Whisky
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Ardmore 2011 14y (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
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Ardmore 2011 14y (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Ardmore 2011 14y is a Highland single cask with a distinctly smoky direction. The interesting part is the meeting point: Ardmore's firm, dry Highland peat set against the influence of an ex-Laphroaig cask, described here as an Islay Finish. In the range at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a whisky where the peat is not just present, but shaped by two different smoky identities.
Blackadder bottled it as part of the Raw Cask series at natural cask strength, 59.3% ABV, without chill filtration and without added colour. That keeps the whisky close to the cask, with a direct and energetic feel rather than a polished or softened presentation.
Distilled in 2011 and bottled in February 2026, this 14-year-old Ardmore is a clearly defined single cask release. (…)Auchentoshan 1991 29y 56,1° Nectar (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Auchentoshan 1991 29y 56,1° Nectar (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
In stock
Auchentoshan 1991 29y Nectar is the kind of Lowland single malt that is best understood as a very precise snapshot of one cask. Distilled on 28 October 1991 and bottled on 1 October 2021, it spent 29 years maturing in a Bourbon Barrel before being released at cask strength.
Blackadder bottled this whisky as part of the Raw Cask series, drawn from a single cask rather than shaped into a larger batch. With only 93 bottles produced, and now down to the last bottles, it has a naturally limited place in the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who enjoy whiskies with a clear sense of origin and individuality.
The flavour profile is led by fruit, supported by noticeable wood and spice, with a lighter floral side. There is no peat influence indicated (…)Auchroisk 2014 12y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Auchroisk 2014 12y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
On request only
Auchroisk 2014 12y presents a richer, more generous side of this Speyside whisky. Its Amontillado finish adds structure and aromatic depth, bringing dried fruit, nuts, candied orange and polished wood into the picture while keeping the distillate's fruit-driven smoothness in view.
Blackadder bottled it for the Raw Cask series at 53.2% cask strength. That gives the whisky a direct, concentrated feel: a single cask bottling with texture, warmth and enough intensity to let the wine-cask influence speak clearly.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are especially interesting because they capture a very specific release rather than a broad house style. One cask, 207 bottles, and now down to the last bottles: a compact opportunity to taste Auchroisk with (…)Black Snake Oloroso Vat2 (Blackadder)
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Black Snake Oloroso Vat2 (Blackadder)
On request only
Black Snake Oloroso Vat2 is a Scottish single malt that is defined less by an age statement and more by cask choice, strength and limited availability. Bottled by Blackadder as part of the Black Snake range, it comes at a full 60.5% cask strength, with a sherry finish shaping its direction.
The appeal here lies in its small-scale nature. Only 466 bottles were produced, and the whisky comes from a single cask, giving it the feel of a specific cask-driven release rather than a broad, repeated expression. The Oloroso Vat2 name points clearly toward a sherry-led style, without needing an age statement to explain its identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy powerful Scottish single malt with a (…)Bunnahabhain 1992 34y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Bunnahabhain 1992 34y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
Temporarily sold out
Bunnahabhain 1992 34y from Blackadder is an Islay single malt with a dark, mature presence. Distilled in 1992 and bottled after 34 years at 56.1%, it comes from a single sherry hogshead. Only 66 bottles were drawn, so this is a very small release built around the voice of one individual cask.
The sherry cask influence is the defining element here. The supplied information points to a very dark colour and a rich, concentrated style, showing Bunnahabhain from a deeper and more gourmand angle. Rather than sitting quietly in the background, the cask gives the whisky its intensity, weight and darker tone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we would present to customers looking for a richer, more powerful side of Bunnahabhain. Blackadder's Raw (…)Caperdonich 1996 26y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
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Caperdonich 1996 26y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
On request only
Caperdonich 1996 26y Barc is a Speyside whisky built around a very specific point in time: distilled in 1996, matured for 26 years and bottled by Blackadder as part of the Blackadder Statement range. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the individuality of a single cask.
Bottled at cask strength, with an alcoholic strength of 55.2%, it keeps close to the direct character selected by the independent bottler. That matters here, because the appeal of a release like this lies in its singularity: one cask, one long maturation, one limited expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are valued for exactly that reason. They offer a focused look at mature Speyside whisky through the lens of an independent bottling, and with only the (…)Clynelish 1989 31y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
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Clynelish 1989 31y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
Very last one in stock!
Clynelish 1989 31y Barc is a Highland single malt with a very clear sense of origin. Distilled on 26 September 1989 and bottled on 1 July 2021 by Blackadder as part of the Blackadder Statement series, it spent 31 years in a Bourbon Barrel before being released.
What makes this bottling stand out is the precision of its provenance. It is a single cask whisky, bottled at cask strength at 46.8%, with only 194 bottles drawn from that cask. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one individual barrel after long maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are selected for customers who value age, independent bottling and a clearly defined cask origin. With only the last bottles remaining, this Clynelish is especially notable for its (…)Drop Of The Irish Ba (Blackadder Various) Incl. Box
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Drop Of The Irish Ba (Blackadder Various) Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
A Drop Of The Irish Ba is an Irish single malt whiskey bottled by Blackadder, shaped by maturation in an ex-Monymusk rum cask. That cask choice gives the whiskey a generous, expressive side, bringing forward ripe fruit, natural malt roundness and a warm, almost exotic accent.
Bottled at cask strength at 57.5%, it stays close to the personality of the individual cask. The rum influence does not take over; it adds softness, aromatic depth and a richer impression of brown sugar, ripe fruit and gentle spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for customers who enjoy Irish whiskey with a distinctive twist. As a single cask release with only the last bottles remaining, it feels more like a specific cask experience than a standard everyday (…)Glen Moray 1990 31y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
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Glen Moray 1990 31y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
On request only
Glen Moray 1990 31y Barc is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity. It comes from one bourbon barrel, distilled on 15 May 1990 and bottled on 1 May 2021 after 31 years of maturation. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the individual development of a single cask over more than three decades.
Blackadder bottled this whisky as part of the Blackadder Statement series at a cask strength of 51.5%. Only 104 bottles were released, so the appeal lies in its small scale as much as in its age: one cask, one maturation path, one limited outturn.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy mature Speyside whisky with a clearly traceable cask story. The bourbon barrel background supports a (…)Ledaig 1997 24y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
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Ledaig 1997 24y Barc (Blackadder Statement)
Only 2 left in stock!
Ledaig 1997 24y Barc is a Scottish single malt from Mull, bottled by Blackadder as part of the Statement series. With a 1997 distillation date, 24 years of age and a strength of 58.2%, it immediately presents itself as a more specialist release rather than an everyday bottling.
Its appeal lies in the combination of single cask origin and cask strength presentation. This is not a broad batch shaped towards consistency, but one individual cask captured after long maturation, with its own specific identity left intact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are valued for exactly that reason: they offer a narrow, limited view of a distillery at a particular point in time. With only the last bottles remaining, the availability of this release has become (…)Linkwood 12y 2013 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
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Linkwood 12y 2013 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Linkwood 12y 2013 from Blackadder is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: a single cask release, bottled at cask strength, finished in Oloroso. Rather than feeling like a broad house-style bottling, it gives a close look at one individual cask and the way sherry influence can add texture to Linkwood's elegant, fruit-led side.
Distilled on 2 April 2013 and bottled on 1 February 2026 as a 12-year-old whisky, it comes in at 59.1% ABV. Only 261 bottles were drawn, and within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans this is now down to the last bottles, giving it a naturally limited feel.
The charm here lies in the contrast between Speyside finesse and the richer touch of the Oloroso finish. Ripe fruit, dried fruit, gentle spice and pastry-like notes (…)Peat Reak 20y Highland Malt Bourbon "30 Years Blackadder" Incl. Box
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Peat Reak 20y Highland Malt Bourbon "30 Years Blackadder" Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Peat Reak 20y Highland Malt Bourbon "30 Years Blackadder" is a(n) whisky from Scotland by the brand Peat Reek. It falls within the whisky group under the category Single Malt. This whisky comes from the Highland region. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This whisky from Peat Reek will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this Peat Reek will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This whisky is matured in Refill Bourbon barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 54,6%.
Peat Reak 20y Highland Malt Bourbon "30 Years Blackadder" is bottled by Blackadder.
This whisky is a single cask (…)Peat Reek 2012 10y (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
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Peat Reek 2012 10y (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
In stock
Peat Reek 2012 10y is a Scottish blended malt from Islay, bottled by Blackadder as part of the Raw Cask range. The name gives a fair indication of its direction: peat is clearly part of the identity here, presented in a style that feels direct rather than polished into softness.
The appeal of this release lies in its compact, clearly defined nature. It comes from a single cask, was distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2022 at 10 years old, with a cask strength of 58.6%. Only 703 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it has a naturally limited place within the Drankenshop Broekmans whisky selection.
For drinkers who enjoy Islay malt with weight and presence, this bottling brings peat and spice to the foreground, supported by lighter (…)Peat Reek Embers 8y (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
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Peat Reek Embers 8y (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Incl. Box
In stock
Peat Reek Embers 8y is an Islay single malt bottled by Blackadder as part of the Raw Cask range. The name gives a good indication of its direction: peat is clearly at the centre, supported by the strength and immediacy of a 57% cask strength bottling.
Its appeal lies in the way several details come together. This is a single cask whisky, distilled in 2015 and bottled in 2023 after 8 years, with a Rum Finish adding an extra layer to the maturation story. Only 234 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now remaining, it feels very much like a specific cask captured at one moment in time.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, independent Islay releases like this are valued for their directness and individuality. Here the peat is the main voice, while lighter notes (…)Red Snake 128 (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Red Snake 128 (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
On request only
Red Snake 128 is a Scottish single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Rather than a broad house-style release, this is a single cask bottling: a focused snapshot of one particular whisky at one particular point in time.
It was bottled by Blackadder as part of the Raw Cask series and presented at cask strength, with an ABV of 59.4%. That immediately places it in a more direct, robust style of bottling, where the strength and the cask identity are part of the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for their specificity. With only the last bottles remaining, Red Snake 128 has the appeal of a limited Scottish single malt for drinkers who enjoy exploring whiskies beyond regular core bottlings.
No detailed (…)Red Snake Spicy Redneck 112 Barc (Blackadder - Black Snake)
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Red Snake Spicy Redneck 112 Barc (Blackadder - Black Snake)
On request only
Red Snake Spicy Redneck 112 Barc is a Scottish single malt with a deliberately strong, cask-led presentation. Bottled from a single oak cask at 59.8%, it is the sort of whisky where the individual cask and natural strength take centre stage.
Blackadder bottled this release in February 2022 as part of the Black Snake bottling. Only 263 bottles came from the cask, and with the last bottles now in view, it has the feel of a small, sharply defined release rather than a regular shelf expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, that makes it a fitting choice for customers who enjoy discovering limited cask-strength single malts with a clear identity.
The Spicy Redneck name connects neatly with the supplied flavour profile, where spice is the main feature, supported by (…)Shizuoka 2018 #740 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Tube Incl.
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Shizuoka 2018 #740 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Tube Incl.
In stock
Shizuoka 2018 #740 is a Japanese single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, one distillation date and a small outturn. It was distilled on 28 June 2018 and bottled on 1 August 2023, after 5 years in a bourbon barrel.
Blackadder released this whisky as part of its Raw Cask series, at a robust 63.8% ABV. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it gives a close look at one individual cask, with fruit, spice and wood forming the main aromatic direction and a lighter floral note in support.
Only 223 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now remaining, Shizuoka 2018 #740 sits at Drankenshop Broekmans as a particularly specific discovery for drinkers who enjoy limited single cask whisky. It is a snapshot of Japanese single malt through the lens (…)Shizuoka 2018 3y #781 (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Shizuoka 2018 3y #781 (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
Very last one in stock!
Shizuoka 2018 3y #781 is a Japanese single malt built around one very specific cask. Distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2022 as a 3-year-old whisky, it comes from bourbon barrel number 781, with only 199 bottles drawn from that single cask.
Blackadder bottled it as part of the Raw Cask series, keeping the presentation close to the cask itself. At 64.9% ABV, this is a cask strength release with a direct, undiluted identity rather than a softened standard bottling.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, the interest here lies in the small-scale nature of the release: Japanese single malt, one individual barrel, very limited availability and the final bottles now remaining. It is also marked as a collector's item, which suits the sense of a tightly defined whisky release (…)Shizuoka 2018 3y#1357 (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Shizuoka 2018 3y#1357 (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
Very last one in stock!
Shizuoka 2018 3y #1357 is a Japanese single malt with a very focused story. Bottled by Blackadder as part of the Raw Cask series, it presents the whisky in a direct way: one individual cask, bottled at cask strength, with very limited availability.
Cask #1357 yielded only 177 bottles. Together with its collector's item status and the indication that these are the last bottles, this release has a naturally scarce character. What makes it interesting is not only the small outturn, but the fact that it captures one specific cask rather than a broader house style.
Distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2022 at 3 years old, it was matured in a wine cask and bottled at 61.1% ABV. That combination points toward a whisky with real drive, where fruit and spice take the (…)Shizuoka 2018 6y #864 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Tube Incl.
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Shizuoka 2018 6y #864 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Shizuoka 2018 6y #864 is a Japanese single malt with a very focused small-batch identity. Distilled on 25 December 2018 and bottled in March 2025 by Blackadder for the Raw Cask series, it comes from one bourbon barrel only: cask #864, with just 189 bottles drawn.
At 63.7% ABV, this is clearly a cask strength release with a direct presence. Yet the supplied tasting note points to more than sheer power. Alongside the high strength there is a surprisingly elegant side, with exotic fruit, floral honey and a mineral touch shaping the whisky's personality.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Shizuoka stands out as the kind of bottle we like to present to customers who are curious about limited Japanese single cask whisky. With only a small outturn and the last bottles (…)Shizuoka 2019 #1129 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Tube Incl.
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Shizuoka 2019 #1129 (Blackadder - Raw Cask) Tube Incl.
In stock
Shizuoka 2019 #1129 is a Japanese single malt with a very specific identity: one cask, one small outturn, one clear snapshot of maturation. Distilled on 20 March 2019 and bottled on 1 August 2023, this 4-year-old release captures the whisky at a young and direct stage of development.
Blackadder bottled this Shizuoka as part of its Raw Cask series at a robust 64% ABV. It comes from a wine cask, with only 217 bottles released. Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a tightly defined Japanese single cask bottling, especially now that only the last bottles remain.
The flavour profile points towards fruit and spice as the main elements, with lighter wood influence and a subtle floral side in support. Peat does not shape the character here, (…)Smoking Islay 10y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
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Smoking Islay 10y (Blackadder - Raw Cask)
On request only
Smoking Islay 10y is very clear about its identity. This ten-year-old Scottish blended malt comes from Islay and was bottled by Blackadder as part of the Raw Cask series. The name, origin and flavour profile all point in the same direction: peat smoke and salinity are the main features, with wood playing a more restrained supporting role.
Its presentation gives the whisky much of its appeal. This is a single cask release, bottled at cask strength at 60.5% alcohol. Rather than a broad, polished house style, it shows one particular cask in a direct and concentrated form.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who appreciate Islay in a powerful, straightforward style. The last-bottles indication also underlines the limited nature of this (…)Smoking Islay 11y Sherry Ba (Blackadder Various) Incl. Box
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Smoking Islay 11y Sherry Ba (Blackadder Various) Incl. Box
In stock
Smoking Islay 11 Year Old Amontillado Cask Finish is a firmly peated Islay whisky from independent bottler Blackadder. Smoke is clearly at the heart of the whisky, but the Amontillado finish gives it a drier, more defined edge than a more classic sherry-style influence.
That finish is what makes this bottling stand out. The supplied product information points towards oxidative depth, spice, nutty notes and fine wood, adding tension around the peat rather than softening it. It remains a powerful Islay whisky, yet the finish brings extra maturity and a more structured feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in the hands of someone looking for peat with a distinct twist. As a single cask release of 750 bottles, now down to the (…)Westland 2015 10y Golden Promise "30 Years Blackadder" Incl. Box
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Westland 2015 10y Golden Promise "30 Years Blackadder" Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Westland 2015 10y Golden Promise "30 Years Blackadder" is a(n) whiskey from United States by the brand Westland. It falls within the whiskey group under the category Single Malt. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This whiskey from Westland will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this Westland will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This whiskey is matured in Bourbon Barrel barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 60,1%.
Westland 2015 10y Golden Promise "30 Years Blackadder" is bottled by Blackadder.
This whiskey is a single cask bottling. What is a single cask? A single (…)
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.
