Whisky
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Arran 10y Tube Incl.
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Arran 10y Tube Incl.
| 1 review
In stockArran 10y is a clear example of the fresh, lively single malt style associated with the Isle of Arran. It is built around vanilla and citrus, with a soft, easy-flowing feel that makes the whisky approachable without becoming plain.
The combination of sherry and bourbon casks brings sweetness, fruit and a gentle touch of spice, while the overall impression remains clean rather than smoky. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as one of those Scottish single malts that earns its place through clarity: bright fruit, a floral lift, soft oak and enough structure to keep the glass interesting.
Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its flavours well, while staying smooth and lively in style. Additional information can be found at (…)Glengoyne 10y Incl. Box
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Glengoyne 10y Incl. Box
In stock
Glengoyne 10y is a Highland single malt built around clarity rather than weight. It shows a bright golden character, with fresh green apple, toffee and a gentle nutty note giving it an immediate, easy-to-read charm.
Maturation in sherry and bourbon casks adds a rounded sweetness while keeping the whisky clean and malt-driven. The soft touch of oak stays in the background, supporting the fruit and malt rather than taking over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is one of those approachable Scottish single malts we like to introduce when someone wants freshness, gentle sweetness and a tidy, mellow finish in the glass.
On the nose, Glengoyne 10y starts sweet, with aromas of coffee and popcorn alongside a lightly nutty impression. Fresh green apple (…)Miyagikyo Single Malt Incl. Box
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Miyagikyo Single Malt Incl. Box
In stock
Miyagikyo Single Malt is made in Japan's Miyagi prefecture, in a valley where the Hirosegawa and Nikkagawa rivers meet. Masataka Taketsuru regarded this setting as an especially fitting place for single malt whisky, with pure water, fresh air and natural humidity shaping the distillery's environment.
The house style is built around a lighter, cleaner spirit. Upward-sloping lyne arms on the stills help give Miyagikyo its elegant and fruity direction. The malt used combines lightly peated and unpeated barley, though peat never takes over the whisky's personality.
Introduced in 2016 as the successor to the former age-stated standard expression, this release quickly found its audience thanks to its aromatic precision and direct, graceful style. At Drankenshop (…)Yoichi Single Malt Incl. Box
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Yoichi Single Malt Incl. Box
In stock
Yoichi Single Malt is a Japanese single malt with a clearly defined personality. It is made at the original Nikka distillery and brings together whiskies of different ages, so the focus is less on an age statement and more on the distinctive Yoichi style.
A key part of that style comes from coal-fired pot still distillation. It gives the whisky its smoky, maritime edge while allowing the fruit to remain present. Sherry and bourbon casks add structure to that profile, supporting the interplay between fruit, gentle peat, spice and smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Yoichi Single Malt is the kind of Japanese whisky we like to introduce to customers who want something with a little more tension and depth. It has power and smoke, but it keeps enough fruit and (…)Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 14
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Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 14
In stock
Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 14 is a strong example of how Glengyle Distillery brings powerful peat together with the distinctive Campbeltown style. The malt is peated to around 45 ppm, yet the whisky is not simply about smoke. The oily, maritime and refined Kilkerran character remains firmly in place.
Maturation took place in 90% bourbon casks and 10% sherry casks, giving this batch a mix of freshness, sweet malt and added depth. Bottled at cask strength at 58.3%, without chill filtration and without added colouring, it comes across as a direct and energetic expression of the Heavily Peated series.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to drinkers who enjoy Campbeltown single malt in a more intense, smoky form. With the (…)Armorik Classic Incl. Box
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Armorik Classic Incl. Box
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Armorik Classic is a good reminder that French single malt has its own story to tell. Warenghem Distillery began producing whisky in 1987, drawing on Celtic traditions, and this Classic release brings that background into a fresh, fruit-led style.
Matured for more than five years in bourbon and sherry casks, bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered, it keeps the focus on texture and natural character. The fruit sits at the centre, with ripe apple, star anise and dried fruits giving it a lively, gently spiced edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Armorik Classic as a fine example of a French single malt that stands confidently on its own terms. With only the last bottles remaining, it is a particularly nice moment to discover this expression while it is still (…)Highland Park 10y Incl. Box
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Highland Park 10y Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Highland Park 10y is a Scottish single malt from Orkney, bottled at 40%. The essentials are straightforward but meaningful: a ten-year-old Highland Park with a clearly stated island origin and a maturation background that includes sherry and bourbon casks.
Rather than presenting itself as a heavy or highly forceful whisky, the available profile points to a more restrained direction, with light floral, fruity and spicy elements. The cask information gives it context without turning the whisky into a technical exercise.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a clear and approachable way to discover Highland Park in a 10-year-old expression: Scottish single malt, Orkney character, and a flavour profile that stays on the subtle side.
The (…)Dalmore 12y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Dalmore 12y is a Highland single malt built around a thoughtful combination of bourbon and sherry cask maturation. It starts life in bourbon casks, after which half of the whisky is moved into sherry casks. The two parts are then brought back together, giving this 12-year-old its polished classic style with both strength and elegance.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to use when explaining how cask influence shapes a single malt. The bourbon-matured part keeps the whisky malt-driven and approachable in structure, while the sherry casks add depth through wood, cocoa, orange and spice.
There is no peat smoke at the centre of the experience here. Dalmore 12y leans instead towards malt, fruit, a clear wood influence and a spicy finish. (…)Tomatin Cask Strength Incl. Box
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Tomatin Cask Strength Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Tomatin Cask Strength presents this Highland single malt in a more powerful, direct form. Bottled at 57.5% ABV, it keeps the emphasis on cask strength intensity rather than on a softened or diluted style.
The combination of sherry and bourbon casks shapes the whisky's profile, with fruit and spice as the main points of reference and a lighter touch of wood in the background. As a no age statement release, it is less about a number on the label and more about strength, cask influence and style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Tomatin we would point out to someone looking for a Highland single malt with more weight and a clearer cask-driven presence, without peat smoke or saline notes taking the lead.
Additional information about (…)Glen Garioch 12y Incl. Box
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Glen Garioch 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Glen Garioch 12y is a Highland single malt shaped by age, cask influence and a clear sense of Scotch whisky tradition. Its twelve years of maturation give it time to develop, while the use of sherry and bourbon casks points to a profile where fruit, gentle spice and a light touch of wood sit at the centre.
At 48% alcohol, it carries a little more weight than many standard releases, without moving into a peated style. The supplied profile places the emphasis away from smoke and towards malt, maturation and cask character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a worthwhile Glen Garioch for drinkers looking for a Highland single malt with an age statement, a sherry and bourbon cask background, and a flavour direction that stays clear rather than smoky.
Ledaig 12y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
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Ledaig 12y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
In stock
Ledaig 12 Years Old from Gordon & MacPhail shows the smoky side of Mull in a very direct way. As part of the Discovery range, it is built around a clear flavour direction, giving drinkers an approachable introduction to a peated single malt style shaped by maturation in sherry and bourbon casks.
The appeal here lies in the contrast between smoke and sweetness. Peat smoke comes first, followed by toffee, baked apple, stewed fruit, sultanas, currants and milk chocolate. There is also a coastal, lightly salty edge, so the whisky keeps a sense of place rather than becoming purely sweet or dessert-like.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this Ledaig among the single malts for those who enjoy a smouldering campfire note with added fruit and cask (…)Loch Lomond Signature Incl. Box
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Loch Lomond Signature Incl. Box
In stock
Loch Lomond Signature is a Scottish blended whisky from the Highlands, bottled at 40%. Rather than focusing on an age statement, it presents itself through its blend and cask background, with sherry and bourbon casks shaping the style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a approachable way to explore Loch Lomond in a gentle, non-peated direction. The profile stays on the lighter side, with fruity, floral and mildly spiced accents, while smoke, salinity and heavy wood are not defining elements here.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.lochlomondwhiskies.com/
Loch Lomond Signature shows a lightly fruity, gently floral and subtly spiced profile. Peat smoke, salinity and strong wood influence are not prominent, (…)Mortlach 12y Incl. Box
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Mortlach 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Mortlach 12y is a Speyside single malt built around maturation and measured depth. Aged for 12 years in sherry and bourbon casks, it leans clearly towards a fruit-driven style, with wood and spice playing a supporting role rather than dominating the whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits naturally among Scottish single malts for drinkers who want cask influence and Speyside character without peat smoke taking over. At 43.4% alcohol, it remains composed, while the combination of cask types gives the whisky enough structure to keep it engaging.
The appeal of Mortlach 12y lies in that combination of fruit, gentle wood influence and restrained spice. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.mortlach.com/
*Vintage* Ardbeg 1973-1988 Duthie Samaroli 20th Anniversary Bottling
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*Vintage* Ardbeg 1973-1988 Duthie Samaroli 20th Anniversary Bottling
Very last one in stock!
The name of this Vintage Ardbeg 1973-1988 Duthie Samaroli 20th Anniversary Bottling already tells you that this is far removed from a standard Islay single malt. Ardbeg, a 1973 distillation date and an anniversary bottling under the Duthie Samaroli name all point to a release with real historical weight.
Bottled at 57%, it has a firm, powerful presentation. The sherry and bourbon cask background supports a profile where peat, spice and fruit are clearly present, with lighter touches of salt, floral nuance and wood in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this sit in a very specific corner of the whisky selection: limited, serious and made for those who appreciate the story behind a vintage release. With only 540 bottles produced, collector (…)Aberlour 12y
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Aberlour 12y
In stock
Aberlour 12y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland, shaped by maturation in sherry and bourbon casks. Rather than leaning on peat or coastal character, its profile is built around clear spice, supported by lighter fruit, floral notes and a gentle touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a useful whisky for anyone exploring the more cask-influenced side of Speyside single malt. The 12-year age statement gives it a classic sense of maturity, while the 40% strength keeps the presentation approachable and focused.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.aberlour.com/
Aberlour 12y shows a flavour profile led by spice. Fruit and floral notes sit more lightly in the background, with a modest wood influence (…)Aberlour 16y Double Cask Tube Incl.
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Aberlour 16y Double Cask Tube Incl.
In stock
Aberlour 16y Double Cask is a Speyside single malt built around time and cask influence. Sixteen years of maturation give the whisky room to develop, while the combination of sherry and bourbon casks points to a style where fruit, spice and oak take the lead rather than peat or salinity.
The Double Cask name is more than a technical detail here. It frames the whisky's personality: sherry cask richness on one side, bourbon cask wood influence on the other. That makes this Aberlour a good example of a mature Scottish single malt where the interest comes from cask layering and patience, not from smoke-driven power.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for customers looking for a 16-year-old single malt with clear maturation character and a composed (…)Aberlour Casg Annamh
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Aberlour Casg Annamh
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Aberlour Casg Annamh is a Speyside single malt shaped around cask influence rather than an age statement. The use of sherry and bourbon casks gives this whisky its central direction, bringing together gentle fruit, spice, wood and a light floral side without pushing one element too far forward.
At 48% alcohol, Casg Annamh has enough strength to carry that cask-driven style with confidence. The available flavour profile points away from peat smoke or salinity and towards a cleaner, unpeated Speyside interpretation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Aberlour as a fitting choice for those exploring Speyside single malt with both sherry and bourbon cask influence, especially when the attraction lies in nuance rather than heavy smoke.
More (…)Aberlour Triple Cask
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Aberlour Triple Cask
In stock
Aberlour Triple Cask is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with the cask influence placed firmly at the centre of the style. The name points towards layered maturation, while the supplied cask information highlights sherry and bourbon as key influences in the whisky's make-up.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Aberlour we would introduce as approachable in structure, yet still clearly shaped by flavour. The profile leans towards fruit and spice, with wood playing a lighter supporting role rather than dominating the whisky. Bottled at 40%, it sits in a familiar and easy-going single malt style.
For drinkers looking for Speyside character without peat smoke, Aberlour Triple Cask offers a fruit-and-spice driven take on the house style.
Adelphi's Highland Malt 10y (Adelphi's Regional Range)
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Adelphi's Highland Malt 10y (Adelphi's Regional Range)
On request only
Adelphi's Highland Malt 10y is a Scottish single malt from Teaninich distillery in the Northern Highlands. As part of Adelphi's Regional Range, it feels very much like a bottling chosen for its sense of place and distillery character rather than for broad commercial styling.
Matured for 10 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, it brings together gentle malt, light fruit and a restrained sherry influence. The wood remains supportive rather than dominant, helped by Adelphi's careful cask selection. Bottled at 46%, without chill filtration and without added colouring, it keeps close to the natural profile of the whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like releases such as this because they show how nuanced a Highland single malt can be when it is (…)Adelphi's Private Stock Reserve Blend (Adelphi's Regional Range)
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Adelphi's Private Stock Reserve Blend (Adelphi's Regional Range)
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Adelphi's Private Stock Reserve Blend is a blended Scotch built around selected malt and grain whiskies matured in bourbon and sherry casks. The emphasis is not on showy intensity, but on a dependable, well-composed style with an easy flow.
What gives this blend its appeal is Adelphi's approach. It is bottled with the same care the bottler applies to its single malts, so the whisky feels considered rather than anonymous. Fruit, gentle vanilla, light malt and soft wood notes form the core of its character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Scotch blend we place in front of someone looking for a smooth, neatly made whisky with a touch of cask influence and no need for complication. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that is (…)Adelphi's Speyside Malt 10y (Adelphi's Regional Range)
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Adelphi's Speyside Malt 10y (Adelphi's Regional Range)
On request only
Adelphi's Speyside Malt 10y is a Scottish single malt with a clear focus on the softer, fruit-led side of Speyside. The whisky comes from Glen Elgin distillery, in the heart of the region, and is bottled by Adelphi as part of its Regional Range. Bottled in small batches, it feels more like a carefully selected view of Speyside than a broad regional label.
The 10 years of maturation in bourbon casks and refill sherry casks are handled with restraint. The cask influence supports the spirit rather than covering it: fruit comes first, followed by vanilla, light honey and a quiet touch of oak. The refill sherry element adds dried-fruit depth without pushing the whisky into a heavier style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Speyside malt we like for its (…)Amrut Greedy Angels 12y
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Amrut Greedy Angels 12y
Only 2 left in stock!
Amrut Greedy Angels 12y is an Indian single malt with a very clear sense of presence. Bottled at 60% cask strength and drawn from a single cask, it is a release with real focus. Only 240 bottles were produced, so this is not a whisky intended to be permanently available.
The 12 years of maturation, together with the stated sherry and bourbon influence, gives the whisky a generous framework. Its flavour profile is led by fruit, with wood and spice clearly in support. Rather than a soft, understated style, this is a whisky built around intensity and concentration.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits nicely among the more distinctive single malts for drinkers who enjoy exploring beyond the familiar whisky regions. With the last bottles now available, (…)Ardbeg 19y Traigh Bhan 3rd Edition
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Ardbeg 19y Traigh Bhan 3rd Edition
In stock
Ardbeg 19y Traigh Bhan 3rd Edition is a mature Islay single malt with a strong sense of identity. As the third edition of Traigh Bhan, aged for 19 years and distilled on 10 October 2001, it speaks to a very specific chapter in Ardbeg's range.
The combination of sherry and bourbon casks frames the whisky without taking away its Islay voice. Peat smoke, salinity and spice sit at the centre of the profile, while fruit and oak remain more restrained, adding support rather than changing the direction of the whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Ardbeg we would present to someone looking for a more mature and collectable release rather than a standard bottle for casual pouring. With the last bottles available, the third edition of Traigh Bhan has a (…)Ardbeg 19y Traigh Bhan 4th Edition
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Ardbeg 19y Traigh Bhan 4th Edition
In stock
Ardbeg 19y Traigh Bhan 4th Edition is a mature Islay single malt built around age, origin and cask influence. Distilled in 2003 and bottled at 46.2%, it sits in a more developed register than younger, more immediate Islay whiskies, while still keeping the island identity clearly in view.
The maturation brings together sherry and bourbon casks, giving the whisky a broader frame for its peat and spice. The supplied profile points to those two elements as the most expressive, with lighter touches of fruit, floral character, wood and salinity around them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Ardbeg release that speaks to customers looking for a more aged Islay bottling with a defined sense of place. With only the last bottles indicated, it is not (…)
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.
