Whisky
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Douglas Laing Yula (Douglas Laing Regional Malts) Incl. Box
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Douglas Laing Yula (Douglas Laing Regional Malts) Incl. Box
In stock
Douglas Laing Yula is a Speyside single malt with a modern, approachable feel. It is built around softness, warmth and immediate drinkability rather than heavy intensity, making it a clear and inviting take on Scottish single malt whisky.
The sherry hogshead influence gives Yula much of its roundness. It supports the fruity and gently spiced side of the whisky, while the overall style remains smooth and open, without peat taking the lead.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Speyside malt for drinkers who enjoy a generous, easy-going whisky with enough depth to keep the glass interesting. Bottled at 40%, it keeps a friendly profile while still carrying the richness associated with sherry cask maturation.
Yula is a small batch bottling (…)*Vintage* Glenrothes 1997 20y Sansibar For Whiskyklubben Slainte Sweden
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*Vintage* Glenrothes 1997 20y Sansibar For Whiskyklubben Slainte Sweden
Very last one in stock!
This Glenrothes 1997 is interesting because it is so clearly tied to one cask and one moment in time. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2017 after 20 years of maturation, it was drawn from a single Sherry Hogshead. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it gives a focused view of a mature Speyside single malt from one individual cask.
Sansibar bottled it for Whiskyklubben Slainte Sweden, with a total outturn of just 300 bottles. With the last bottles now in view, it has a natural place in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection for customers who enjoy whiskies with a defined origin, age and cask story.
Bottled at 53.6%, this is a cask strength Glenrothes with real presence. The profile points toward spice as the main driver, supported by clear wood influence (…)*Vintage* Miltonduff 1998 Christmas Edition 2015 Malts Of Scotland
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*Vintage* Miltonduff 1998 Christmas Edition 2015 Malts Of Scotland
On request only
Miltonduff 1998 Christmas Edition 2015 from Malts of Scotland is built around a very precise whisky story: one Speyside single malt, one Sherry Hogshead, bottled at cask strength. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2015, it carries its vintage and cask identity clearly rather than presenting itself as a standard release.
Only 322 bottles came from this single cask. Together with the Christmas Edition 2015 presentation and its collector's item status, that gives the bottle a distinctly limited character, especially with the last bottles now in view. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see releases like this as interesting because they show a specific slice of Miltonduff rather than a broad, ongoing expression.
For drinkers who follow independent bottlings, the key here (…)Aberfeldy 2009 13y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail Single Cask) Incl. Box
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Aberfeldy 2009 13y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail Single Cask) Incl. Box
In stock
Aberfeldy 2009 13y Gmp is a Highland single malt built around a very specific origin: one distillation date, one cask and one limited release. It was distilled on 21 October 2009 and bottled on 12 May 2023 after 13 years of maturation in a sherry hogshead.
Gordon & McPhail bottled this as a single cask at cask strength, with an alcoholic strength of 56.2%. That gives the whisky a direct connection to the cask it came from, rather than presenting it as a broader, standardised house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to place in front of customers who appreciate detail: Highland single malt, sherry hogshead maturation and a small outturn of 298 bottles. Its interest lies in the particularity of that one cask, selected and (…)Agitator 2018 #741 (Berry Bros)
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Agitator 2018 #741 (Berry Bros)
On request only
Agitator 2018 #741 is a Swedish single malt with a distinctly modern mindset. It was bottled by the British independent bottler Berry Bros. & Rudd as part of Collective#1, a series built around like-minded distilleries from around the world that challenge convention and place strong emphasis on reducing their impact on the planet's natural resources.
Agitator, based in Stockholm and led by Oskar Bruno, is a fitting name for that project. The distillery works with vacuum distillation and explores yeast, barley and wood with real intent. For this single cask, the barley was malted to 40 ppm and fermented with a saison beer yeast, giving the whisky a very specific foundation before the cask influence comes into play.
Cask #741 was distilled in 2018, matured (…)Ardmore 2010 15y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Ardmore 2010 15y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Ardmore 2010 15y is a Highland single malt with a clearly defined personality. The distillery, located in the eastern Highlands, is described as staying true to its lightly peated style, and that comes through here in a way that supports the whisky rather than overpowering it.
This Daily Dram release from The Nectar was drawn from a single sherry hogshead. Distilled on 8 July 2010 and bottled on 1 October 2025, it reached 15 years of age and was bottled at cask strength, 58.8%. With only 300 bottles, and now down to the last bottles, it has the feel of a very specific cask selection rather than a regular distillery expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued because they show a distillery through one individual cask. In this Ardmore, (…)Arran 1997 25y Nec
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Arran 1997 25y Nec
In stock
Arran 1997 25y Nec is a mature single malt from the Lochranza distillery on the Isle of Arran. Distilled on 17 November 1997 and bottled on 10 September 2023, it comes from a single cask selected and bottled especially for The Nectar. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the personality of one particular cask after 25 years of maturation.
The whisky matured in a refill ex-sherry hogshead, a cask choice that supports the fruity, gently spicy and moderately woody side of the spirit without making the oak feel dominant. Bottled at cask strength at 44.3%, it keeps its natural identity while remaining refined in tone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the sort of bottle we like to present to customers who enjoy precise, limited single cask (…)Arran 2010 12y #1453 Tt (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
DAMAGED137
Your benefit: € 17,13 / 15%
Auchentoshan 1997 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Auchentoshan 1997 21y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
In stock
Auchentoshan 1997 21y is a Lowland single malt with a very defined identity: one cask, one maturation journey, and just 236 bottles. Distilled on 22 October 1997 and bottled on 1 August 2019, it spent 21 years maturing before being released by The Nectar in the Daily Dram series.
Drawn from a sherry hogshead and bottled at cask strength, 53.4%, this is not a broad house-style expression but a focused look at what one individual cask delivered after more than two decades. The profile points toward pronounced fruit, supported by clear wood influence and spice, giving it a mature and concentrated feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for their specificity: independent selection, clear vintage detail, age, cask type and limited (…)Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
On request only
Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 is a Speyside single malt built around one very clear idea: one cask, long maturation and a small outturn. Distilled on 27 October 1997 and bottled on 29 April 2024, it spent 26 years in a Sherry Hogshead before being released at 53.7% cask strength.
Signatory bottled this whisky as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range. The focus here is not on a standardised distillery profile, but on the individual voice of cask #9749. With only 230 bottles drawn, this is a tightly defined release rather than a widely available expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Benrinnes stands out for customers who enjoy mature Scotch single malt with a clear cask identity and limited availability. The fact that these are the last bottles (…)Bruichladdich 2003 18y #1347 18y (Rest & Be Thankful)
350
Bruichladdich 2003 18y #1347 18y (Rest & Be Thankful)
In stock
Bruichladdich 2003 18y #1347 is an Islay single malt drawn from one individual sherry hogshead and bottled at cask strength. With only 116 bottles released, it feels more like a close look at one particular cask than a broad house expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for their sense of place and detail. Distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2020 as an 18-year-old, it brings together Bruichladdich, Islay origin, long maturation and the direct nature of cask strength whisky without the smoothing effect of a larger vatting.
The profile points towards fruit, spice and wood influence, supported by a lighter floral side. Peat smoke is not the focus here, so the attention shifts to the maturation and the individuality of the cask. At (…)Bunnahabhain 1992 34y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Bunnahabhain 1992 34y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
Temporarily sold out
Bunnahabhain 1992 34y from Blackadder is an Islay single malt with a dark, mature presence. Distilled in 1992 and bottled after 34 years at 56.1%, it comes from a single sherry hogshead. Only 66 bottles were drawn, so this is a very small release built around the voice of one individual cask.
The sherry cask influence is the defining element here. The supplied information points to a very dark colour and a rich, concentrated style, showing Bunnahabhain from a deeper and more gourmand angle. Rather than sitting quietly in the background, the cask gives the whisky its intensity, weight and darker tone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we would present to customers looking for a richer, more powerful side of Bunnahabhain. Blackadder's Raw (…)Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2019 6y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2019 6y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
On request only
Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2019 6y Ww shows a bold, peated side of Islay single malt. Young in age but far from shy in personality, it was matured in a sherry hogshead, giving the whisky a meeting point between dense smoke and red-fruited richness.
There is a very direct feel to this release. It comes from a single cask, bottled at 57.1% cask strength, so the character is presented with real intensity. The supplied notes point clearly towards smoky barbecue sauce, dry ash, strawberry, raspberry and dark cherry.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we like to place in front of customers who enjoy peat with a clear sherry influence rather than a soft background accent. With 330 bottles filled and the last bottles now in circulation, it is a limited (…)Caol Ila 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Caol Ila 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
In stock
Caol Ila 2011 14y is a single malt from Islay bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd as part of the Odyssey Range. At 52.4% cask strength, it keeps a close connection to the individual cask rather than smoothing everything into a broader house style.
This 14-year-old release comes from a single cask, #312219, with an outturn of just 240 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are interesting because they show a very specific side of a distillery rather than a repeated standard expression. With only the last bottles remaining, that sense of a small, finite release becomes even more tangible.
The supplied tasting detail points to a Caol Ila that keeps its Islay smoke, while bringing a sweeter and fruitier dimension into the glass. Cola-like candy (…)Glen Garioch 31y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Director's Special) Incl. Box
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Glen Garioch 31y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Director's Special) Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Glen Garioch 31y is a Highland single malt where age is very much part of the conversation. After 31 years of maturation, it has been selected by The Single Malts of Scotland for the Director's Special range, a bottling series built around particularly focused releases.
The Sherry Hogshead maturation and the strength of 57.3% give this whisky a firm, mature presence. With only 130 bottles filled, this is not a broad release, but a tightly limited bottling that captures a very specific side of Glen Garioch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this have a clear place among the more distinctive independent Scotch single malts. The fact that these are the last bottles mainly underlines how limited this Glen Garioch 31y really is.
The flavour (…)Glen Grant 1998 23y (The Whisky Agency)
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Glen Grant 1998 23y (The Whisky Agency)
In stock
Glen Grant 1998 23y is a Speyside single malt built around maturity, cask identity and limited availability. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2021, it spent 23 years in a single sherry hogshead, so this is not a broad house-style composition but a very specific snapshot of one cask from Glen Grant.
Bottled at cask strength, 52.7%, it keeps a direct connection to the cask and gives the whisky a firm, unadjusted presence. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who enjoys Speyside whisky with a more defined origin and a less standardised presentation.
With its age statement, single cask nature and last-bottles status, this Glen Grant carries the appeal of a clearly delimited release: one vintage, one cask type, one (…)Glencadam 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Glencadam 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
On request only
Glencadam 2011 14y is a Highland single malt with fruit at the centre of the conversation, but delivered with real cask-strength presence. Drawn from cask #800224 and bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd for the Odyssey Range, it comes at 57.8%, giving the whisky a broad, full voice rather than a polished, reduced style.
There is also a nice sense of place behind it. Glencadam is a small distillery in Brechin, on the southern edge of the Highlands, with only two stills and a history dating back to 1825. In this 14-year-old release, the Muscat finish brings forward ripe stone fruit, honeyed sweetness and warm oak spice.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out because it feels very specific: one cask, 232 bottles, and now only the (…)Glendullan 2009 15y#10 (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Glendullan 2009 15y#10 (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
On request only
Glendullan 2009 15y #10 is a Speyside single malt with the focus firmly on one individual cask. Bottled by Signatory for the Cask Collection, it comes from a single sherry hogshead and is presented at cask strength, 55.5% alc. That gives the whisky a clear sense of place and time rather than the broader style of a regular batch release.
Distilled on 19 November 2009 and bottled on 11 April 2025, it spent 15 years maturing before being released in a run of 344 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are appreciated because they show a more specific side of a distillery, shaped by one cask rather than by a larger composition.
With the last bottles now indicated, this release has become increasingly limited in a very natural way. A single cask (…)Glenfarclas 2012 10y Lmdw
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Glenfarclas 2012 10y Lmdw
In stock
Glenfarclas 2012 10 Year Old LMDW is a Speyside single malt with a very precise identity: one sherry hogshead, bottled at cask strength, with a total outturn of 300 bottles. Rather than presenting a broad house-style expression, it captures the character of one individual cask from the 2012 distillation.
Bottled in 2022 after 10 years of maturation, it comes in at 60.9% alcohol. That strength gives the whisky a direct, cask-driven presence, in keeping with the nature of a single cask release. The sherry hogshead is the key maturation detail here, supported by a flavour profile where spice stands out most clearly, with fruit, floral tones and wood playing a more restrained role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in the hands of (…)Glenlivet 2006 15y Art11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Glenlivet 2006 15y Art11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Glenlivet 2006 15y Art11 is a Speyside single malt with a deliberately small-scale identity. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2021, it spent 15 years maturing before being released by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition.
The appeal here lies in the detail: one sherry hogshead, bottled as a single cask, at natural cask strength of 62.5%, with only 300 bottles produced. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this release captures one specific cask of Glenlivet at one specific point in its development.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are selected for customers who enjoy independent releases with a clear sense of origin and limitation. With the last bottles now indicated, this Signatory bottling has the feel of a finite Speyside discovery (…)Glenrothes 2010 15y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail Single Cask) Incl. Box
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Glenrothes 2010 15y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail Single Cask) Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Glenrothes 2010 15y Gmp is a Speyside single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Gordon & McPhail selected and bottled this whisky as a single cask release after 15 years in a sherry hogshead, with distillation in 2010 and bottling in 2025.
Its cask strength of 57.4% keeps the whisky close to the character of the barrel, giving this release a more concentrated presence than a reduced-strength bottling. Only 313 bottles came from the cask, so the focus here is on a small, clearly defined selection rather than a widely available expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Glenrothes sits well among independent bottlings for drinkers who enjoy exploring specific cask-driven interpretations of familiar distilleries. The style points towards a (…)Glenwyvis 2018 7y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Glenwyvis 2018 7y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
Only 2 left in stock!
Glenwyvis 2018 7y is a Scottish single malt with a very focused identity: one distillation year, one individual sherry hogshead and a total outturn of 283 bottles. Bottled by Berry Bros as part of the Odyssey Range, it is less about a broad house expression and more about the voice of a single cask.
At 58.1% ABV, it has been bottled at cask strength, keeping the presentation direct and close to the cask. After seven years of maturation, the profile points clearly towards spice, with lighter fruit, floral and wood notes supporting it rather than taking over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they show a specific slice of maturation. With only the last bottles remaining, this Glenwyvis has the added interest of being a limited (…)Highland 2000 22y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky) Incl. Box
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Highland 2000 22y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky) Incl. Box
In stock
Highland 2000 22y keeps its exact distillery name undisclosed, which gives the bottle a certain quiet intrigue. What we do know is precise enough to make it interesting: a Highland single malt distilled in 2000, matured for 22 years and bottled by Watt Whisky, the Campbeltown Whisky Company label.
Rather than being part of a large blended batch, this comes from one sherry hogshead and was bottled at cask strength, at 54%. That makes it a snapshot of one individual cask rather than a polished house style. Only 294 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in view, it is the kind of small-release whisky that naturally catches our attention at Drankenshop Broekmans.
Its profile places peat clearly in the foreground, with lighter touches of wood, spice, (…)Highland Malt2000 21y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Highland Malt2000 21y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Highland Malt2000 21y is a Scottish single malt with an intentionally undisclosed origin. The name gives just enough to set the scene Highland, distilled in 2000, matured for 21 years while keeping the distillery out of focus. That makes the cask itself the centre of attention.
Bottled in 2022 by Campbeltown Whisky Company under the Watt Whisky label, this release comes from a single sherry hogshead and was filled at cask strength, 55.2% ABV. Only 308 bottles were produced, so it represents one particular cask rather than a broad house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that rewards curiosity: mature Highland single malt, shaped by sherry wood, bottled without dilution and now down to the last bottles. The appeal lies in its (…)
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.
