Whisky
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Symington's Blend 10y (Signatory Vintage Various)
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Symington's Blend 10y (Signatory Vintage Various)
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Symington's Blend 10y is a ten-year-old blended Scotch bottled by Signatory, shaped by a combination of bourbon and sherry cask influence. It is a straightforward whisky in the best sense: clear in style, approachable, and built around gentle fruit, honeyed notes and toasted wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a Scotch blend with a little more substance than a very basic everyday whisky, but without peat or heavy oak taking over.
Bottled at 46%, it keeps a good sense of presence while remaining easy to enjoy. The bourbon and sherry elements sit behind the whisky rather than dominating it, giving warmth and a lightly fruity, softly spiced impression.
The tasting profile brings (…)Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered (Signatory) Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered is a Highland single malt bottled by Signatory and finished in sherry casks. At 46%, and presented within the Unchill Filtered range, it sits in that appealing space where the whisky remains approachable while still carrying the identity of an independent bottling.
Distilled in 2016 and matured for 10 years, this release brings together the Highland origin, Signatory's selection and the extra dimension of a sherry finish. The available profile points away from peat or coastal saltiness and more towards a measured combination of fruit, gentle spice, light wood and a floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to show to customers who enjoy discovering a distillery through an independent (…)Aberfeldy 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
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Aberfeldy 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
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Aberfeldy 2014 11 Year Old is a Highland single malt with a notably direct presentation. Bottled by Signatory as part of the Cask Collection, it comes at cask strength with an ABV of 60%, giving the whisky a firm, unsoftened presence.
The Oloroso Sherry cask is central to its identity. With 11 years of maturation behind it, the style leans clearly towards wood, spice and floral notes, while fruit and a light salty accent sit more quietly in the background. Peat is not part of the profile, so the focus stays on cask influence, structure and spicy depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy single malts with a more forthright style, especially when cask strength and sherry cask maturation are part of the (…)Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Incl. Box
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Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Incl. Box
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Allt A Bhainne 2000 21y is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: distilled on 26 July 2000, bottled on 13 August 2021 and drawn from a single cask. That gives this whisky a sense of place and time rather than the feel of a broad, standard release.
Bottled by Signatory for the Cask Collection, it comes at cask strength, 52.4%, with a sherry finish shaping its direction. Only 703 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now available, it has become one of those whiskies at Drankenshop Broekmans that speaks to drinkers who enjoy a precise, limited Speyside bottling.
Its profile points towards clear wood and spice, supported by lighter fruity and floral notes. There is no peated or salty emphasis here; the focus is on cask influence, (…)Ardbeg 1991 Over 30y Artist #13 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Ardbeg 1991 Over 30y Artist #13 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Ardbeg 1991 Over 30y Artist #13 is a 32-year-old Islay single malt, distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2023. It comes from a single cask selected by Signatory for the Artist Edition, giving this release a very specific identity rather than the feel of a wider batch bottling.
Drawn from one Bourbon Hogshead and bottled at 47.7%, it was released in just 158 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are the ones we tend to pause over: old Ardbeg, independent bottling, single cask origin and a very small outturn all in one place.
The stated flavour profile points toward a clearly Islay-driven style, with peat and salinity as the main lines. Wood, spice and fruit are present in a lighter role, so the interest lies in the combination of long maturation and (…)Ardmore 2009 9y Atc 3.0 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Ardmore 2009 9y Atc 3.0 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Ardmore 2009 9y ATC 3.0 is a Highland single malt with a clearly framed identity: distilled in 2009, matured for nine years and bottled by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. It is the kind of release that gives Ardmore a slightly different perspective, shaped by an independent bottler rather than a standard distillery range.
The peated cask sets the tone, though the profile points to restraint rather than heaviness. Peat is present in a lighter way, supported by gentle spice, some fruitiness and a subtle salty edge. At 43% alcohol, the whisky keeps a composed style, allowing those accents to remain approachable and easy to read.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling sits naturally among the more limited independent selections. With only the last (…)Ardmore 2010 10y Sv Nectar (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Ardmore 2010 10y Sv Nectar (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Ardmore 2010 10y SV Nectar is a Highland single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Distilled on 6 May 2010 and bottled on 14 September 2020, it spent 10 years in a bourbon barrel before being released by Signatory as part of the Cask Collection. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this bottle captures one specific cask at one specific point in time.
Only 217 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now in circulation, its limited nature is very clear. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are especially interesting because they show how direct and characterful an independent single cask whisky can be when bottled at cask strength.
At 59.2%, this Ardmore has real presence. The profile leans clearly towards fruit and spice, (…)Ardmore 2011 14y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Ardmore 2011 14y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Ardmore 2011 14y is a Highland single malt bottled by Signatory as part of the Vintage 100 proof series. Distilled in 2011 and matured for 14 years, it comes at 57.1%, giving the whisky a firm and direct presence.
The Oloroso Sherry cask is central to its identity. The profile points towards clear wood influence and spice, with fruit playing a quieter supporting role. A light peated note adds definition without taking over the whisky's Highland character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like for its focused personality: a specific Ardmore, shaped by sherry cask maturation and bottled with real strength. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that feels increasingly finite.
The flavour (…)Auchentoshan '99 22y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Auchentoshan '99 22y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
In stock
Auchentoshan '99 22y is a Lowland single malt with a very specific identity: distilled in 1999, bottled by Signatory for the Cask Collection, drawn from a single sherry butt and presented at cask strength, 55.6% ABV.
What makes this release stand apart is its single cask nature. Rather than representing a broad, recurring style, it captures one individual cask, bottled in a run of 689 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that speaks to drinkers who enjoy provenance, limited availability and the detail of a clearly defined maturation.
The supplied profile points towards a whisky where wood, spice and fruit all have a clear presence. There is no peated element shaping the experience; the focus stays on maturation, cask strength (…)Auchentoshan 2003 13y (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
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Auchentoshan 2003 13y (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
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Auchentoshan 2003 13y is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky, independently bottled by Signatory as part of the Unchill Filtered range. That already gives it a more specialist feel: not a standard distillery release, but a selected bottling with its own presentation and point of view.
Distilled in 2003 and matured for 13 years, it was given a sherry finish before bottling. At 46% alcohol and without chill filtration, the emphasis remains on flavour and texture, while the style stays away from peat-driven weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for customers who enjoy exploring familiar distillery names through independent bottlers. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that will not stay around (…)Auchentoshan 2007 13y Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan 2007 13y Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan 2007 13y Artist 5 is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky bottled by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. Distilled in 2007 and matured for 13 years in a sherry butt, it was bottled at 48% alcohol.
What gives this release its appeal is its very specific identity. It is an independent bottling with a defined maturation and a limited outturn of 1,581 bottles, rather than a broad, standard expression. The sherry butt maturation also gives a clear direction to the style, with fruit standing at the centre and spice playing an important supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Auchentoshan we like to highlight for customers who enjoy exploring individual releases from familiar distilleries. With the final bottles now in view, (…)Auchentoshan 2013 13y Sv Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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Auchentoshan 2013 13y Sv Monuments Of Scotland (Signatory) Tube Incl.
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This Auchentoshan from Signatory Vintage sits within the Monuments of Scotland series, and its label points to St Andrews Cathedral on Scotland's east coast. Once the largest church in the country and now an impressive ruin, it gives the bottle a sense of place that goes beyond the usual distillery details.
Distilled in 2013 and bottled after 13 years, it brings together Auchentoshan's Lowland identity, its triple distillation, and a finish in first fill Oloroso sherry butts. Bottled at 50.8% vol., non-chill filtered and with natural colour, it keeps the presentation close to the whisky itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like to place in front of curious single malt drinkers: clearly defined, characterful, and tied (…)Auchroisk 1990 27y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Auchroisk 1990 27y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Auchroisk 1990 27y is a Speyside single malt with the kind of appeal that independent bottlings often have: precise, limited and tied to one individual cask. Distilled on 15 August 1990 and bottled on 25 July 2018, it spent 27 years maturing before Signatory selected it for the Cask Collection.
This release comes from a refill butt and was bottled as a single cask at natural cask strength, 53.7% ABV. With 551 bottles drawn, it is not a widely available house style but a specific snapshot of Auchroisk from one cask and one point in time.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the perspective they give on a distillery beyond its standard releases. The combination of mature Speyside single malt, Signatory selection, cask strength (…)Auchroisk 2008 #4 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Auchroisk 2008 #4 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Auchroisk 2008 #4 is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: one individual cask, 16 years of maturation and a Pedro Ximenez finish that gives the whisky a richer, more pronounced direction. It was distilled on 20 September 2008 and bottled on 19 February 2025 by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range.
The appeal here lies in its specificity. This is a single cask release of only 339 bottles, bottled at 57.9%, and with the last bottles now available it feels like a defined snapshot of Auchroisk rather than a broad house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are selected for drinkers who enjoy exploring Speyside through independent releases. Signatory lets the individual cask take centre stage here, with (…)Auchroisk 2012 13y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
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Auchroisk 2012 13y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Auchroisk 2012 13y is a Speyside single malt bottled by Signatory Vintage for its Cask Strength Collection. It comes at 57.9% ABV, bottled at cask strength and with natural colour, so the whisky is presented in a direct and unpolished way.
The 13 years of maturation took place in a 1st Fill IDM Amarone Hogshead, Cask No. 4. That cask choice gives this Auchroisk a clear wine-cask direction, with dark fruit, spice and a firm structure at the centre of the experience. As a single cask release, it captures one particular barrel rather than a broader house style.
Only 301 bottles were released, giving it the focused appeal of a small-batch selection. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would introduce to someone looking for a powerful Speyside (…)Ballechin 2013 13y Nectar & Kirsch - Grand Marnier Finish (Signatory - The Nectar And Kirsch)
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Ballechin 2013 13y Nectar & Kirsch - Grand Marnier Finish (Signatory - The Nectar And Kirsch)
In stock
Ballechin is the heavily peated side of Edradour, from the Highland region, linked in the supplied information to Scotland's smallest traditional distillery. This 2013 release spent 13 years maturing before being bottled by Signatory as part of the joint The Nectar & Kirsch bottling.
The distinctive twist here is the Grand Marnier hogshead finish. It does not simply soften the peat; it adds a layer of candied orange, clementine and vanilla around the smoky core of the spirit. That contrast gives the whisky a clear identity: dark, powerful and peated, yet with a vivid citrus accent from the finish.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Ballechin we like to point out to drinkers who enjoy whisky with real force and definition. Bottled at cask (…)Balmenach 2016 10y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Balmenach 2016 10y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Balmenach 2016 10y is a Speyside single malt bottled by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage 100 proof range. With its 2016 vintage, 10 years of age and 57.1% strength, it presents itself as a clearly defined independent bottling rather than a standard distillery release.
The sherry finish is the key maturation detail here. Based on the supplied flavour profile, this is not a whisky built around peat smoke or saline notes; its direction is more gently spread across fruit, spice, wood and a light floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Balmenach sits well among the Scottish whiskies chosen for drinkers who enjoy exploring distillery character through independent bottlings. As only the last bottles remain, it also has the appeal of a release that is (…)Ben Nevis 11y Tartan (Signatory Vintage)
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Ben Nevis 11y Tartan (Signatory Vintage)
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Ben Nevis 11y Tartan brings together a Highland single malt identity with the independent bottling perspective of Signatory Vintage. Distilled in 2015 and matured for 11 years, it is bottled at 46%.
The Sherry Matured indication gives this release its main direction. Rather than relying on peat or coastal salinity, the profile sits around light fruit, gentle floral notes, subtle wood and a measured touch of spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this has a clear role for drinkers who enjoy exploring independent Scotch whisky with a defined distillery origin. With only the last bottles remaining, this particular Signatory bottling of Ben Nevis is also becoming a more specific find.
The flavour impression is measured rather than forceful. (…)Ben Nevis 2010 10y Artist 11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Ben Nevis 2010 10y Artist 11 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Ben Nevis 2010 10y Artist 11 is a Highland single malt with the focused character of an individual cask release. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2021, it matured for 10 years in a bourbon barrel before being bottled by Signatory in the Artist Edition series.
Only 195 bottles came from this single cask, and it was released at cask strength: 58.1%. That gives the whisky a very particular identity. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one specific barrel of Ben Nevis at one point in its maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value bottlings like this because they show how much detail a single cask can carry. The supplied flavour profile points toward a whisky with clear fruity, spicy and floral dimensions, supported by a lighter wood (…)Ben Nevis 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
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Ben Nevis 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
On request only
Ben Nevis 2014 11y is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity: a single cask release from Signatory's Cask Collection, matured in port cask and bottled at cask strength. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this bottling is about one specific cask and the way it has developed over time.
Distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2026 at 11 years old, it carries a natural strength of 59.6%. That makes it a direct, full-powered presentation, with no reduction to a more conventional drinking strength indicated in the supplied details.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they show a more individual side of a distillery. The 'last bottles' indication adds to that sense of scarcity: once this single cask bottling is gone, (…)Ben Nevis 2014 6y 57,10° Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Ben Nevis 2014 6y 57,10° Artist 5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Ben Nevis 2014 6 year old Artist 5 is a Highland single malt bottled by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. Distilled in 2014 and released at 6 years of age, it comes at cask strength, with its 57.10% ABV giving the whisky a direct and unsoftened presentation.
Although matured in a Sherry Butt, the supplied flavour profile does not point towards heavy oak or spice. The emphasis sits more clearly on fruit and floral notes, giving this Ben Nevis a brighter angle than one might automatically associate with a sherry cask reference.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, the interest here lies in the very specific snapshot this bottle represents: Ben Nevis from the Highlands, bottled by Signatory, drawn from a defined 2014 vintage, with 1288 bottles released and the (…)Ben Nevis 2015 10y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
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Ben Nevis 2015 10y (Signatory Vintage 100 Proof)
On request only
Ben Nevis 2015 10y is a Highland single malt with a very direct presentation. Bottled by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage 100 proof range, it comes at cask strength, 57.1%, giving the whisky a firm and unpolished sense of presence.
The appeal lies in its single cask origin and Oloroso finish. Rather than a broad house-style expression, this is a closer look at one individual cask and one particular maturation path. At 10 years old, it sits in that space where maturity is present, but the whisky still keeps plenty of drive.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy independent bottlings with a clear cask identity. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has the feeling of a release that will (…)Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw (Signatory - Unchill Filtered) Tube Incl.
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Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw (Signatory - Unchill Filtered) Tube Incl.
On request only
Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw is a young Highland single malt with a very specific identity: distilled on 7 June 2016, bottled on 1 September 2021, and released by Signatory as part of the Unchill Filtered range.
The whisky comes from a single wine-matured cask, giving this 5-year-old Ben Nevis a focused cask-led story rather than the feel of a broad standard release. With only 391 bottles produced, it captures one particular parcel of spirit at one particular point in its development.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that rewards curiosity: a limited single cask Highland malt at 46%, with the added interest that these are now the last bottles available.
Based on the supplied flavour profile, this Ben Nevis places the (…)Ben Nevis 2016 8y Art 7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
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Ben Nevis 2016 8y Art 7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
On request only
Ben Nevis 2016 8y Art 7 is a Highland single malt with a very specific story behind it: one hogshead cask, distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2024 by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. At 8 years old, it keeps a youthful directness, while the 57.1% strength gives the whisky a firm and expressive presence.
With an outturn of 980 bottles, this is a clearly defined release rather than a broad standard bottling. The single cask origin matters here, because it captures one individual piece of Ben Nevis maturation. That also explains its place as a collector's item: limited, traceable and tied to one particular cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are selected for drinkers who enjoy independent single cask whisky with a clear identity. The (…)
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.
