 1 litre bottle makes it a generous format, and at 40% alcohol it stays easy to place in a wide range of drinking moments.
A light touch of spice and a subtle floral note add some lift, but the main impression remains fruit supported by oak.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.jackdaniels.com/
The flavour (…)Buffalo Trace
2
Buffalo Trace
In stock
Buffalo Trace is an American bourbon shaped by maturation in new oak. That gives it a clear bourbon identity without pushing one element too far: gentle wood, light spice and a touch of fruit all sit in the same register.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a straightforward choice for anyone looking for an approachable American whiskey with a recognisable bourbon profile. At 40% alcohol, it keeps an easy-going style while still carrying the influence of new oak.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/
The flavour profile centres on light wood influence, gentle spice and a modest fruity touch. None of these elements takes over, giving the bourbon a clear and straightforward character.Jack Daniel's N°7 Mclaren 2024 Incl. Box
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Jack Daniel's N°7 Mclaren 2024 Incl. Box
| 2 reviews
Very last one in stock!Jack Daniel's N°7 McLaren 2024 takes the familiar Tennessee whiskey identity of Jack Daniel's and presents it in a McLaren 2024 edition with a more distinctive bottle story. It stands apart from the regular shelf presence of Jack Daniel's N°7 through its specific edition name and presentation.
Inside the bottle, this remains an American Tennessee whiskey at 40%, matured in new oak. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to people who already know the name, but want a version with a little more context and visual interest.
With only the last bottles remaining, this release has more of a temporary special-edition feel than a standard everyday listing. That makes it a thoughtful gift choice or a notable addition for (…)Rowan's Creek
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Rowan's Creek
In stock
Rowan's Creek is an American small batch bourbon with a warm, gourmand style. Its appeal lies in the way caramel, vanilla and ripe fruit come forward naturally, giving it an inviting richness without making the whiskey feel overdone.
Maturation in new oak brings structure and a gentle spicy edge, while the rounder, sweeter side remains very much at the centre. At 50.05% ABV, Rowan's Creek has real presence, yet the overall impression stays smooth, harmonious and approachable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this bourbon as a strong choice for drinkers looking for comfort and depth in the same glass. It has enough softness to be welcoming, and enough character to keep the conversation going.
The aroma brings forward caramel, vanilla and ripe (…)Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack
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Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack
In stock
Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack is an American Tennessee whiskey with a flavour profile that leans clearly towards fruit. Maturation in new oak brings a gentle woody note, supported by light spice and a subtle floral touch rather than a heavy, oak-driven style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Gentleman Jack as a smooth, approachable side of Jack Daniels, suited to those who enjoy American whiskey with a fruit-led character and a measured cask influence. Bottled at 40%, it stays within a classic, easygoing strength while retaining its Tennessee whiskey identity.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.jackdaniels.com/
The flavour profile of Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack is led by fruit, with light notes of wood, spice and a (…)Jack Daniels Single Barrel
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Jack Daniels Single Barrel
In stock
Jack Daniels Single Barrel shows Tennessee whiskey through the lens of one individual cask. Rather than presenting a broad, blended house style, it focuses on the personality of a single barrel, with new oak playing a clear role in the character of the whiskey.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a more defined way to explore Jack Daniels. There is no age statement here; the interest lies in the barrel-driven profile, where oak and spice stand at the centre and a lighter fruit note supports the overall impression.
Bottled at 45%, it has enough presence to carry that wood and spice without turning the story into something overly complicated. More information about the brand can be found at https://www.jackdaniels.com/
The stated flavour (…)Bulleit
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Bulleit
In stock
Bulleit is an American bourbon whiskey built around the core markers of the style: United States origin, maturation in new oak and bottling at 45%. With no age statement given, the focus stays on the bourbon's overall profile rather than on a specific maturation age.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we place Bulleit among bourbons with a clear but measured character. The supplied flavour profile points to light touches of wood, spice, fruit and floral notes, with no emphasis on peat or salty elements. It is a bourbon where the new oak influence is part of the story, without the data suggesting an overly heavy flavour direction.
Further information about the brand can be found at https://www.bulleit.com/
Bulleit's supplied flavour profile is even and (…)Evan Williams Single Barrel 2012
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Evan Williams Single Barrel 2012
In stock
Evan Williams Single Barrel 2012 is an American bourbon built around the character of an individual barrel. The 2012 reference gives this release a clearly defined identity, while the single barrel wording points to a more focused selection than a broad, general house expression.
Its new oak maturation supports the profile shown in the data: wood, spice and fruit all have a clear role. At 43.3% ABV, the bourbon sits at a measured strength, allowing the cask influence to remain present without making the whisky feel driven by alcohol alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bourbon we like to present to customers who enjoy discovering how one barrel can shape a familiar American whiskey style in its own way. Additional information about the brand (…)Bulleit 95 Rye
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Bulleit 95 Rye
In stock
Bulleit 95 Rye is an American rye whiskey with a clear sense of direction. Rather than leaning on an age statement, it presents itself through style: rye at the centre, bottled at 45% alcohol, with enough strength to carry its flavour profile confidently.
Maturation in New Oak gives a measured wood influence, while the supplied profile points most clearly towards spice and fruit. That is the heart of this whiskey: not a heavily oaked presentation, but one where the rye-driven spicy side and a fruity dimension remain the main focus.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this help show the broader character of American whiskey. Bulleit 95 Rye is a good introduction to rye as its own category, especially for drinkers looking for a more spice-led American (…)Basil Hayden's Bourbon
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Basil Hayden's Bourbon
Last one in stock!
Basil Hayden's Bourbon is an American bourbon shaped by new oak, with wood and spice taking a clear place in its character. At 40% alcohol, it stays approachable in strength, yet the bourbon identity remains firmly built around oak influence and a gently spiced profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bourbon we would place in front of someone looking for American whiskey with structure rather than smoke. A light fruity note gives it some lift, but the main impression remains centred on oak and spice.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.basilhaydens.com/
The flavour profile is led by wood and spice. New oak makes a clear impression, while a lighter fruity element adds a softer edge without taking (…)Jack Daniels N°7
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Jack Daniels N°7
Last one in stock!
Jack Daniels N°7 is a Tennessee whiskey from the United States with a straightforward and recognisable style. Matured in new oak, it shows a clear wood influence, supported by a distinctly fruity side. Lighter touches of spice and floral character sit in the background, giving the whiskey its shape without making it feel overly heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is one of those American whiskey names that many customers already know, yet it still deserves to be approached for what it is: a 40% Jack Daniels expression without an age statement, focused on its familiar house character rather than on maturation age.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.jackdaniels.com/
The flavour profile centres on wood and (…)Blanton's Gold
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Blanton's Gold
In stock
Blanton's Gold is an American bourbon with its focus firmly on individual cask character. Drawn from a single cask and bottled at 51.5%, it is less about an age statement and more about the personality captured in that particular barrel.
New oak maturation gives the bourbon a clear woody dimension, while the profile also points to a pronounced fruity side. Spice is present in a more supporting role, adding shape without taking over. The result is a bourbon where cask selection and bottling strength are central to the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Blanton's Gold sits well among bourbons for drinkers who enjoy seeing how a single cask release can differ from more standardised bottlings. Its appeal lies in that specific combination of strength, oak (…)Blanton's Original
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Blanton's Original
Temporarily sold out
Blanton's Original is an American bourbon with a fruit-led profile, supported by a lighter touch of new oak and gentle spice. At 46.5% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry its character, while the available information points away from smoke or heavy savoury notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bourbon we would introduce to someone looking for a style where fruit comes forward and the oak influence stays in a supporting role. The new oak maturation is part of its bourbon identity, yet the profile is not presented as overwhelmingly woody.
With no age statement given, the focus is less on maturity in years and more on the drinking style: a United States bourbon shaped by fruit, light wood and a measured touch of spice.
Buffalo Trace 1l
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Buffalo Trace 1l
Temporarily sold out
Buffalo Trace 1l is an American bourbon with new oak at the centre of its identity. The wood element is part of the style here, though the available profile does not point towards a heavy or overly oaky whiskey. Instead, it suggests a measured mix of light wood influence, gentle spice and a touch of fruit.
The one-litre bottle gives it a practical edge, especially when bourbon is poured regularly or shared at the table. At 45% alcohol, it has a clear presence without the supplied information suggesting an extreme or high-intensity style.
In the bourbon selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits as a straightforward American whiskey for those who appreciate new oak as a foundation, supported by restrained spice and fruit rather than smoke or maritime (…)Bulleit 10y
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Bulleit 10y
In stock
Bulleit 10y shows a more mature side of American bourbon. Ten years of ageing in new oak gives the whiskey a clearly wood-forward character, supported by lighter notes of spice and fruit. At 45.6% ABV, it has enough presence to feel deliberate in the glass, while staying firmly within the bourbon family.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who already appreciate the Bulleit name and want to explore a longer-aged expression. The ten-year age statement and new oak maturation are not just background details here; they shape the way this bourbon presents itself.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.bulleit.com/
The flavour profile is led by a clear oak influence. Lighter spice and fruit sit (…)Cody Road Bourbon 50cl
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Cody Road Bourbon 50cl
On request only
Cody Road Bourbon 50cl is an American bourbon with a notably fruit-led character. At 45% alcohol, it has enough strength to feel present in the glass, while the available profile points to a style where fruit takes the lead and oak, spice and a light floral touch play supporting roles.
Its maturation in new oak gives the bourbon its woody framework, without making the wood the main story. The balance suggested here is more about freshness and flavour definition than heavy cask weight or smoky intensity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that catches the eye of customers looking for a bourbon outside the most familiar names. The 50cl format makes it a compact introduction to Cody Road, and these are the last bottles available in our (…)Cody Road Rye 50cl
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Cody Road Rye 50cl
On request only
Cody Road Rye 50cl is an American rye whiskey with spice at the centre of its character. The New Oak cask influence gives it a gentle wood note, while the flavour profile points mainly toward spice, supported by lighter fruity and floral touches.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle fits well for customers looking to explore rye whiskey in a 50 cl format at 40% ABV. There is no age statement here, so the focus is very much on the rye style itself, its American origin and the role of the oak.
Cody Road Rye is also marked as a popular choice, with the last bottles remaining. It is a straightforward option for those who enjoy a whiskey shaped by spice rather than smoke.
Cody Road Rye is led by spice, with a light wood influence that reflects its (…)Dry Fly Bourbon 101
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Dry Fly Bourbon 101
On request only
Dry Fly Bourbon 101 comes with a piece of American whiskey history attached to it: according to the supplied product information, Dry Fly Straight Washington Bourbon was the first legally distilled bourbon in the state of Washington. That gives this bottle a clear sense of place, rather than feeling like just another bourbon on the shelf.
After 4 years of maturation, Dry Fly considered the whiskey fully flavoured enough to bottle at 101 proof, or 50.5% ABV. New oak is a major part of its profile, supported by a clear spicy side. The result is a bourbon with firmness, warmth and structure, where the strength serves the flavour rather than dominating the conversation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of American bourbon we like to point out to (…)Dry Fly Wheat Cask Strength
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Dry Fly Wheat Cask Strength
On request only
Dry Fly Wheat Cask Strength is an American wheat whiskey with a very clear identity: it is made from 100% wheat and bottled at cask strength. At 60% ABV it certainly has weight on paper, yet the supplied description points to a full, rounded taste that feels surprisingly composed for that strength.
New oak gives the whiskey a firm frame, with wood and spice clearly present alongside the softer wheat-driven character. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for an American whiskey with more intensity than a standard release, but without turning the experience into pure alcohol power.
With only the last bottles remaining, this Dry Fly has become a more limited find. Its appeal lies in the combination of wheat (…)Eagle Rare 10y
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Eagle Rare 10y
Temporarily sold out
Eagle Rare 10y is an American bourbon where maturation and oak take the lead. The 10-year age statement gives it a more mature position within bourbon, while the 45% strength provides enough presence without making power the whole point of the whiskey.
The defining element here is new oak. Its profile is strongly wood-driven, supported by clear spice and a lighter fruit note in the background. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bourbon for drinkers who appreciate the influence of cask ageing as a central part of the experience.
There is no emphasis on smoke or salty character in the supplied profile. Instead, Eagle Rare 10y is about oak, spice and restrained fruit, brought together in a bourbon with age and a distinct wood-led identity.
Elijah Craig Small Batch
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Elijah Craig Small Batch
In stock
Elijah Craig Small Batch is an American bourbon built around the clear influence of new oak and spice. At 47% ABV, it carries a firmer presence than many lighter bourbons, with the available profile pointing towards wood and spice rather than smoke or saline notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle in front of someone looking for a bourbon where the oak has a real voice, supported by lighter fruity and floral touches. The Small Batch name gives it a more focused identity than a simple everyday bourbon, while keeping the message straightforward and recognisably American.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.elijahcraig.com/
The flavour profile is led by clear wood influence and spice. Lighter (…)Four Roses
2
Four Roses
Temporarily sold out
Four Roses is an American bourbon with a straightforward sense of style, shaped mainly by its maturation in new oak. The wood influence sits at the centre of the whiskey, while lighter touches of spice, fruit and floral character give it some lift around the edges.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bourbon we introduce when someone is looking for a 40% American whiskey without an age statement, where the new oak character is clearly part of the experience without turning the whole thing into a technical tasting exercise. It is clear, recognisable and focused on the essentials of bourbon character.
The flavour profile places oak clearly in the foreground. Around that woody core, there are lighter spicy and fruity elements, with a subtle floral note (…)
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.
