Whisky
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Edradour 10y New Edition Tube Incl.
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Edradour 10y New Edition Tube Incl.
In stock
Edradour 10y New Edition is a Highland single malt from Scotland shaped by Oloroso Sherry casks. At 10 years old, it sits in a style where fruit and spice are the main points of interest, rather than peat smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would place in front of someone looking for a Scottish single malt with clear cask influence, but without a smoky direction. The wood influence is present without dominating, with a light floral touch in the background and a more pronounced fruity, spiced side at the centre.
Bottled at 46%, this Edradour has a confident presentation while remaining easy to understand in terms of style: a 10-year-old Highland single malt, built around Oloroso Sherry cask character and an unpeated profile.
Lochlea Fallow Edition Third Crop Incl. Box
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Lochlea Fallow Edition Third Crop Incl. Box
In stock
Lochlea Fallow Edition Third Crop is the third and final limited release in Lochlea's seasonal Fallow trilogy. Rather than feeling like a permanent core expression, this Lowland single malt captures a specific stage in the distillery's series of seasonal bottlings.
The whisky was matured in first-fill Oloroso Sherry casks and is made with older spirit than the 2023 edition. That gives this Third Crop a deeper, more generous side while remaining unpeated: baked fruit, honeyed sweetness, malty richness and a peppery finish form the main thread.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we like to present to customers who enjoy following a whisky story from one edition to the next. As the final Fallow release and now down to the last bottles, it has (…)*Vintage* Bowmore 1996 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
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*Vintage* Bowmore 1996 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
Very last one in stock!
This Vintage Bowmore 1996 20 Year Old is the kind of Islay single malt where the story sits very close to the liquid. Distilled on 17 September 1996 and bottled on 23 November 2016, it was drawn from a single Oloroso sherry cask and bottled at natural cask strength, 56.2%.
The hand-filled at the distillery detail gives it a more personal feel than a standard release. Rather than representing a broad batch, this is a focused single cask Bowmore, shaped by twenty years of maturation and the influence of an Oloroso sherry cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this naturally stands out for customers who appreciate provenance, limited availability and distillery-linked bottlings. With the final bottles remaining and the product marked as a collector's (…)*Vintage* Bowmore 1998 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
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*Vintage* Bowmore 1998 20y Hand-Filled At The Distillery
Very last one in stock!
Bowmore 1998 20 Year Old Hand-Filled At The Distillery is a single malt with a very clear sense of origin. It was distilled on 13 January 1998 and bottled on 24 December 2018, giving it a precise vintage identity rather than a broad house-style presentation.
Drawn from a single Oloroso Sherry cask and bottled at cask strength, it comes across as a whisky with focus and presence. At 57.5% alcohol, it has not been softened into a standard strength release, so the link between cask, maturation and distillery remains very direct. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bowmore we like to present with a little extra context, because the details genuinely matter here.
With the final bottles available and the whisky marked as a collector's item, its scarcity (…)Aberfeldy 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
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Aberfeldy 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
On request only
Aberfeldy 2014 11 Year Old is a Highland single malt with a notably direct presentation. Bottled by Signatory as part of the Cask Collection, it comes at cask strength with an ABV of 60%, giving the whisky a firm, unsoftened presence.
The Oloroso Sherry cask is central to its identity. With 11 years of maturation behind it, the style leans clearly towards wood, spice and floral notes, while fruit and a light salty accent sit more quietly in the background. Peat is not part of the profile, so the focus stays on cask influence, structure and spicy depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy single malts with a more forthright style, especially when cask strength and sherry cask maturation are part of the (…)Adelphi's Islay Malt 10y Batch 2 (Adelphi's Regional Range)
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Adelphi's Islay Malt 10y Batch 2 (Adelphi's Regional Range)
On request only
Adelphi's Islay Malt 10y Batch 2 brings together a distinctly maritime Islay spirit and the darker influence of Oloroso sherry casks. For this second batch, Adelphi returns to Caol Ila, described in the supplied information as one of the most consistent distilleries in the world, known here for a powerful, coastal and lightly meaty distillate.
The Oloroso casks add depth rather than disguise the whisky's Islay identity. Smoke, dark fruit and tannic structure sit side by side, giving this 10-year-old single malt a rich yet approachable feel. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to carry the peat and sherry influence without becoming overstated.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Islay bottling we like to introduce when someone wants more than peat (…)Amrut 2015 7y Oloroso
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Amrut 2015 7y Oloroso
On request only
Amrut 2015 7y Oloroso is an Indian single malt with a very clearly defined identity: distilled in 2015, matured for seven years and drawn from a single Oloroso Sherry cask. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this bottling focuses on the personality of one individual cask.
Bottled at cask strength, at 60% alcohol, it carries a firm and concentrated presence. The Oloroso Sherry cask sits naturally alongside a profile where fruit, spice and wood are clearly part of the picture, supported by a lighter floral note.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we place in front of customers who enjoy precise, limited single cask releases. With only the last bottles remaining, it feels like a specific snapshot of Amrut seen through the lens of (…)Ardmore 2011 14y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Ardmore 2011 14y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
On request only
Ardmore 2011 14y is a Highland single malt bottled by Signatory as part of the Vintage 100 proof series. Distilled in 2011 and matured for 14 years, it comes at 57.1%, giving the whisky a firm and direct presence.
The Oloroso Sherry cask is central to its identity. The profile points towards clear wood influence and spice, with fruit playing a quieter supporting role. A light peated note adds definition without taking over the whisky's Highland character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like for its focused personality: a specific Ardmore, shaped by sherry cask maturation and bottled with real strength. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that feels increasingly finite.
The flavour (…)Ardnamurchan 2014 10y (Adelphi)
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Ardnamurchan 2014 10y (Adelphi)
On request only
Ardnamurchan 2014 10y is a Highland single malt with a clear sense of place and timing. The distillery is based in the western Highlands of Scotland and was founded in 2014, the same year this whisky was distilled. That gives this bottling a direct connection to the early years of a modern distillery built around both Scottish whisky tradition and a more contemporary way of working.
Sustainability is an important part of Ardnamurchan's identity. The distillery uses renewable energy and environmentally conscious practices while focusing on high-quality single malt whisky. It is supported by Adelphi, an independent company established in 1993 and known for its expertise in selecting and bottling rare, limited whiskies.
This 10-year-old release comes from a (…)Arran 2014 11y (Adelphi)
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Arran 2014 11y (Adelphi)
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Arran 2014 11 Year Old is a notable return for Arran after years of absence. This unpeated Scotch single malt from the Isle of Arran brings together Oloroso Sherry richness and a fresh island character, giving the whisky depth without moving into a smoky style.
Drawn from a single cask, distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2025 after 11 years of maturation, it represents one very specific cask rather than a broad house-style release. Only 318 bottles were produced, and at 57.6% cask strength it keeps its natural intensity firmly intact. The Oloroso influence gives the whisky its generous, darker-fruited side, while the profile still leaves room for freshness and lift.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling that adds real character to a specialist (…)Ben Nevis 2017 7y Art7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
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Ben Nevis 2017 7y Art7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
On request only
Ben Nevis 2017 7y Art7 is a Highland single malt with a clearly defined identity: distilled in 2017, bottled in 2024, and selected by Signatory for the Artist Edition. Its 7 years of maturation in an Oloroso sherry cask give the whisky a focused profile rather than the broad, blended impression of a larger batch release.
As a single cask bottling, limited to 1765 bottles, it captures one particular cask rather than a house style assembled from many. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they let whisky drinkers explore the meeting point between distillery character, cask influence and independent bottling.
The Oloroso sherry cask brings the emphasis towards wood and spice, while fruit and floral notes sit more in the background. (…)Benriach 1994 27y Batch 18
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Benriach 1994 27y Batch 18
In stock
Benriach 1994 27y Batch 18 is a Speyside single malt built around one very specific origin: a single Oloroso Sherry cask, distilled on 18 July 1994 and bottled in 2022 after 27 years of maturation. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the identity of one cask at one point in time.
Bottled at 53% cask strength, with 659 bottles released, it has the kind of focused character that makes older single cask whisky so engaging. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is exactly the sort of bottling we like to introduce to customers who are interested in mature whisky with a clear sense of provenance.
The remaining bottles make its limited nature even more apparent. Its profile brings fruit, spice and wood to the foreground, while peat sits more quietly in (…)Benriach 2000 25y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Benriach 2000 25y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
On request only
Benriach 2000 25y is a Speyside malt whisky with a very specific identity: one cask, 25 years of maturation and bottled at cask strength. As part of Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice, it is presented as an individual cask selection rather than a whisky shaped into a broader, more uniform style.
The Oloroso Sherry cask is central to its personality. At 60.2%, this is a powerful bottling, with the supplied flavour profile pointing mainly towards spice, supported by lighter fruit, wood and floral notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they show a precise snapshot of maturation. Benriach, Speyside origin, Signatory bottling, Oloroso cask influence and 25 years of age come together in a bottle that is far from everyday. The (…)Benrinnes 2012 14y (Adelphi)
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Benrinnes 2012 14y (Adelphi)
In stock
Benrinnes is presented here in one of its most convincing forms: full-bodied Speyside single malt with real weight and an oily texture. This Benrinnes 2012 14y is not built around lightness or easy sweetness, but around depth, structure and the naturally robust character associated with the distillery.
Selected by Adelphi, it comes from a single cask and was bottled at cask strength, 58.3% ABV. Maturation in a refill butt with Oloroso sherry influence gives the whisky support without letting the wood dominate. That leaves room for the distillate itself, with ripe fruit, malt and gentle spice at the centre of the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show a very specific snapshot of one cask rather than a polished (…)Blair Athol 2007 17y #9 (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Blair Athol 2007 17y #9 (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Blair Athol 2007 17y #9 is a Highland single malt with a very clear identity: distilled in 2007, matured for 17 years, and bottled by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage 100 proof range. At 57.1% ABV, it has the kind of strength that gives the whisky presence and focus.
The Oloroso Sherry cask is central to the story here. Rather than presenting a broad, anonymous style, this bottling points to a specific cask and a specific moment in maturation. The profile is led by spice, with lighter fruit, floral and woody elements supporting it. Peat and salinity are not part of the main expression, so the attention stays firmly on the Highland malt character and the sherry cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of release that speaks (…)Bunnahabhain 2001 22y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Bunnahabhain 2001 22y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
Very last one in stock!
Bunnahabhain 2001 22y is an Islay single malt built around mature whisky, individual cask character and limited availability. It was distilled on 8 October 2001 and bottled on 9 February 2024 after 22 years in an Oloroso Sherry cask.
This release was bottled by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice series. It is a single cask whisky, presented at cask strength, with only 427 bottles drawn from the cask. At Drankenshop Broekmans, these are the kinds of bottlings we like to take time with: they show a particular cask rather than a standardised expression.
Although it comes from Islay, the flavour profile is not driven by peat. The emphasis is on fruit, spice and wood influence, with a lighter floral side in the background. At 56.5%, it (…)Bushmills Steamship Sherry 1l Tube Incl.
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Bushmills Steamship Sherry 1l Tube Incl.
In stock
Bushmills Steamship Sherry 1l is an Irish single malt built around the influence of Oloroso sherry casks. Its name already points you in the right direction: this is a whiskey where fruit and spice take the lead, supported by a lighter touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this among the Bushmills releases for customers who enjoy a sherry-accented Irish single malt without a peated profile. There is no age statement here, so the focus is less on a number and more on the cask style and the overall character of the whiskey. Bottled at 40%, it keeps that character clear and approachable.
As these are the last bottles, the one-litre format feels a little more distinctive on the shelf. More information about Bushmills can be found at (…)Compass Box Crimson Cask
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Compass Box Crimson Cask
In stock
Compass Box Crimson Cask is a Scottish blended malt whisky built around the influence of Oloroso sherry casks. The name points straight to the idea behind the release: a malt whisky shaped by cask character, with fruit and spice taking the lead rather than peat or coastal salinity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits in that appealing space where blended malt is presented as a matter of style and composition rather than age statement. There is no declared age here; the focus is on how the malt components and Oloroso cask influence come together. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to carry that profile clearly.
Crimson Cask is not a whisky that leans on smoke or heavy oak. Its interest lies in the way Compass Box frames a Scottish blended malt around a (…)Dailuaine 2008 14y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Dailuaine 2008 14y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
On request only
Dailuaine 2008 14y is a Speyside single malt shaped by fourteen years of maturation and an Oloroso Sherry cask influence. The main thread is fruit, supported by gentle touches of wood, spice and a light floral edge rather than smoke or coastal salinity.
Bottled by Cadenhead as part of the Original Collection, it has the feel of an independent release that lets the distillery speak without overcomplicating the style. At 46%, it carries enough weight while keeping the whisky approachable in its presentation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who enjoy Speyside single malts with a clear fruit focus and a measured sherry-cask frame. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also one of those releases that (…)Deanston 20y Oloroso
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Deanston 20y Oloroso
On request only
Deanston 20y Oloroso is a Highland single malt built around maturity, sherry cask influence and natural strength. After 20 years of ageing, the Oloroso Sherry cask sets the direction: more wood and spice-led than light or delicate, with fruit playing a supporting role.
At 55.3%, it is bottled at cask strength, giving the whisky a firmer presence in the glass. With 8,400 bottles released, it feels like a defined edition rather than a routine core bottling.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Deanston that speaks to drinkers looking for aged Scottish single malt, clear Oloroso influence and a Highland profile without peat smoke.
Additional information about Deanston can be found at https://www.deanstonmalt.com
The (…)Edradour 12y Charity Scaa Tube Incl.
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Edradour 12y Charity Scaa Tube Incl.
On request only
Edradour 12y Charity Scaa is a 12-year-old Highland single malt bottled at 46%, shaped by an Oloroso Sherry cask influence. It is a whisky built around maturation, spice, fruit and wood rather than smoke or coastal sharpness.
The appeal here lies in its focused character. The cask presence gives structure, while the fruity and spiced elements keep the whisky expressive and warm. It feels like a considered release from Edradour, with enough depth to make the age and cask choice matter in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a Highland single malt with clear cask influence and a mature, flavour-driven profile. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has that extra sense of availability (…)Edradour 1989 35y Enigma N°2
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Edradour 1989 35y Enigma N°2
Very last one in stock!
Edradour 1989 35y Enigma N°2 is a Highland single malt with a distinctly limited nature. Distilled on 10 October 1989 and bottled on 2 July 2025, it brings together 35 years of maturation in one individual Oloroso Sherry cask.
Its appeal lies in the combination of age, cask strength and scarcity. Only 379 bottles were drawn, bottled at 62.3% ABV without dilution. Rather than a broad batch expression, this is the voice of one cask after a long maturation period.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this sit in a more specialised corner of the whisky selection, especially when only the last bottles remain. The giftpack also gives it a fitting presentation for a considered gift or for a moment when a mature Scottish single malt deserves proper (…)Edradour 25y Cask Strength #2
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Edradour 25y Cask Strength #2
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Edradour 25y Cask Strength #2 is a Highland single malt from Scotland with a very specific identity: one cask, one long maturation, one bottling moment. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2024, it spent 25 years in an Oloroso sherry cask.
The appeal here lies in the combination of age, cask strength and single cask origin. Bottled at 55.6%, it keeps close to the strength and personality of the cask, giving this Edradour a concentrated, mature presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show a whisky through the lens of an individual cask rather than a broad house style. With only the last bottles indicated, this is clearly a limited opportunity within the range.
The profile points towards a whisky where wood, (…)Edradour 30y Single Cask
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Edradour 30y Single Cask
On request only
Edradour 30y Single Cask is a Highland single malt with a very focused story: one cask, thirty years of maturation and bottling at cask strength. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one particular cask at the moment it was bottled.
Distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2023, it matured in an Oloroso Sherry cask. Only 562 bottles were drawn, and with the last bottles now remaining, it occupies a naturally special place at Drankenshop Broekmans among mature Scottish single malts.
The supplied profile points towards a whisky built around fruit, spice and wood, with no peated or salty emphasis. Combined with its age and 56% cask strength, this is a dram for a quiet, attentive tasting rather than a casual pour.
The flavour profile is (…)
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.
