Whisky
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Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
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Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
In stock
Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast is an Islay single malt with a very direct sense of style. The name says a great deal already: Smokehead brings its smoky island character together with a sherry cask finish, bottled at a confident 48% ABV.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky that stands out for its clear personality rather than for a long list of technical details. There is no age statement here; the focus is on impact, with peat, saltiness and spice taking the lead, while fruit and wood play a supporting role.
Bottled by Ian Macleod under the Smokehead label, it presents a modern, assertive take on Islay single malt. It is not a quiet whisky: the emphasis is on smoke, maritime tension and the extra depth brought by the sherry finish.
Armorik Double Maturation Incl. Box
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Armorik Double Maturation Incl. Box
In stock
Armorik Double Maturation is a French single malt from Brittany, shaped by a clear focus on maturation. It spends at least five years in Armorik's traditional oak casks, followed by a few months of finishing in sherry casks. That second stage gives the whisky its name and adds a spiced, fruity dimension while keeping its distinctive Breton identity in view.
Bottled at 46%, it is presented with enough strength to carry its aromatic richness. The result is a whisky with a fresh and fruit-led opening, supported by wood influence and a more seasoned, characterful side as it develops in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who enjoy exploring single malt beyond the familiar regions. As these are the last (…)Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered (Signatory) Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered is a Highland single malt bottled by Signatory and finished in sherry casks. At 46%, and presented within the Unchill Filtered range, it sits in that appealing space where the whisky remains approachable while still carrying the identity of an independent bottling.
Distilled in 2016 and matured for 10 years, this release brings together the Highland origin, Signatory's selection and the extra dimension of a sherry finish. The available profile points away from peat or coastal saltiness and more towards a measured combination of fruit, gentle spice, light wood and a floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to show to customers who enjoy discovering a distillery through an independent (…)Glenfiddich 15y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 15y Incl. Box
In stock
Glenfiddich 15y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland, built around maturity and a gentle sense of refinement. Its 15 years of ageing give it a more developed place within the Glenfiddich range, while the sherry finish adds an extra layer to the whisky's character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for customers looking for a familiar Scottish single malt with a little more depth. The profile is lightly fruity and softly spiced, with no pronounced peated direction, making the sherry influence part of the story rather than the whole story.
Bottled at 40%, Glenfiddich 15y keeps a smooth and approachable presentation. It is especially interesting for drinkers who enjoy Speyside malt and want a whisky where age and sherry finishing bring (…)Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky finished in sherry casks. That sherry finish is the detail that gives this bottling its direction: gentle wood influence, a touch of spice and a modest fruity side, rather than a smoky or heavily peated style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for drinkers who enjoy a polished Speyside character with an added layer from the cask finish. Nothing in the supplied profile points to excess; the emphasis is on restraint, balance and a smooth drinking impression.
Bottled at 43%, it keeps an approachable feel while still carrying enough presence for unhurried tasting. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.glenfiddich.com/
The (…)Redbreast Lustau Sherry Finish Incl. Box
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Redbreast Lustau Sherry Finish Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Redbreast Lustau Sherry Finish is an Irish pure pot still whiskey shaped by its sherry-finish character. The name itself puts that Lustau Sherry Finish at the centre, pointing towards a style where fruit and spice are more prominent than peat, smoke or coastal saltiness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Redbreast for customers who want an Irish whiskey with a more pronounced cask influence. There is no age statement here; the focus is instead on the combination of Irish origin, pure pot still style, sherry finishing and a bottling strength of 46%.
The profile is not built around heavy wood. The cask influence supports the whiskey, while the main impression remains fruity and spicy, giving this release a clear identity within the broader Irish (…)Glen Scotia Double Cask Incl. Box
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Glen Scotia Double Cask Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Glen Scotia Double Cask is a Scottish single malt from Campbeltown, shaped around cask influence and finished in sherry casks. Rather than relying on an age statement, it presents itself through style, origin and the character suggested by that finishing period.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glen Scotia we like to point out to customers who are curious about Campbeltown single malt but are not necessarily looking for peat, salinity or a heavily oaked whisky. The available flavour profile points instead towards lighter floral, fruity and spicy touches, keeping the whisky on a more open and approachable path.
At 46% alcohol, Glen Scotia Double Cask has enough strength to carry its character without feeling defined by sheer power. The sherry (…)Aberfeldy 16y Incl. Box
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Aberfeldy 16y Incl. Box
Temporarily sold out
Aberfeldy 16y is a Highland single malt with a calm, well-composed feel. Sixteen years of age give it a sense of development, while the sherry finish adds an extra dimension without turning it into a heavy or overly woody whisky. Fruit is the main thread here, supported by gentle wood and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for someone looking for a Scotch single malt with maturity and a sherry-influenced touch, but without peat smoke or salty edges. It has a polished, fruit-led style that remains measured and easy to understand.
Bottled at 40%, Aberfeldy 16y keeps its character approachable, allowing the Highland origin and sherry finish to come through in a balanced way. Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Aberfeldy 25y 125th Anniversary Incl. Box
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Aberfeldy 25y 125th Anniversary Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Aberfeldy 25y 125th Anniversary is a Highland single malt with a clear sense of occasion. The name carries the main message: a 25-year-old Aberfeldy released around a 125th anniversary, giving the bottle a more commemorative feel than a regular age-stated expression.
Its long maturation is the foundation, while the sherry finish points the whisky towards a fruit-led and spiced style, with wood playing a lighter supporting role. Bottled at 46%, it sits in a serious but approachable strength range, allowing the character of the whisky to remain the focus.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Aberfeldy we would place in front of someone looking for an older Scottish single malt with a refined Highland identity and a special-release context. It is not (…)Aberlour 18y Double Sherry Cask Finish Tube Incl.
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Aberlour 18y Double Sherry Cask Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Aberlour 18y Double Sherry Cask Finish presents a mature Speyside single malt built around sherry cask influence. The name says a great deal already: this is an 18-year-old Aberlour where the sherry finish is not a background detail, but part of the whisky's identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this in front of someone looking for Scotch single malt with a clearly fruity and spiced direction, rather than peat or coastal sharpness. The profile points to fruit and spice as the main impressions, supported by a lighter touch of wood and a subtle floral side.
Bottled at 43%, it keeps a classic strength while offering the combination of age, Speyside origin and sherry finishing that many drinkers associate with Aberlour's style.
Aberlour 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Aberlour 2013 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Aberlour 2013 12 Year Old brings forward the richer, sherry-influenced side of this Speyside single malt. Coming from the distillery at the foot of Ben Rinnes, it has the full-bodied tone described for Aberlour, with maturation playing a central role in its personality.
Distilled on 13 June 2013 and bottled on 1 October 2025, this release was selected by The Nectar for the Daily Dram series. It comes from a single cask, bottled at cask strength at 55.5%, with a sherry finish adding depth to the whisky. Only 300 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, it has a naturally limited feel within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
What stands out is the meeting of fruit, spice and wood, without peat or salty notes taking the lead. That keeps (…)Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Incl. Box
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Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Incl. Box
On request only
Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: distilled on 26 July 2000, bottled on 13 August 2021 and drawn from a single cask. That gives this whisky a sense of place and time rather than the feel of a broad, standard release.
Bottled by Signatory for the Cask Collection, it comes at cask strength, 52.4%, with a sherry finish shaping its direction. Only 703 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now available, it has become one of those whiskies at Drankenshop Broekmans that speaks to drinkers who enjoy a precise, limited Speyside bottling.
Its profile points towards clear wood and spice, supported by lighter fruity and floral notes. There is no peated or salty emphasis here; the focus is on cask influence, (…)Amrut Bagheera 50cl Incl. Box
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Amrut Bagheera 50cl Incl. Box
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Amrut Bagheera is an Indian single malt with a name that immediately sets a mood: Bagheera means black panther in Hindi. It is a fitting image for a whisky that combines fruit, sherry influence and a measured smoky edge with a certain dark elegance.
Its character starts with an unusual detail in the malt composition: 99% unpeated malt and just 1% peated malt. That small peated element still makes itself known in the glass, adding smoke and tension without taking over the fruitier, sweeter side of the whisky.
The sherry finish brings extra depth, drawing out dried fruit, caramel and nutty notes. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we appreciate Bagheera for that interplay: it is not a whisky built around heavy peat, but one where a touch of smoke gives shape and (…)Amrut Fusion X
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Amrut Fusion X
Only 3 left in stock!
Amrut Fusion X is an Indian single malt whisky with the feel of a deliberately limited release. Only 1010 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now available, it carries a sense of scarcity that sets it apart from a regular core-range whisky.
Bottled at 50% ABV and finished in sherry casks, it focuses attention on style and cask finishing rather than on an age statement. This is a no-age-statement whisky where the interest lies in the chosen presentation and the particular release itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Amrut Fusion X sits naturally among distinctive single malts for drinkers who enjoy exploring limited bottlings. The combination of Amrut, Indian origin, sherry finish, higher bottling strength and a run of just 1010 bottles gives it (…)Amrut Master Distillers Reserve Incl. Box
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Amrut Master Distillers Reserve Incl. Box
In stock
Amrut Master Distillers Reserve shows Indian single malt through the lens of one individual cask. Bottled at 50% and finished in sherry cask, it feels more like a focused cask selection than a broad, everyday expression.
The profile is led by wood and spice, with fruit playing a quieter supporting role and a light touch of peat in the background. The sherry finish adds an extra cask dimension, but the available information points more towards structure and spice than towards an overtly sweet or heavily fruity whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, single cask releases like this are valued for the way they capture one particular side of a distillery. With only the last bottles remaining, this Amrut has the appeal of a limited snapshot: no age statement, but a clear (…)Ardbeg Smoketrails 1st Edition Manzanilla 1l Travel Retail
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Ardbeg Smoketrails 1st Edition Manzanilla 1l Travel Retail
In stock
Ardbeg Smoketrails 1st Edition Manzanilla is an Islay single malt with a clear sense of place: peat smoke and a salty edge sit at the heart of the whisky. The Manzanilla name points to a sherry finish, giving this release a different angle from a style built solely around smoke.
Bottled at 46% and presented as a one-litre Travel Retail edition, it carries no age statement. That puts the focus firmly on origin, cask influence and flavour direction. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as an Ardbeg release for those who appreciate the distillery's smoky Islay side, with fruit and gentle spice playing a supporting role through the sherry finish.
As the first edition of Smoketrails and now down to the last bottles, it has become a more limited find. Its appeal (…)Armorik 10y
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Armorik 10y
On request only
Armorik 10y is a French single malt with a genuine anniversary background. Armorik released its first single malt in 1999, and this 10-year-old edition was created to mark twenty years of experience, placing the distillery's know-how at the centre of the release.
Its maturation gives the whisky much of its shape. Time in bourbon casks is followed by an oloroso sherry cask finish, bringing extra roundness to a fruit-led style with gentle spice and a light floral accent. There is no peat-driven or heavily woody direction here; the focus sits more naturally on fruit, pastry-like warmth and liveliness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Armorik stands out as a limited release of 2000 bottles, now down to its final bottles. It is a popular French single malt with a (…)Armorik 15y 2022
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Armorik 15y 2022
On request only
Armorik 15y 2022 is a French single malt built around maturation and cask selection. It was created as a celebration of the variety of casks ageing in the cellars of Distillerie de Warenghem, and it holds a noteworthy place in the Armorik range: it was the first French whisky to carry a 15-year age statement.
The maturation tells much of the story. The whisky spent its first 9 years in bourbon casks before being transferred to Oloroso sherry casks for a further 6 years. That extended second maturation adds depth and aromatic fullness, while the original distillate's fresh fruit character remains part of the picture. The casks were selected for their quality, reflecting the maturation know-how Armorik has built over the past two decades.
With only 1,500 (…)Armorik Double Matured Mini
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Armorik Double Matured Mini
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Armorik Double Matured Mini shows a distinctive side of French single malt whisky. It is matured for at least five years in Armorik's traditional oak casks, then given a few months of extra rest in sherry casks. That second maturation adds another layer while keeping the whisky's fresh, fruity style clearly in view.
At 46%, it is presented with the aim of bringing out the richness of its aromas. The character leans towards fruit, spice and a measured touch of wood rather than sheer weight. The producer's reference to typical Breton notes also gives this whisky a clear sense of origin within the single malt category.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this mini format is a fine way to get acquainted with Armorik Double Matured in a smaller bottle, without losing the (…)Arran 25 Years Incl. Box
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Arran 25 Years Incl. Box
In stock
Arran 25 Years is a landmark single malt from the Isle of Arran. The distillery has been producing since 1995, so a 25-year-old official bottling carries real significance: this is currently the oldest official Arran available.
It matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, a style also used in several Arran expressions to let the spirit develop over time. Bottling at 46%, without chill filtration and without added colouring, keeps the focus firmly on the whisky as it comes from maturation.
Only 3,000 bottles of this 25-year-old release are available worldwide. Arran 25 Years remains part of the core range, yet each future batch will show small differences. At Drankenshop Broekmans, that makes it especially interesting: it has the presence of an (…)Asta Ila 2008 12y (Asta Morris)
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Asta Ila 2008 12y (Asta Morris)
On request only
Asta Ila 2008 12y is a Scottish single malt from Islay with its exact distillery kept undisclosed. That gives the bottle a quiet sense of intrigue: instead of leaning on a famous name, it asks to be judged on the character of this particular release.
Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2021, it spent 12 years maturing before being drawn from a single cask. The sherry finish and cask strength bottling at 52% make this a very specific snapshot rather than a broad, standardised expression.
With 732 bottles produced and the remaining stock now marked as last bottles, it has the appeal of a clearly limited Islay release. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among whiskies for drinkers who enjoy discovering single malts beyond the most obvious distillery names.
Auchentoshan 2003 13y (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
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Auchentoshan 2003 13y (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
On request only
Auchentoshan 2003 13y is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky, independently bottled by Signatory as part of the Unchill Filtered range. That already gives it a more specialist feel: not a standard distillery release, but a selected bottling with its own presentation and point of view.
Distilled in 2003 and matured for 13 years, it was given a sherry finish before bottling. At 46% alcohol and without chill filtration, the emphasis remains on flavour and texture, while the style stays away from peat-driven weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for customers who enjoy exploring familiar distillery names through independent bottlers. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that will not stay around (…)Auchentoshan 2013 13y Sv Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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Auchentoshan 2013 13y Sv Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
On request only
This Auchentoshan from Signatory Vintage sits within the Monuments of Scotland series, and its label points to St Andrews Cathedral on Scotland's east coast. Once the largest church in the country and now an impressive ruin, it gives the bottle a sense of place that goes beyond the usual distillery details.
Distilled in 2013 and bottled after 13 years, it brings together Auchentoshan's Lowland identity, its triple distillation, and a finish in first fill Oloroso sherry butts. Bottled at 50.8% vol., non-chill filtered and with natural colour, it keeps the presentation close to the whisky itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like to place in front of curious single malt drinkers: clearly defined, characterful, and tied (…)Balblair 18y
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Balblair 18y
In stock
Balblair 18y is an 18-year-old Highland single malt whisky finished in sherry casks. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a mature Scottish malt for drinkers who appreciate a fruit-led style, with wood and spice playing a supporting rather than dominant role.
Bottled at 46%, it has a little extra presence while staying focused on the character indicated by its profile: clear fruitiness, gentle oak influence and light spice. No peated or salty note is specified, so the attention remains firmly on the Highland single malt character and the sherry finish.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.balblair.com/
The stated flavour profile for Balblair 18y places fruit clearly at the centre. Wood and spice are lighter in (…)
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.
