Blend whisky
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Nikka From The Barrel 50cl Incl. Box
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Nikka From The Barrel 50cl Incl. Box
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Nikka From The Barrel is one of those Japanese whiskies that makes an impression before the bottle is even opened. Its compact, instantly recognisable bottle has become closely linked with one of the great classics of Japanese blended whisky, and the whisky itself has the same confident identity.
The blend brings together whiskies from sherry casks, bourbon casks, re-charred bourbon casks and new casks. In the hands of Nikka's Master Blender, those different cask influences are shaped into a powerful and layered whisky. At 51.4% and bottled at cask strength, it carries a real sense of concentration.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is a bottle we often reach for when someone wants Japanese whisky with more drive and depth. It has fruit, spice and intensity, but (…)Nikka Frontier 50cl Incl. Box
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Nikka Frontier 50cl Incl. Box
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Nikka Frontier 50cl was created for a meaningful occasion: the 90th anniversary of Nikka. It also pays tribute to founder Masataka Taketsuru, described in the supplied information as the figure behind the Japanese whisky tradition.
The blend is built with a strong malt component, with malt whiskies making up more than 51% of the recipe. Peated malts from the historic Yoichi distillery on Hokkaido play an important role, while grain whiskies from Miyagikyo's Coffey stills bring softness and balance to the composition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Japanese blend we would introduce to someone looking for a whisky with fruit, roundness and a gentle smoky edge. Bottling at 48% alc. and without chill filtration helps preserve the fuller texture and (…)Maclean's Nose
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Maclean's Nose
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Maclean's Nose is a blended Scotch whisky with a clear west coast Scottish identity. Its make-up gives it real substance: 70% malt whisky, supported by a generous proportion of casks that previously held sherry. It does not come across as a neutral blend, but as a whisky with weight, colour and a distinct point of view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Maclean's Nose as the kind of blend that deserves a proper introduction. It is bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered and presented at natural colour, choices that help preserve the whisky's original depth and texture.
There is also thought behind the presentation. This limited edition consists of 25,000 bottles, and the label is made from ground barley paper, a by-product of whisky production. It is a small (…)Sailor's Home Journey
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Sailor's Home Journey
Only 3 left in stock!
Sailor's Home Journey is the entry point in the Sailor's Home range and sits in the Explorer Series alongside Stormchaser. It is an Irish blended whiskey with an approachable style, but the cask work gives it more depth than a simple everyday pour.
The whiskey is triple distilled and first matured in Virgin American oak before moving into American bourbon barrels. It is then combined with Irish malt whiskey matured in American bourbon and finished in Jamaican rum casks. That final rum influence brings in the tropical fruit character and darker, molasses-led tone that shape Journey's identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fine choice for anyone looking for an Irish whiskey with a fruit-forward character, gentle wood and spice, and a rum finish (…)Nikka Super Incl. Box
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Nikka Super Incl. Box
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Nikka Super is a Japanese blended whisky from Nikka, bottled at 43%. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a calm and approachable introduction to Nikka's whisky style, especially for drinkers looking for a Japanese blend without a peated profile.
The character is built around gentle fruitiness and a modest spicy accent. Oak cask maturation is part of the whisky's make-up, yet the supplied profile points more toward restraint and clarity than heavy wood influence.
For anyone exploring Japanese blended whisky through Nikka, Nikka Super offers a measured, quietly expressive style with enough strength to remain present in the glass.
On the palate, Nikka Super stays on the lighter side, with gentle fruity tones and a soft spicy touch adding (…)Mars Kasei Incl. Box
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Mars Kasei Incl. Box
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Mars Kasei is a Japanese blended whisky from Mars Maltage, bottled at 40%. With no age statement, the focus sits firmly on the style of the blend itself: fruit is the main thread, supported by light floral tones, gentle spice and a modest peated accent.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this has its place among Japanese whiskies for drinkers who prefer a profile that is not driven by heavy wood influence or high strength. Its appeal lies in a relatively clear composition, where the fruity side remains central and the subtler elements add shape without making the whisky feel weighty.
Mars Kasei is a quietly styled whisky. It does not try to overwhelm; instead, it builds around fruit, soft spice and a light touch of peat.
The flavour profile is led by (…)Pig's Nose 5y Incl. Box
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Pig's Nose 5y Incl. Box
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Pig's Nose 5y is a Scottish blended whisky with an easy-going, straightforward personality. The name is memorable, but the whisky itself keeps things clear: a 5-year-old Scotch blend, bottled at 40%, with a style that stays approachable rather than forceful.
Oak cask maturation gives it a gentle woody side, while the profile brings light fruity, floral and spicy touches into the mix. Peat and salty notes are not part of its character, so the emphasis falls on a softer, uncomplicated blended Scotch style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Pig's Nose 5y has its place among Scottish blends for customers looking for whisky without heavy smoke or sharp edges, yet still with enough character to feel recognisably Scotch.
The flavour is light and even, (…)Symington's Blend 10y (Signatory Vintage Various)
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Symington's Blend 10y (Signatory Vintage Various)
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Symington's Blend 10y is a ten-year-old blended Scotch bottled by Signatory, shaped by a combination of bourbon and sherry cask influence. It is a straightforward whisky in the best sense: clear in style, approachable, and built around gentle fruit, honeyed notes and toasted wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a Scotch blend with a little more substance than a very basic everyday whisky, but without peat or heavy oak taking over.
Bottled at 46%, it keeps a good sense of presence while remaining easy to enjoy. The bourbon and sherry elements sit behind the whisky rather than dominating it, giving warmth and a lightly fruity, softly spiced impression.
The tasting profile brings (…)Nikka Days + 2 Glasses
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Nikka Days + 2 Glasses
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Nikka Days + 2 Glasses is a Japanese blended whisky presented as a gift pack, complete with two glasses. It has the kind of presentation that feels thoughtful and ready to share, without turning the whisky into something overly formal.
The style is led by a lighter aromatic side. Rather than peat, saltiness or pronounced wood, the profile points towards a floral impression, supported by gentle fruit and a touch of spice. Bourbon cask maturation is part of the whisky's make-up, yet the overall character is not driven by heavy wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this set sits well among Japanese whiskies for customers looking for a refined, approachable Nikka blend with a practical gift presentation. Bottled at 40% and carrying no age statement, Nikka (…)Compass Box Glasgow Blend
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Compass Box Glasgow Blend
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Compass Box Glasgow Blend is a Scottish blended whisky bottled at 43%, without an age statement. Rather than putting the focus on a stated number of years, it presents itself through the style and structure of the blend.
Its profile is driven by spice, supported by light fruit, gentle wood influence, a subtle salty edge and a modest peated note. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as the kind of Scotch blend that has enough character to hold your attention without becoming heavy-handed.
The multivintage indication points to a whisky built from different components rather than centred on a single vintage. That makes the composition itself the point of interest: a blend shaped around flavour, texture and balance.
More information about Compass (…)Sailor's Home Horizon 10y Tube Incl.
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Sailor's Home Horizon 10y Tube Incl.
In stock
Sailor's Home Horizon 10y is the opening release in the Islands Series, built around the feeling of looking just beyond the horizon. It is an Irish blend of malt and grain whiskeys, matured for at least 10 years, then given a finish that brings a clear Caribbean accent into the glass.
American bourbon casks form the foundation, while selected rum casks from Barbados add a more generous, polished layer. The result is not a heavy or smoky style, but a refined Irish whiskey with fruit, gentle spice, vanilla and a floral lift running through it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Sailor's Home stands out for the way it connects Irish smoothness with the rounder, warmer influence of a Barbados rum finish. It is a whiskey with a familiar base, but with enough tropical (…)Sailor's Home Journey + Glas
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Sailor's Home Journey + Glas
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Sailor's Home Journey + Glas is the entry point into the Sailor's Home range and sits in the Explorer Series alongside Stormchaser. The name Journey feels well chosen: this is an Irish blended whiskey built as an everyday favourite, yet shaped by cask choices that give it a more adventurous edge.
It is triple distilled and first matured in Virgin American oak before moving into American bourbon casks. The blend also includes Irish malt whiskey matured in American bourbon casks and finished in Jamaican rum casks. That final influence brings in tropical fruit and a deeper rum-toned warmth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this release as a modern Irish whiskey with a friendly core and a distinctive finishing touch. Presented with a glass, it also works nicely (…)Chivas Regal 12y
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Chivas Regal 12y
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Chivas Regal 12y is a Scottish blended whisky carrying a 12-year age statement. It sits firmly in the classic blended Scotch tradition, where maturation and blending are more important than bold extremes.
The available profile points towards a gentle style, with light fruity and floral elements. There is no emphasis on peat, saltiness or pronounced spice, so the overall impression is calm, polished and approachable rather than forceful.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Chivas Regal 12y fits well among the Scottish blends for customers looking for a recognised aged whisky with a composed and elegant feel.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.chivas.com/
The flavour profile suggests a gentle Scotch blend with (…)Isle Of Skye 12y
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Isle Of Skye 12y
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Isle Of Skye 12y captures the contrast suggested by its island origin: a touch of maritime ruggedness, softened by a calm and approachable style. This 12-year-old Scottish blend brings together Highland-like sweetness with a gentle coastal note from Skye.
Oak cask maturation gives it a rounded base, while the fruit remains clearly present. The peat is light rather than forceful, adding a maritime accent instead of taking over the glass. That makes the whisky easy to understand, yet still recognisably shaped by its island character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Isle Of Skye 12y sits comfortably among Scottish whiskies for drinkers who want softness and fruit, but also a little sea air and character. It is a relaxed dram, well suited to those moments when you want (…)Teeling Small Batch - Duvel Cask - Belgian Golden Ale Collaboration 2023 (Casks #2) Incl. Box
Teeling Small Batch - Duvel Cask - Belgian Golden Ale Collaboration 2023 (Casks #2) Incl. Box
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In stockTeeling Small Batch Duvel Cask Belgian Golden Ale Collaboration 2023 brings Irish blended whiskey into conversation with a distinctly Belgian beer influence. The whiskey remains rooted in the Teeling Small Batch style, but the Duvel cask finish gives this release its own particular angle.
Compared with the earlier Duvel Collaboration, this second edition stays at 46% ABV yet differs through a longer period of cask maturation. It is also easy to recognise: the first edition came in a white box, while this second and final edition is presented in a black box.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a thoughtful crossover bottling for drinkers interested in how Irish whiskey can take on a Belgian golden ale accent. With 6000 bottles released and the final (…)Famous Grouse 1l
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Famous Grouse 1l
Last one in stock!
Famous Grouse 1l is a Scottish blended whisky with a familiar, practical character. The one-litre bottle makes sense for anyone who likes to keep a straightforward Scotch at home, especially when the preference is for a whisky that does not lean into peat, saltiness or heavy oak influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Famous Grouse as a classic example of an approachable Scottish blend: 40% alcohol, matured in oak casks, with the available flavour profile pointing towards light fruit, gentle spice and a subtle floral touch. Nothing in the supplied profile suggests a smoky or coastal style, so the impression remains clean and easy to understand.
Its popularity is easy to place in that context. This is a whisky built around familiarity and balance of (…)Bushmills Black Bush
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Bushmills Black Bush
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Bushmills Black Bush is an Irish blended whiskey with a notably high malt content. More than 80% of the blend is Bushmills single malt, giving it a fuller identity than many straightforward blends.
Its character is shaped in particular by Spanish oak that previously held Oloroso sherry. That sherry-cask influence supports the warmer spicy and lightly woody side of the whiskey, while the overall style remains clearly Irish and approachable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Black Bush as a whiskey for drinkers who want a blend with a little more substance, without moving into an overly demanding style. Its reputation for offering strong value fits the bottle very naturally.
More information about Bushmills can be found at (…)Reki Helios
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Reki Helios
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Reki Helios is a Japanese blended whisky with a profile that clearly leans towards fruit rather than weight or smoke. With no age statement, the focus is less on a specific number of years and more on the style of the blend itself: composed, fruit-led and straightforward to understand in the glass.
American oak adds a gentle wood influence, supported by a light spiced edge. It does not come across from the supplied profile as a heavy or peated whisky; its appeal lies in the cleaner fruity direction, with oak playing a supporting role. At 43% alcohol, it carries a little more presence than the most basic whisky strength while staying approachable in feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Reki Helios sits neatly within the Japanese whisky selection for customers (…)Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
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Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is a Scottish blended whisky built around a gentle, approachable style. No age statement is given, so the focus is less on a specific maturation period and more on the character of the blend itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle among the more nuanced blends in the whisky range. The available flavour profile points to light touches of fruit, floral notes, wood and spice, without peat or saltiness taking a leading role.
Bottled at 40% alcohol, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby stays close to the classic strength associated with blended whisky. It carries the familiar Johnnie Walker name while presenting itself with its own Black Ruby identity.
The flavour profile of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is not driven (…)Johnnie Walker Double Black
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Johnnie Walker Double Black
Only 2 left in stock!
Johnnie Walker Double Black is a Scottish blended whisky with a noticeably darker, gently smoky direction within the Johnnie Walker range. It carries no age statement, and its charred cask maturation helps give the whisky a little more wood presence and depth of tone.
The appeal here lies in the way the whisky brings together light peat, subtle oak and a modest fruity note without turning into a heavy or highly technical dram. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a useful choice for drinkers looking for a familiar blended Scotch style with a firmer, smokier edge.
Bottled at 40%, Double Black remains approachable, yet the charred cask influence gives it a more pronounced personality than the strength alone might suggest. It stays true to the blended Scotch (…)Famous Grouse Smoky Black Incl. Box
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Famous Grouse Smoky Black Incl. Box
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Famous Grouse Smoky Black is a Scottish blended whisky that takes the familiar Famous Grouse name in a smokier direction. The emphasis is clear from the label: this is about a gently peated impression rather than an intensely smoky whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a good fit for customers looking for a Scotch blend with a darker touch and a little extra spice. The available flavour profile points to light smoke, light spice and light fruit, so the character remains approachable while still offering more presence than a very soft everyday blend.
Bottled at 40% and carrying no age statement, Famous Grouse Smoky Black is best understood through its style rather than technical detail: a Scottish blend with a restrained smoky accent within the Famous (…)Jameson 3x20cl (Jameson , Caskmates Stout & Caskmates Ipa)
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Jameson 3x20cl (Jameson , Caskmates Stout & Caskmates Ipa)
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This Jameson gift pack brings together three Irish blended whiskeys in 20 cl bottles: Jameson, Caskmates Stout and Caskmates IPA. Rather than focusing on one single bottle, it gives you a compact way to explore different sides of the Jameson range.
The set places the familiar Jameson expression alongside two Caskmates versions, marked by Stout and IPA. At 40% alcohol, it stays firmly within the approachable Irish whiskey style, while the three-bottle format adds a welcome sense of comparison and discovery.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this kind of pack because it works well for curious drinkers and as a thoughtful whiskey gift. It gives just enough variety to make the experience engaging, without making it complicated.
Additional (…)Suntory Toki
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Suntory Toki
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Suntory Toki is a Japanese blended whisky with a clear, restrained style. As a no age statement whisky, it places the focus on the composition of the blend rather than on a specific maturation age, showing gentle floral, fruity and lightly spiced elements.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a good introduction to the lighter side of Japanese whisky: not driven by peat, not dominated by oak, and more about precision than weight. The 43% alcohol strength gives it enough presence, while the overall impression remains refined and approachable.
What makes Suntory Toki stand out is its quiet balance. It does not rely on heavy flavours; instead, it brings together subtle fruit, soft spice and a floral touch in a clean blended whisky style.
Suntory (…)Famous Grouse Ruby Port Finish 1l
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Famous Grouse Ruby Port Finish 1l
Very last one in stock!
Famous Grouse Ruby Port Finish 1l takes the familiar Scottish blended whisky style of Famous Grouse and gives it an extra layer through a port cask finish. The Ruby Port Finish points the whisky towards a gently fruit-led direction rather than a heavily woody or spicy one.
There is no age statement here, so the focus sits on the blend itself and on the influence of the finishing cask. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who already knows Famous Grouse but wants to explore a softer, fruit-accented variation within the same family.
The one-litre format gives it a generous feel, while the fact that these are the last bottles adds a more temporary character to its place on the shelf. It is a variation that will not (…)
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about whisky
What is whisky?
Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains (such as barley, corn, rye or wheat) and then aged in wooden casks, usually oak. The result is a complex drink with aromas that can range from fruity and floral to smoky, spicy or woody.
Generally speaking, a drink must meet the following basic requirements to be called whisky:
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Made from grains
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Fermented with yeast
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Distilled to a maximum of ±94.8% alcohol (so that flavour is retained)
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Matured in wooden casks
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Bottled with a minimum of 40% alcohol
Which whisky is tasty?
Which whisky is good? Which whisky is good? The answer to these questions is so specific and so personal that we cannot possibly answer them for everyone. In our range of whisky you will find more than 3,000 bottlings, each with their own taste and profile, to objectively identify a universal "good whisky" is impossible.
You can look for the whisky you like in different ways. Either you start from whisky with a fairly flat and neutral flavour profile and expand and explore from there, but other enthusiasts prefer to start at the extremes to quickly discover what they absolutely do not like. We would not recommend that second approach, as whisky with a distinct character is often an "aqcuired taste", something you gradually work towards and often learn to develop an appreciation for as you build your palate.
Are you looking for a whisky for someone else and have no idea what they drink and what they like? If so, limit yourself to whisky with a light and balanced flavour profile. With most of our whisky, you will find a flavour profile where the whisky is rated from 0 to 3 on six basic pillars: peaty, spicy, salty, woody, floral and fruity. If you blindly buy a whisky for someone else, limit yourself to whisky where none of the six pillars slip through. If you do know what kind of whisky the lucky person drinks, then with a bit of luck, you can also find that whisky in our range and from there you can look for other whiskies that have a similar flavour profile.
Is whisky Scotch or Irish?
Both Scotland and Ireland claim the origins of whisky, and both countries have a rich history of distilling it. The earliest written mention of whisky comes from Ireland, from the 12th century. But Scotland has brought the art of whisky making to perfection and today is famous worldwide for its whiskies. Ultimately, whisky is both Scottish and Irish, each with its own unique traditions and flavours.
What is Scotch whisky?
In addition to the basic rules to speak of whisky, there are a number of additional conditions for Scotch whisky.
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Must be wholly produced and matured in Scotland
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Aged for at least 3 years in oak casks
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Only water and caramel colour (E150a) may be added
Which Scottish regions are famous for their whisky?
Scotland is divided into a number of regions, each of which makes its own signature whisky. Exactly how many there are depends on how accurately you want to describe them.
On the Scottish mainland, we talk about
- Highland (Ben Nevis, Ardnamurchan, Edradour, ...)
- Lowland (Johnny Cree, Lochlea, Auchentoshan, ...)
- Campbeltown (Springbank, Kilkerran, Longrow, ...)
- Speyside (Benriach, Tomintoul, Glenglassaugh, ...)
As the first island, Islay is always mentioned separately. From Islay come mainly peated whiskies such as Bowmore, Port Ellen, Bruichladdich and Ardbeg.
You will also find a number of islands around Scotland, called the "Islands". Within that group, another distinction is often made between
- Isle of Arran
- Isle of Harris
- Jura
- Mull (Ledaig, Tobermory, ...)
- Orkney (Highland Park, Scapa, ...)
- Skye (Talisker, ...)
What is Irish whiskey?
To speak of Irish whiskey, the drink must meet a number of additional conditions.
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Produced and matured in Ireland
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Aged for at least 3 years in wooden casks
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Often triple-distilled, but this is not compulsory
What is American whiskey?
American whiskey is also again subject to a number of specific rules, in addition to the basic guidelines to speak of whiskey.
For bourbon whiskey:
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At least 51% corn in the grain mix
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Matured in new charred oak barrels
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Distilled to a maximum of 80% alcohol
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In the barrel a maximum of 62.5% alcohol
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No additives allowed (except water)
For rye whiskey, at least 51% rye must be used.
Tennessee whiskey follows the same guidelines as bourbon, but must be filtered through charcoal.
What is the difference between "whisky" and "whiskey"
The difference in terminology is related to the country of origin. In principle, "whiskey" is always referred to, except when spirits from the United States or Ireland are involved. In those countries, the term "whiskey" is consistently used.
What is the difference between single malt, blended and grain whisky?
Single malt whisky comes from a single distillery and is made exclusively from malted barley. These whiskies often have a distinct and characterful flavour profile. Blended whisky is a mix of different whiskies (both malt and grain) and tends to be softer and more approachable. Grain whisky is made from other grains such as corn or wheat and is often used in blends, but also exists as a separate bottling with a lighter style.
What is a "no age statement" whisky?
If a whisky is marked "NAS" or "No Age Statement", it means that no age is stated on the bottle.
When an age is mentioned on the bottle, it must, according to the rules, always be the youngest whisky in the blend and not the age that is most represented percentage-wise in the blend. A producer will therefore deliberately choose not to state an age on his bottle in two cases: when an old whisky is blended with a small proportion of younger whisky, or when young whisky is blended with a proportion of older whisky. In the first case, he does not want to put a young age on his bottle if his blend contains mainly older whisky, and in the second case, marketing-wise it is more interesting to go out with that particle of older whisky.
What is a "single cask" whisky?
A single cask means that the whisky in the bottle comes from only one cask and was not blended with another whisky from another cask. Because the content comes from a single cask, the number of bottles depends on the size of the cask and the evaporation of the product (the so-called Angel's Share), the number of bottles is limited (and often numbered) and no new bottles of this specific reference come onto the market. A single cask is thus always unique in flavour and profile, and never quite comparable to similar bottles that do not come from the same cask.
What is a whisky at "cask strength" ?
A cask strength whisky is not diluted with water before bottling, but goes straight from the cask into the bottle and therefore retains the alcohol percentage during/after cask maturation. One of the advantages of cask strength whisky is that as a drinker you can decide how strong you like your whisky by diluting or not diluting it with a little water yourself according to your preference, rather than the producer having already done this for you. Cask Strength whisky has a higher alcohol content and this can sometimes suppress the subtlety of the whisky.
What does the term non-chill filtered mean?
The term non-chill filtered, or well-known variations of it such as "unchilled filtered" or "not cold filtered", indicates that the spirit was not cold filtered before bottling. During cold filtration ("chill filtration"), the whisky is cooled to around freezing point and then filtered. This process removes certain substances from the spirit such as fatty acids, proteins and esters.
Whisky that does not undergo that specific filtering process has a number of specific properties: they often have more character, the mouthfeel is fuller and oilier and more flavour compounds are retained. Because they have more body, they often feel creamier on the palate and the aromas are more intense. The disadvantage of skipping cold filtering is that the whisky can be cloudier.
Most whisky on the market is chill filtered because it produces a clear and consistent spirit in the bottle and in the glass, even with the addition of ice or water. That consistency leads to better presentation and less chance of consumer complaints. Unchill filtered whisky is especially popular with aficionados and purists for the same reason, because they know and understand why their whisky is the way it is. For this reason, "chill filtered" is usually not explicitly stated, but "unchill filtered" is.
What is a peated whisky?
The term "peat", often also described as "smoky", "smoked" or "peated" is part of the flavour profile that is very typical and recognisable in whisky.
Peated whisky evokes scents of a seaside campfire, a smoky charcoal grill, and sometimes even medicinal, salty notes reminiscent of the Scottish coast. These whiskies have a depth and character that either enchant or terrify aficionados.
Peat is an organic material made up of compressed plant remains, formed over centuries in boggy areas. In Scotland, where peated whisky originated, peat has traditionally been used as a fuel. This later became an integral part of the whisky-making process and resulted in the unique smoky flavour these whiskies are known for.
The distinctive flavour of peated whisky is created in the malt phase of whisky production. Barley is first soaked in water and then spread out to germinate. During this process, the barley begins to develop sugars that are later needed for fermentation. Once the barley starts germinating, drying is interrupted by a fire of burning peat. The smoke soaks into the barley and impregnates it with phenols - the chemical compounds responsible for the smoky flavour.
Which whisky suits my taste (sweet, smoky, fruity...)?
Whisky can be roughly categorised by flavour profiles. Do you like sweet? Then go for whiskies with notes of vanilla, caramel or honey (often matured in bourbon casks). Prefer fruity? Choose Speyside or Irish whiskies with fresh apple and citrus aromas. If you are a fan of powerful, smoky flavours, then Islay whiskies are a good choice. Those who like spicy or woody notes may look more towards whiskies with sherry barrel maturation.
Which whisky is good for beginners?
For beginners, accessible, smooth whiskies without too much smoke or complexity are ideal. Think fruity and slightly sweet styles, such as many Irish whiskies or soft Scottish Speyside whiskies. These often have notes of apple, honey and vanilla and are easy to drink. Avoid strongly smoky (peated) whiskies at first, as that flavour is too intense for some. From there, you can gradually discover which styles suit you best.
Which whisky makes a good gift?
A good gift whisky is usually a safe, accessible choice that will appeal to many people. For example, choose a well-known single malt with a smooth and balanced profile, or a nice bottle in a gift box.
Do you know the recipient's tastes? Then you can choose more specifically: a smoky whisky for lovers of powerful flavours, or a fruity and mellow variant for beginners. In doubt? Then you will always be right with a classic, non-smoky whisky.
What does the designation PPM mean in a whisky?
The abbreviation PPM is used to describe the intensity of the peat flavour in a peated whisky. The abbreviation PPM stands for Phenol Parts Per Million, and the higher the number the more intense the peat flavour is. A whisky with 10 PPM has a subtle smoky character while a whisky with 50 PPM or higher can be a real smoke bomb.
How strong is whisky?
When people talk about the "strength" of liquor, they usually mean its alcohol content (ABV).
Whisky is a regulated product, meaning that a number of conditions must be met before the final product can be called "whisky". One of the rules is the minimum alcohol content: in the EU (including Scotch and Irish whiskey), the US and Canada, whisky must contain a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume to be called whisky.
Many standard bottlings are around 40-43%, some quality or "non-chill filtered" releases choose 46% ABV. In the US, bourbon and rye are also common at 45-50% ABV (e.g. Bottled-in-Bond at 50%). In Japan, 40-43% is common. "Cask strength" or "barrel proof" whiskies are bottled undiluted and are therefore higher in strength: usually between about 50% and 65%. Regional exceptions exist, such as India where many whiskies are bottled around 42.8% ABV,
For average commercial whiskies, 40-46% is the normal range, and you will find most whiskies within that range.
What does the designation "proof" mean in whisky?
You may also have seen "proof" written on bottles, for example "100 proof". It is an alternative way of indicating the strength of whisky and is only used in the US today. The formula is thankfully simple; the "proof" value is actually double the alcohol content (ABV). In other words, a bottle of "100 proof" corresponds to 50% alcohol.
What is meant by "small batch"?
"Small batch" is a term indicating that the whisky was produced in relatively small quantities per batch (production run). Instead of huge volumes being mixed continuously, the distiller selected only a limited number of casks or ingredients to bring together. The idea behind it is to have more control over quality, flavour and consistency, for example by blending a few carefully chosen casks to achieve a specific flavour profile.
Small Batch often suggests craftsmanship and attention to detail, but it is not a strictly regulated term. So there is no set definition of exactly how much "small" is, and it can vary greatly from producer to producer.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive whisky?
The price difference is often in factors such as ageing time, casks used, production method and rarity. More expensive whiskies have usually matured for longer or come from special casks, providing more complexity and depth. However, this does not mean that a more expensive whisky is always "tastier". Taste remains personal, and there are also affordable whiskies of excellent quality that perfectly suit your preference.
What does the age on a whisky bottle mean?
The age on a whisky bottle indicates the minimum time the whisky has been aged in cask. In blends, this means that the youngest whisky in the blend is that age.
During that maturation, the whisky develops its flavour, colour and aromas. The longer the ageing, the more influence the cask has on the final result.
Which whisky is suitable as an investment?
If you are looking for a bottle as an investment, the references we refer to as "Collector" are often a good choice. However, it is no guarantee of success, some bottles rise in values, others do not and in a few cases a sudden hype drives the price up suddenly. For this reason, always keep Jan Broekmans' own advice in mind: don't buy whisky as an investment that you would never want to drink yourself. If the price doesn't go up, at least you'll still have the pleasure of drinking them yourself.
Is older whisky always better?
Not necessary. Older whisky can be more complex and softer, but sometimes loses fresh or fruity characteristics. Quality depends on many factors, such as the cask and the conditions in which the whisky matures.
Ultimately, "better" is a matter of taste. Some younger whiskies can be surprisingly lively and full of character, perfectly matching what you are looking for.
Does whisky mature further in the bottle?
No, whisky matures only in cask. Once the whisky is bottled, the maturation process stops completely.
In principle, the flavour remains stable, although an opened bottle can change slightly after a long time due to contact with oxygen. This is why it is best to store whisky tightly sealed and out of direct sunlight.
Is whisky going bad?
Whisky is a strong drink with a high alcohol content, which means it has a virtually unlimited shelf life. If you have a bottle of whisky that is properly sealed, you can keep it for years, even decades, without its taste or quality deteriorating. However, the flavour can change if the whisky is exposed to light, air or temperature fluctuations. If there is too much air in the bottle relative to liquid then "oxidation" can also occur, directly affecting its flavour and intensity.
So an open bottle of whisky will often lose some of its aromas over time, but it will not "go bad".
Make sure you store your bottle in a cool, dark place and seal it well after each use, and that the bottle is always at least a quarter full (the less air there is in the bottle, the less oxidation can occur). Leftovers are best poured into smaller sample bottles that can be sealed well from the outside air (apothecary bottles are ideal, glass decanters are not), or you can artificially fill the original bottle with, say, marbles to reduce the volume of air in the bottle.
What is an independent bottler?
Independent bottlers are entrepreneurs who buy whisky from existing distilleries and then bottle or blend it themselves. They are not involved in the actual production process, but they take care of the further development of the whisky. This means they select the casks themselves and decide how long the whisky matures, in order to create a unique final product.
Some whiskies are sold exclusively to independent bottlers and are not used for the original distillery's range. Examples of such bottlers include Signatory, Douglas Laing, and Cadenhead's.
There are also 'secret bottlings', where the bottler does not reveal which distillery the casks come from.
Independent bottlings are usually single casks. They are often not coloured, are usually non-chill filtered and very limited in availability, which only makes the product more unique. This constitutes a delightful change from regular whiskies, you could say.
In which glass do you pour whisky?
The classic glass in which whisky is very often poured is called a tumbler. This is a low, straight and wide glass. Some people prefer to drink their whisky from these glasses because of the tradition and the feel it gives. This glass has a wide, cylindrical shape and a thick bottom, making it perfect to use when mixing whisky with other drinks like cola or water, for example, or when you want to add ice to your whisky. It is most often used with bourbon and blended whisky.
However, connoisseurs prefer to opt for a tulip-shaped glass, as it bundles the aromas better in the nose. Snifters and copita glasses, for example, have such a shape, but are still more commonly associated with cognac and sherry. The general consensus therefore seems to be that the Glencairn glass is still usually the best choice to maximise the better whisky. The advantage of all three is that you can hold the glass in such a way that your body heat will not warm up the spirit in your glass.
Do you drink whisky with ice?
The most loaded question is whether you should drink whisky at room temperature or "on the rocks". We take no position on right or wrong and advise everyone to enjoy it in the way that suits them best. If you like a particular whisky better on ice rather than at room temperature, who are we to deprive you of that pleasure?
That said, there are some differences: a room-temperature whisky evaporates more easily, making the nose more intense as with a chilled whisky. In turn, using ice dilutes the whisky, so the flavour and intensity can diminish once that ice starts to melt in your glass. Whisky stones can be a good alternative if you don't like a whisky at room temperature but at the same time don't want your spirit to be diluted by the melting ice in your glass either.
Should you add water to whisky?
Adding water to whisky is not a must, but it can help release aromas better. Especially with whiskies with a higher alcohol content, a few drops of water can make the flavour more accessible.
Most important is personal preference: drink whisky the way you like it best, pure, with water or possibly with ice.
What is a "dram"?
A "dram" usually refers to one serving of whisky. The quantity of a dram is around 3cl, some serve 2.5cl and others go up to 3.5cl. From a 5cl sample or mini-bottle, you basically get just 2 drams, enough to discover a spirit for two.
Handy to remember if you ever want to organise a tasting yourself: from a standard 70cl bottle with a standard filling level you get:
- 35 drams of 2cl (tip: the bottle pilot on our webshop doses exactly 2cl)
- 28 drams of 2.5cl
- 23 drams of 3cl
- 20 drams of 3.5cl
However, do not count too strictly when organising a tasting, and always keep a few drams in reserve in case there is a spillage when pouring or the bottle does not contain exactly 70cl spirit (with older bottlings, the filling level can decrease slightly over time due to natural processes). And don't forget to include the host of your tasting, of course!
What does "angel's share" mean?
The term "angel's share" refers to the part of a whisky (or other matured spirit) that slowly evaporates in the barrel during the maturation process. As the spirit is aged in wooden barrels for years, a small amount of alcohol and water escapes through the pores of the wood each time. This loss can amount to about 2% per year, depending on factors such as climate, storage location and barrel type. The name is meant poetically: it is said that this part is "for the angels".
Although technically a loss for the distiller, the angel's share plays a crucial role in the development of flavour and aroma. The evaporation concentrates the residual flavours, and the contact with the wood provides complexity such as vanilla, spice and fruity notes. In warmer climates (such as rum), the angel's share tends to be greater, resulting in faster maturation than, for example, in cooler whisky regions such as Scotland.
How do I get started on Scotch whisky?
Many people assume that a more expensive bottle of Scotch whisky is automatically better. It sounds logical: the higher the price, the better the quality. But in reality, the difference between a bottle of a few tens and one of thousands of euros is rarely purely in the taste. What you pay has much more to do with age, scarcity, marketing and reputation than with what you actually taste in your glass.
To understand this properly, it helps to look at Scotch in different "levels". Each level tells you something about what you are drinking and, more importantly, what you are paying for, but not every epicurean goes through all these levels.
You can read all about it in our blog post Why an expensive Scotch doesn't necessarily taste better - the different levels of Scotch.
How do I get started on Irish whiskey?
At one time, Irish whiskey dominated the world. In the late 19th century, more than 70% of all whiskey came from Ireland. But wars, trade conflicts and prohibition in the US caused a dramatic decline. By 1980, barely two distilleries remained. Today, that picture has been completely reversed. Ireland once again has dozens of distilleries and the range of offerings ranges from simple entry-level bottles to rare collector's items costing thousands of euros.
But as always, more expensive does not automatically mean better. What do you actually get for your money? And from what point do you mainly pay for prestige? You can read more about it in our blog post Irish whiskey explained: from pub classics to million-dollar bottles.
How do I get started with Japanese whisky?
In 1918, a young Japanese student Masataka Taketsuru left for Scotland with one clear goal: to learn how to make whisky. He studied in Glasgow, apprenticed at several distilleries and obsessively noted down every detail of the process. Those notes would later form the basis of the Japanese whisky industry.
Today, Japanese whisky is a phenomenon. Bottles go under the hammer for tens of thousands of euros, distilleries can barely keep up with demand and the number of producers has exploded. But at the same time, that also makes it confusing: where do you start if you just want to drink it?
You'll discover all about it in our blog post Japanese whisky explained: from entry-level to untraceable.
Where can I buy whisky?
Basic whisky and no-name whisky can be found in any shop or supermarket, but you undoubtedly want something more. Then you're in the right place at Drankenshop Broekmans, because our range of almost 3,000 whiskies covers all brands, all distilleries, all bottlers, all flavour profiles and all price ranges.
