The first quarter of 2026 is over, so it is again high time to take a quick look at the brands that are doing very well with our customers this year.
In this blog, we dwell on the brands in general, and not specifically on certain bottlings. For the sake of completeness, we will of course mention the references that were most popular with each brand in the first three months.
Quality and variety with Planteray Rum
Planteray Rum (formerly Plantation) remains one of the most versatile and accessible rum brands in our range. What makes this brand so strong is the combination of origin and finish: rums from different Caribbean countries are carefully selected and often double-matured, first in tropical climates and then in France. This creates a recognisable style in which fruitiness, spiciness and soft wood influences come together beautifully.
For our customers, Planteray is especially attractive because of its wide range. From fresh, light rums to richer, more complex expressions - there is always something that appeals. That consistent quality and adventurous character have made the brand a fixture in the shop for years.
Oriental quality with Nikka, Yoichi and Taketsuru
Japanese whisky continues to do well, and Nikka is one of the absolute leaders in this regard. The brand combines Scottish traditions with Japanese precision and balance. This results in elegant whiskies with a refined flavour profile, in which subtlety is often more important than strength.
Within Japanese whisky, Yoichi and Taketsuru also stand out. Yoichi is known for its slightly smoky, maritime character, while Taketsuru rather shows the smooth, perfectly balanced side of Japanese blended malt. Together, they perfectly illustrate why Japanese whisky remains so beloved.
Scottish highs with Arran Whisky
Arran Whisky is a fine example of modern Scotch whisky staying true to traditional values. The distillery on the Isle of Arran is known for its pure style, without peat smoke, focusing on fruity and malty character.
What makes Arran so appealing is its combination of accessibility and complexity. Both novice and experienced whisky drinkers will find something to their taste here, and the consistent quality ensures that the brand is chosen again and again.
French calvados from Coeur de Lion
Coeur de Lion is an established name within calvados, and you can taste it immediately. This Norman producer works with traditional methods and high-quality cider apples, resulting in rich, aromatic distillates with a nice balance between fruit and wood.
For customers looking for something different from whisky or rum, this is a particularly interesting alternative. The combination of recognisable apple notes and barrel ageing makes Coeur de Lion both accessible and surprisingly complex.
Colombian finesse with Dictador Rum
Dictador Rum brings a style all its own within the rum segment. Originating from Colombia, the brand stands out for its soft, almost velvety texture and distinct notes of coffee, cocoa and dried fruit.
That elegant, rounded style appeals to a wide audience. Often chosen by customers who like rich flavours without excessive sharpness, Dictador is a nice bridge between rum and whisky.
Our most popular gin brand from France: Citadelle
Citadelle has been a fixture within the gin segment for many years and remains extremely popular in 2026. This French gin is known for its classic base with a sophisticated twist, where a carefully selected mix of botanicals ensures an elegant and fresh taste.
What sets Citadelle apart is its balance: not too dominant in one direction, but perfectly harmonious. This makes it an excellent choice both pure and in cocktails, which makes it particularly loved by a wide audience.
Independence tops with this Scottish independent bottler Smokehead
Smokehead is not a classic distillery, but an independent bottler with a clear mission: to make powerful, smoky Islay whisky accessible to a wider audience. The brand resolutely opts for a distinct style, with plenty of peat, smoke and character.
This direct approach clearly catches on. Smokehead mainly appeals to lovers of intense whisky, but with its playful branding and clear profile, it also manages to convince new drinkers to discover the world of peated whisky.
Only new to our range and already wildly popular: Ron Centenario
Ron Centenario has only just been added to the range, but has immediately firmly established itself. This Costa Rican rum is known for its smooth, accessible style with notes of caramel, vanilla and tropical fruit.
The combination of a pleasant flavour profile and excellent value for money makes this brand particularly attractive. So it is no surprise that customers pick it up quickly and keep coming back.
Up and coming from Mexico: Amores Mezcal, Del Maguey Mezcal and Fortaleza Tequila
Interest in Mexican spirits continues to grow, and brands such as Amores, Del Maguey and Fortaleza are responding perfectly. Mezcal and tequila offer a completely different flavour profile to whisky or rum, with earthy, smoky and sometimes even slightly funky notes.
What these brands have in common is their focus on craft and authenticity. Traditional production methods and respect for the agave plant make for characterful spirits that are winning over more and more aficionados.
Quality from the cognac region: Pierre Ferrand
Pierre Ferrand is synonymous with high-quality cognac with a distinct character. The house combines traditional techniques with a modern vision, resulting in elegant and complex distillates.
For customers looking to discover or rediscover cognac, this is an excellent choice. Its rich aromas and refined structure make Pierre Ferrand suitable for drinking pure as well as for use in high-quality cocktails.
Straight from the Scottish Highlands: Glengoyne
Glengoyne stands out within the Scotch whisky world for its slow distillation and lack of peat smoke. As a result, its smooth, fruity and malty notes come out especially nicely.
The brand mainly appeals to aficionados looking for an elegant, accessible whisky without smoky influences. That distinct style ensures that Glengoyne has a permanent place within its range.
Like a rock, the certainties from Campbeltown: Springbank, Longrow and Kilkerran.
Campbeltown may be small, but the reputation of its distilleries is huge. Springbank, Longrow and Kilkerran are known for their artisanal approach and distinctively characterful whiskies.
These brands are real certainties for aficionados. They combine complexity, tradition and a recognisable style, making them appealing time and again to connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Marketing • IT • Klantenservice
I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
