Whisky
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Arbikie Highland Rye
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Arbikie Highland Rye
Only 2 left in stock!
Arbikie Highland Rye is a Scotch whisky with a very particular angle. Made in the Highlands as a rye pot still distillate, it reflects a level of transparency that stands out: the label even names the exact rye, wheat and barley used, together with the fields they came from.
This first release is 3 years old. It was matured in charred American oak casks before being moved into Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, giving the whisky a layered maturation story while keeping the grain-driven identity at the centre.
Only 998 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it has become one of those bottlings at Drankenshop Broekmans that speaks to customers who enjoy Scotch whisky with a less conventional origin, a clear sense of craft and a rye-led (…)Auchroisk 2008 #4 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Auchroisk 2008 #4 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Auchroisk 2008 #4 is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: one individual cask, 16 years of maturation and a Pedro Ximenez finish that gives the whisky a richer, more pronounced direction. It was distilled on 20 September 2008 and bottled on 19 February 2025 by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range.
The appeal here lies in its specificity. This is a single cask release of only 339 bottles, bottled at 57.9%, and with the last bottles now available it feels like a defined snapshot of Auchroisk rather than a broad house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are selected for drinkers who enjoy exploring Speyside through independent releases. Signatory lets the individual cask take centre stage here, with (…)Auchroisk 2012 13y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Auchroisk 2012 13y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
Auchroisk is one of those Speyside names that often stays just under the radar, yet it has plenty to say when bottled with care. This 2012 vintage shows the distillery's elegant, fruity spirit shaped by a generous Pedro Ximénez finish.
Bottled by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series, this 13-year-old single malt comes from a single cask, with only 333 bottles released. It was bottled at cask strength, 56.8%, after more than two years finishing in a Pedro Ximénez hogshead. That finish brings darker, richer tones while still leaving room for the freshness of the Speyside distillate.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out when someone is looking for a sherry-influenced whisky with a clear sense of (…)Aultmore 2014 10y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Aultmore 2014 10y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Aultmore 2014 10y by Alistair Walker is a Speyside single malt with a clear independent-bottler signature. It belongs to the Infrequent Flyers series, where Walker works with rare casks and bolder finishes; in this case, Aultmore has been given a Pedro Ximenez finish.
The appeal lies in the way the PX richness is held in check by the freshness associated with Aultmore in the product information. Rather than being all about heavy sweetness, it brings together weight, oak influence and spice in a whisky that still has lift and definition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a distinctive independent Speyside rather than a standard distillery release. It is a single cask bottling at 55.4%, limited to 350 (…)Benriach 1994 28y #2791 Incl. Box
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Benriach 1994 28y #2791 Incl. Box
In stock
Benriach 1994 28y #2791 is a very specific Speyside single malt rather than a broad house-style release. Drawn from one individual cask, #2791, it was distilled on 11 July 1994 and bottled after 28 years at 53.6%. It is a peated Benriach with a Pedro Ximénez Puncheon finish, released in a run of 609 bottles.
Its appeal lies in the way several strong elements come together: long maturation, cask strength, peat and the darker influence of Pedro Ximénez. The result is a whisky with a more layered, mature presence, where the smoky side is part of the composition rather than just a headline feature.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place among the more distinctive single cask selections: a defined snapshot from one cask, with (…)Benriach 1998 24y #5944
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Benriach 1998 24y #5944
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Benriach 1998 24y #5944 is a Speyside single malt built around a very precise idea: one cask, long maturation and bottling at natural cask strength. Distilled on 8 July 1998 and bottled in 2023, it captures 24 years of development while keeping the individual identity of cask #5944 firmly in view.
The Pedro Ximenez finish shapes the character of this release, presented at 53.9% ABV. Its profile centres on fruit, spice and a clear wood influence, giving the whisky a concentrated feel without needing to be framed as a standard distillery expression. With only 588 bottles drawn, and now down to the last bottles, availability is naturally limited.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Benriach we like to introduce to customers who enjoy whiskies with a (…)Benriach 22y Albariza
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Benriach 22y Albariza
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Benriach 22y Albariza is a 22-year-old Speyside single malt with a distinctive sherry-led depth. Distilled and bottled by BenRiach, it has been finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, adding a rich, fruity sweetness to the robust peated BenRiach style described in the product information.
The name Albariza refers to the white marl soil of Andalusia, made up of calcium, clay and marine fossils, used for growing grapes destined for sherry production. It gives the whisky a meaningful connection to the Pedro Ximenez world rather than making the cask finish feel like a simple technical detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone interested in the meeting point between mature single malt, sherry sweetness and peat (…)Big Peat Feis Ile 2026 No Gitfbox (Douglas Laing Regional Malts)
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Big Peat Feis Ile 2026 No Gitfbox (Douglas Laing Regional Malts)
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Big Peat Fèis Ìle 2026 is a limited Islay release created for the island's famous whisky festival. As a blended malt, it brings together single malts from some of Islay's most renowned distilleries, carrying the bold smoky identity that defines Big Peat.
For this special edition, the whisky was finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. That extra maturation adds richness and depth around the peat smoke, giving the whisky a darker, more generous side while keeping its Islay backbone firmly in place.
Bottled by Douglas Laing as part of the Regional Malts range, it comes at natural cask strength, 52.6%, with no colouring and no chill filtration. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we highlight for drinkers who enjoy powerful, (…)Bowmore 1997 25y If (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Bowmore 1997 25y If (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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This Bowmore 1997 from Alistair Walker's Infrequent Flyers range is a release with a very clear sense of place and selection. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2022, it spent 25 years maturing before receiving a Pedro Ximenez finish, adding a richer dimension to Bowmore's Islay malt character.
Alistair Walker created Infrequent Flyers after two decades in the whisky world, becoming an independent bottler in 2018. His philosophy is deliberately straightforward: select excellent casks, often from distilleries or parcels that are seen less frequently. This Bowmore follows that idea closely. It is a single cask release, bottled at cask strength, with only 299 bottles produced. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they show one particular cask rather (…)Bushmills Black Bush 80% Px Single Malt / 20% Small Batch Grain 1l Tube Incl.
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Bushmills Black Bush 80% Px Single Malt / 20% Small Batch Grain 1l Tube Incl.
In stock
Bushmills Black Bush is an Irish blended whiskey built around a notably high malt component. According to the product name, it combines 80% PX single malt with 20% small batch grain, with a Pedro Ximenez finish giving the whiskey an extra layer of character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Irish blend we would point out to someone looking for more than simple smoothness. The profile leans clearly towards fruit and spice, with lighter touches of wood and a subtle floral edge. At 40%, it remains approachable, yet the malt-led composition gives it a more defined personality.
The one-litre bottle also makes it a practical choice for keeping a dependable Irish whiskey at home. There is no age statement here; the interest lies instead in the way the (…)Caol Ila 2010 14y #311745 (Berry Bros)
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Caol Ila 2010 14y #311745 (Berry Bros)
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Caol Ila 2010 14y #311745 comes from Berry Bros & Rudd's Coasts & Shores series, a range built around distilleries shaped by remarkable coastal settings. Caol Ila fits that theme naturally. The distillery sits near Port Askaig on Islay's east coast, sheltered from the Atlantic, in a place where sea air and peat are part of the whisky's identity rather than decorative details.
Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2024, this single malt spent 14 years maturing. It began in a 1st fill hogshead before being finished in an active Pedro Ximenez cask. That finish brings a darker, sweeter dimension to the whisky, giving the coastal and smoky Caol Ila style a layer of raisined richness and deeper sweetness.
As a single cask release with only a small outturn, this (…)Deanston 2012 13y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Deanston 2012 13y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
In stock
Deanston 2012 13y Awwif shows a dark, generous side of Highland single malt. Bottled by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series, it comes from a single cask and is presented at cask strength, with an ABV of 57.9%.
The defining element here is the five-year finish in a Pedro Ximenez puncheon. That extended finish gives the whisky its deep fruit richness, velvety texture and warming spice. Rather than feeling light or delicate, it sits firmly in a full, concentrated style with a strong PX influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a Highland malt with real weight, dark fruit and a carefully handled sweet-spiced edge. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has the appeal of a release (…)Dewar's Double Double Aged 32y 50cl Incl. Box
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Dewar's Double Double Aged 32y 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Dewar's Double Double Aged 32y is a Scottish blended whisky built around maturity. With 32 years of age and a Pedro Ximenez finish, it presents itself as a composed, developed style where wood, fruit and spice form the main thread.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers looking for an older blended Scotch with a clear cask-finished identity. Its 46% strength gives it enough presence, while the 50cl bottle size suits the idea of a whisky to open thoughtfully and taste with attention.
The profile points toward pronounced fruit, spice and wood, supported by a lighter floral side and a gentle touch of peat. It is a mature Dewar's expression for drinkers who appreciate depth in a blend without needing one single flavour (…)Dufftown 2010 15y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Dufftown 2010 15y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
In stock
Dufftown 2010 15y Awwif shows a generous, deeply flavoured side of Speyside single malt. Distilled at Dufftown in 2010 and bottled by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series, it is built around the individuality of a single cask rather than a broad house style.
The defining element here is the five-year finish in a Pedro Ximénez puncheon. That finish gives the whisky its dark, lavish and patisserie-like feel, with a full texture and an aromatic intensity that suits its 55.7% cask strength presentation. It is a bottling with plenty of presence, yet its appeal lies just as much in the richness of detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show a very specific snapshot of maturation. In this case, Dufftown is (…)Glencadam 17y 2006 Pedro Ximenez Sherry Tube Incl.
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Glencadam 17y 2006 Pedro Ximenez Sherry Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam 17y 2006 Pedro Ximenez Sherry is a Highland single malt built around depth and cask influence. It matured in bourbon casks before being finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry quarter casks, a detail that helps explain the whisky's rich and intense direction.
The character sits firmly in the darker, more generous register: fruit, spice and wood all have a clear presence, while peat smoke is not part of the picture. Bottling at 46% gives the whisky enough structure to carry its sweeter, dessert-like notes without making the strength the main point.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glencadam that speaks to drinkers looking for a Highland malt with a pronounced PX finish. With 17 years of maturation and 4188 bottles released, it feels like a (…)Glenlossie 2009 16y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Glenlossie 2009 16y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
Glenlossie 2009 16y is a Speyside single malt bottled by Alistair Walker as part of the Infrequent Flyers series. The series is built around carefully selected casks and bold maturation choices, and in this case the focus is squarely on Pedro Ximénez cask finishing.
Distilled on 29 January 2009 and bottled on 1 March 2025, this whisky spent 16 years maturing. The PX finish lasted 1 year and 5 months: intense enough to bring deep, dessert-like richness, yet handled in a way that does not cover the underlying malt character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Glenlossie stands out as a small and specific release: a single cask bottling of 354 bottles, presented at 54.7%. With the last bottles now available, it feels very much like a particular snapshot of (…)Inchgower 2008 15y If (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Inchgower 2008 15y If (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
Only 2 left in stock!
Inchgower 2008 15y IF is a good example of why independent bottlings can be so rewarding. Alistair Walker's Infrequent Flyers label focuses on casks from distilleries that are not always in the spotlight, provided the quality is there. With Inchgower, that approach feels very fitting: this is a Speyside single malt more often heard of in context than encountered as a standalone bottle.
Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2023, it spent 15 years maturing before being released as a single cask at cask strength. Only 555 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it has the quiet appeal of a limited release rather than a broad, permanent expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for whisky drinkers who enjoy exploring beyond the most (…)Jura The Road 1l
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Jura The Road 1l
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Jura The Road 1l is a Scottish single malt from Jura with the focus placed on style rather than an age statement. Its Pedro Ximenez finish gives the whisky a fruit-led direction, while oak and spice sit more gently in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Jura we would point out to someone looking for a single malt with a clear cask influence but without a heavy or smoky profile. At 43.6%, it has a little more presence than a standard lower-strength bottling, while keeping the emphasis on approachability and flavour.
The one-litre bottle makes it a generous format, and with the last bottles now in stock, it has become a more temporary feature in our range. Its appeal lies in that combination of Jura origin, Pedro Ximenez finishing and a (…)Jura The Sound 1l
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Jura The Sound 1l
Very last one in stock!
Jura The Sound 1l is a Scottish single malt from Jura, bottled at 42.5% and finished in Pedro Ximenez casks. Rather than focusing on an age statement, it draws attention to its island origin, its litre format and that particular cask finish.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to customers looking for a Jura with several gentle flavour accents rather than one dominant direction. The supplied profile indicates light fruit, spice, wood and a modest peated note, giving the whisky a measured and varied character.
With only the last bottles remaining, Jura The Sound has a slightly more fleeting place on the shelf, especially for those interested in this Pedro Ximenez-finished expression from Jura. Additional information about (…)Knockando 2008 #103 Sv (Signatory - Cask Collection)
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Knockando 2008 #103 Sv (Signatory - Cask Collection)
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Knockando 2008 #103 Sv is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: one individual cask, 16 years of maturation and a cask strength bottling at 51.6%. Released by Signatory as part of the Cask Collection, it received a Pedro Ximenez finish, reinforcing the fruit and wood-led direction shown in its profile.
Distilled on 5 December 2008 and bottled on 7 February 2025, this is a tightly limited release of 333 bottles. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it gives a focused view of one selected cask from Knockando.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of bottling is appreciated for exactly that sense of detail: clear origin, independent selection and limited availability. With only the last bottles remaining, this release has become an (…)Knockdhu 2013 10y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Knockdhu 2013 10y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Knockdhu 2013 10 Year Old from Alistair Walker is a Highland single malt bottled as part of the Infrequent Flyers range. As a single cask release, it is less about a broad house style and more about one particular cask, captured at cask strength.
The Pedro Ximenez finish gives this bottling a clear direction. Rather than a restrained profile, it moves towards darker fruit, chocolate notes and warming spice, with the 59.2% strength keeping the whisky firm and expressive.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with the more characterful limited releases. Only 640 bottles were drawn from the cask, and with the last bottles now available, this Knockdhu feels like a specific snapshot of its 2013 to 2023 maturation that cannot be repeated in (…)Laphroaig Px Cask 1l Incl. Box
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Laphroaig Px Cask 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Laphroaig Px Cask 1l brings together an Islay single malt identity with a Pedro Ximenez finish. The supplied profile points to a whisky led by peat, saltiness and spice, with a clear wood presence and a lighter fruity side in support.
Bottled at 48%, it has enough strength to carry that assertive style. The PX cask finish adds an extra maturation accent, while the central impression remains firmly shaped by smoke, salinity and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Laphroaig we would place in front of someone who enjoys Islay whisky with pronounced cask influence, yet still wants the coastal, peated character to stay at the centre.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.laphroaig.com/
The (…)Mortlach 2016 10y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Mortlach 2016 10y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Mortlach 2016 10y is a Speyside single malt bottled by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage 100 proof range. It keeps the focus clear: a 10-year-old Mortlach, distilled in 2016, bottled at 57.1% and given a Pedro Ximenez finish.
The appeal here lies in that combination of independent bottling, firm strength and a finishing cask that adds another layer to the whisky's profile. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a Speyside single malt with a more pronounced, full-strength presentation.
With only the last bottles remaining, this Mortlach also has the feel of a release that belongs to a specific moment. A defined Signatory bottling rather than a permanent expression, and that is part of its (…)Octomore 12.3
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Octomore 12.3
On request only
Octomore 12.3 is an Islay single malt with a very clear sense of direction: peat, strength and a salty edge. In the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Bruichladdich stands out through its combination of 5 years of age, 62.1% alcohol and a heavily peated profile.
The Pedro Ximenez finish adds another layer to the whisky without taking attention away from its smoke-driven nature. Peat is the leading element here, supported by noticeable spice and salinity, while fruit plays a lighter, secondary role.
With the last bottles now in focus, Octomore 12.3 is especially relevant for drinkers looking for a powerful Islay whisky with a defined cask-finish accent. It is not a quiet dram; it is built around intensity, concentration and a firm peated identity.
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.
