Pure Pot Still whisky
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Green Spot Tube Incl.
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Green Spot Tube Incl.
In stock
Green Spot is an Irish pure pot still whiskey built around one of the defining features of the style: the use of unmalted barley. Every whiskey under the Green Spot label is triple distilled, giving it a clearly Irish identity without moving into smoky territory.
Its maturation takes place over 7 to 10 years in bourbon and sherry casks. The particularly interesting point here is the relatively high proportion of sherry cask maturation, something appreciated by drinkers who enjoy fruit, spice and gentle oak influence in their whiskey.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Green Spot is the kind of bottle we like to present when someone wants to understand how lively and flavourful Irish pure pot still whiskey can be: creamy, fruit-led and subtly spicy.
Green Spot Leovillle Barton Tube Incl.
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Green Spot Leovillle Barton Tube Incl.
Only 3 left in stock!
Green Spot Leovillle Barton is an Irish single pot still whiskey shaped by a wine cask finish, while still keeping its Irish identity at the centre. It first matures in Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon casks, before spending a further 12 to 24 months in French oak casks that previously held wine from Château Léoville-Barton.
That extra maturation gives this Green Spot a more layered feel, with wood, spice and fruit playing an important role. The Barton connection also adds a thoughtful link to the story: Anthony Barton was born in Ireland in 1930, so this whiskey brings together Irish pot still tradition and a French wine influence in a very natural way.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Green Spot for those who want to explore the (…)Redbreast Lustau Sherry Finish Incl. Box
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Redbreast Lustau Sherry Finish Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Redbreast Lustau Sherry Finish is an Irish pure pot still whiskey shaped by its sherry-finish character. The name itself puts that Lustau Sherry Finish at the centre, pointing towards a style where fruit and spice are more prominent than peat, smoke or coastal saltiness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Redbreast for customers who want an Irish whiskey with a more pronounced cask influence. There is no age statement here; the focus is instead on the combination of Irish origin, pure pot still style, sherry finishing and a bottling strength of 46%.
The profile is not built around heavy wood. The cask influence supports the whiskey, while the main impression remains fruity and spicy, giving this release a clear identity within the broader Irish (…)Teeling Single Pot Still Tube Incl.
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Teeling Single Pot Still Tube Incl.
In stock
Teeling Single Pot Still carries a strong Dublin story. According to the supplied information, it is the first whiskey from Dublin in more than 50 years, made in the traditional Single Pot Still style from an equal split of malted and unmalted barley.
That composition gives the whiskey its particular voice. The style is fruit-led and gently spicy, with a creamy side that fits the pure pot still tradition. Bottling at 46% without chill filtration also helps preserve body and flavour rather than polishing everything too smooth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Irish whiskey we like to introduce to customers who want something with a clear sense of tradition, but still with a fresh and lively drinking character. It is not built around smoke; its (…)Blue Spot 7y Cs
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Blue Spot 7y Cs
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Blue Spot 7y CS is an Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey bottled at cask strength, with an alcohol strength of 58.4% and an age statement of 7 years. It presents the style in a more forceful way, giving the whiskey a clear sense of energy and presence in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who want to explore Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey with extra intensity. The supplied flavour profile points toward fruit and spice as the main accents, with wood playing a lighter, supporting role.
Rather than leaning on heavy oak influence, Blue Spot 7y CS is defined by its cask strength character and its lively fruity-spiced direction.
The available flavour profile places fruit and spice at the centre of the experience. Wood (…)Born Irish Whiskey Pure Pot Still
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Born Irish Whiskey Pure Pot Still
In stock
Born Irish Whiskey Pure Pot Still presents an Irish whiskey with spice at the centre of its character. Its bourbon barrel maturation brings a gentle wood influence, adding structure without turning the whiskey into a heavily oak-led dram.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for Irish whiskey with a clearer spicy line rather than smoke. The fruit and floral side is lighter and supportive, keeping the overall impression approachable and easy to understand.
There is no age statement here, so the focus sits firmly on the Pure Pot Still style, the bourbon barrel influence and the whiskey's overall drinkability. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that will not stay on the shelf (…)Green Spot Montelana Tube Incl.
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Green Spot Montelana Tube Incl.
In stock
Green Spot Montelana is an Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey shaped by a wine finish, giving this release a clearly fruit-led personality. The wine cask influence brings the fruit forward, while gentle wood, spice and a light floral note sit more in the background.
At 46% alcohol, it has enough presence to carry that style without moving into smoky or salty territory. The emphasis is on fruit and subtle supporting detail rather than heaviness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Green Spot Montelana fits neatly among Irish whiskeys for drinkers who enjoy the Pure Pot Still style and want to explore it with an added wine-cask dimension.
The flavour profile is led by fruit, with wood, spice and a light floral touch playing a more restrained supporting role.
Jameson Five Oak Single Pot Still
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Jameson Five Oak Single Pot Still
In stock
Jameson Five Oak Single Pot Still shows a more specialist side of Jameson. It remains firmly Irish in identity, yet the Single Pot Still style and 46% strength give it a more defined presence than many drinkers might associate with the name.
Although Five Oak draws attention to the oak element, the available profile points first of all to fruit. Wood, spice and a light floral touch sit around that fruity centre rather than taking over. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Jameson we like to place in front of someone who knows the brand but wants to explore a more characterful Irish whiskey style.
There is no age statement attached to this release, so the focus stays on the style itself: Irish Single Pot Still whiskey with a clear fruit-driven profile (…)Kilbeggan Single Pot Still
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Kilbeggan Single Pot Still
On request only
Kilbeggan Single Pot Still presents an Irish whiskey built around the Single Pot Still style, bottled at 43% and released without an age statement. Its character is not shaped by smoke or coastal salinity; the emphasis sits more with fruit and floral notes, supported by a lighter touch of wood and spice.
The bourbon barrel maturation fits that profile well. It gives the whiskey a frame without pushing it into a heavily oaked direction, allowing the brighter fruit-led and floral side to remain central.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Irish whiskey we like to place in front of someone who wants to explore Single Pot Still without being overwhelmed by oak or peat. With the last bottles now in our selection, it also carries a certain sense of (…)Knappogue Castle 1951 36y
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Knappogue Castle 1951 36y
In stock
Knappogue Castle 1951 36y is the kind of Irish whiskey where the dates immediately set the tone. Distilled in 1951 and bottled in 1987, this pure pot still whiskey spent 36 years maturing in sherry casks. Its provenance adds real weight to the story: it comes from the now-closed B. Daly distillery.
As a single cask release with collector status, it sits in a very particular place at Drankenshop Broekmans. This is not presented as an everyday Irish whiskey, but as a rare surviving link to a vanished distillery and a long period of maturation.
The style is shaped by mature wood, fruit and a gentle thread of spice. The sherry cask maturation gives the whiskey depth, while peat and salinity are not part of its profile.
Additional information about (…)Power's 12y John's Lane New
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Power's 12y John's Lane New
On request only
Powers 12y John's Lane comes from the Single Pot Still range launched in 2012, a line that also includes Redbreast and Green Spot. Within that family, Powers is presented as the more rustic name: an Irish pot still whiskey built around flavour, weight and a clear sense of character.
It is made in Midleton from equal parts malted and unmalted barley, the foundation of its pot still identity. Twelve years in oak casks add structure, spice and wood influence without taking away from the whiskey's fruit-driven side.
At 46%, it carries a little more strength than usual, giving the red fruit and gentle acidity a firmer voice. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Powers 12y John's Lane as a particularly interesting Irish whiskey for drinkers who want something with more (…)Redbreast 12y Cask Strength
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Redbreast 12y Cask Strength
Temporarily sold out
Redbreast 12y Cask Strength shows Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey in a more forceful form. With 12 years of age behind it and bottled at 57.5%, it keeps the natural intensity of cask strength rather than presenting a softened version of the spirit.
The Sherry Butt cask type gives the whiskey a clear direction. Fruit and spice stand at the centre of the profile, while wood and a light floral side play a more supporting role. There is no peated character indicated here, so the focus remains on richness, spice and cask-driven depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Redbreast we would point out to someone who already appreciates the style and wants to experience it with more power and concentration. It is a more assertive take on the 12-year-old (…)Redbreast 12y Single Pot Still Incl. Box
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Redbreast 12y Single Pot Still Incl. Box
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still is an Irish whiskey with a reputation built around depth, fruit and a very recognisable style. The supplied information describes it as Irish nectar, a name linked to its refined notes of cassis and peach.
Its character starts with equal parts malted and unmalted barley, giving it the foundation expected from Single Pot Still whiskey. Maturation in oak casks, mainly oloroso casks, adds a richer layer, with the flavour described as reminiscent of Christmas cake: fruit-led, gently spiced and warmly rounded without becoming dominated by wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Redbreast 12y stands out as one of the key Irish whiskeys for understanding this style. It is described as the world's best-selling Single Pot Still Whiskey (…)Redbreast 15y
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Redbreast 15y
Temporarily sold out
Redbreast 15y is described by the brand as The Bold One, and that feels fitting for a 15-year-old Irish single pot still whiskey with a clear sense of personality. Made from equal parts malted and unmalted barley, it has the kind of structure that gives the style its distinctive presence.
The maturation is mainly in oloroso and American bourbon casks. Rather than making the oak the main subject, this release stays close to the Redbreast signature: fruit and spice form the backbone, with a noticeable floral side and a gentler wood influence in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for anyone exploring Redbreast beyond the basics and looking for a more mature, expressive version of the house style. Bottled at 46%, it has enough (…)Redbreast 18y Incl. Box
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Redbreast 18y Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Redbreast 18y is an Irish pure pot still whiskey built around maturity and depth. The 18-year age statement immediately sets a more serious tone: this is a whiskey where ageing has an important role, with wood, spice and fruit all clearly present in the overall character.
Its profile does not depend on smoke or salinity. Instead, the emphasis sits on fruit, spice and a defined wood influence, with a lighter floral accent in the background. That gives the whiskey a focused Irish identity, shaped by age rather than by heavy or smoky elements.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Redbreast 18y is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for an Irish whiskey with more maturity and structure. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its profile with (…)Redbreast 2000 21y Sherry
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Redbreast 2000 21y Sherry
In stock
Redbreast 2000 21y Sherry is an Irish pure pot still whiskey with a very focused story: one cask, long maturation and bottling at cask strength. Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2022 after 21 years, it comes from a Sherry Butt and carries a natural strength of 58.7% ABV.
Only 546 bottles were released, so this is far removed from a regular wide-availability expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottling like this stands out because it shows Redbreast through the lens of one individual cask rather than through a broader house style. With the last bottles now in play, it also has clear appeal as a collectable release.
The stated flavour profile points towards fruit, spice and wood influence as the central elements, with no peat or salty character indicated. (…)Redbreast 2000 22y Sherry 58,3 Tube Incl.
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Redbreast 2000 22y Sherry 58,3 Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
Redbreast 2000 22y Sherry 58.3 is an Irish pure pot still whiskey with a very defined story: distilled in 2000, bottled in November 2023 and matured for 22 years. Rather than a broad house release, this is a bottling tied to one particular cask and one particular period of maturation.
The sherry maturation is central to its identity. At 58.3% alcohol, it presents itself with real strength and concentration, while the available flavour profile points towards fruit, spice and wood as the main lines of character. It is a Redbreast with a mature, sherry-led presence, shaped by time and cask rather than by volume.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this deserve attention because the details matter: single cask, 564 bottles, and now down to the last bottles. (…)Redbreast 2001 17y Single Cask
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Redbreast 2001 17y Single Cask
In stock
Redbreast 2001 17y Single Cask is an Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey drawn from one sherry butt. Distilled on 1 May 2001 and matured for 17 years, it represents a very specific side of Redbreast rather than a regular batch-style release.
Only 636 bottles were produced, and it was bottled at cask strength at 59.5%. Together with its single cask origin and collector's item status, that gives this release a clear sense of rarity, especially now that it concerns the last bottles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that deserves a little context: a concentrated, cask-driven Redbreast for drinkers who appreciate Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey in a limited and clearly defined form.
Additional information about Redbreast can be (…)Redbreast 21y Incl. Box
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Redbreast 21y Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Redbreast 21y is an Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey where the age statement immediately matters, but not in a purely formal way. Twenty-one years in oak casks gives it maturity and presence, while the product information describes it with the telling phrase La Délicatesse.
The defining feature here is the pronounced xérès influence, set against a strongly fruity aromatic register. Notes such as kiwi and watermelon are joined by herbal and spicy accents, giving this 21-year-old Redbreast a generous, layered feel without turning it into a wood-driven whiskey. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy Irish whiskey with depth, age and a distinctly fruit-led personality.
Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to (…)Redbreast 27y Port
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Redbreast 27y Port
In stock
Redbreast 27y Port is an Irish pure pot still whiskey where age, cask influence and scarcity all matter. At 27 years old, it carries a mature presence, while the Port Finish draws attention to a distinctly fruit-driven side. Bottled at 54.6%, it remains a powerful and serious whiskey.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Redbreast stands out for drinkers looking for an aged Irish whiskey with fruit at the centre, supported by clear wood influence and spice. Its collectors item status and the fact that these are the last bottles add to the sense that this is a rarer release.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.redbreastwhiskey.com/
The tasting profile is led by fruit, which forms the main impression (…)Redbreast 27y Port Batch 2
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Redbreast 27y Port Batch 2
In stock
Redbreast 27y Port Batch 2 is an Irish pure pot still whiskey with a distinctly mature presence. At 27 years old, and finished in port, it points toward a deeper, fruit-led side of Redbreast, with wood and spice playing a clear supporting role.
Bottled at cask strength, 53.5%, it keeps a strong connection to the whiskey's natural intensity. This is not positioned as a light or overly softened style; the strength, age and port finish all suggest a whiskey with weight and definition.
In the Drankenshop Broekmans range, this bottle stands out because of that combination of age, port influence and the fact that only the last bottles remain. It is a compelling choice for anyone looking to explore a mature Irish whiskey where fruit is central, while peat smoke and (…)Sailor's Home Haven
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Sailor's Home Haven
In stock
Sailor's Home Haven is an Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey with a name that says quite a lot: a safe place to return to, better than any port in a storm. It brings together classic Irish ingredients with a rounded, comforting style.
The spirit is triple distilled from malted and unmalted Irish barley, with a small proportion of oats added for creaminess. That detail matters in the glass, because texture is part of its charm. Maturation in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks and American Bourbon casks gives the whiskey its mix of gentle fruit, spice and sweeter oak notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of Irish whiskey with a little more depth than simple softness. The 43% strength keeps it approachable, while the pot still spice, creamy (…)Teeling Single Cask Ppsvirgin Oak
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Teeling Single Cask Ppsvirgin Oak
Only 2 left in stock!
Teeling Single Cask Ppsvirgin Oak is an Irish pure pot still whiskey built around a very focused idea: one cask, bottled at cask strength, with no attempt to soften its individuality into a standard release. It is a whiskey with a clear sense of place in the bottle, shaped by a single virgin oak cask.
The oak is part of the story, but it does not dominate everything. The profile points to fruit, spice and floral notes as key elements, with the wood sitting more as a supporting influence. At 63.3%, this is a powerful bottling, yet the interest lies just as much in the detail of that individual cask as in the strength itself.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Teeling stands out as a small-batch release in the truest sense: only 258 bottles (…)Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr 4 Carpathian Virgin Oak Incl. Box
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Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr 4 Carpathian Virgin Oak Incl. Box
In stock
Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr 4 Carpathian Virgin Oak is an Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey built around the influence of wood. For the fourth release in the Wonders of Wood series, Teeling focuses on virgin oak from the Carpathians, described in the supplied information as a rare oak with a fine grain structure and rich tannins.
The whiskey follows the traditional Single Pot Still style, made from 50% malted barley and 50% unmalted barley, and is triple distilled in Dublin. Full maturation in Virgin Carpathian Oak casks gives this release its own voice within the series: fruit-forward, spicy and gently woody, while keeping the creamy pot still character in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Teeling for drinkers who enjoy discovering how a cask (…)
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.
