Whisky
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Aldunie 1998 27y Tb (Thompson Brothers Blend)
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Aldunie 1998 27y Tb (Thompson Brothers Blend)
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Aldunie 1998 27 Year Old from Thompson Brothers is a mature blended malt Scotch whisky with the calm depth that comes from long ageing. It was composed from carefully selected casks that spent almost three decades developing, giving the whisky a character built around maturity, layered richness and quiet elegance rather than immediate showiness.
The refill barrel maturation keeps the oak influence measured, allowing dried fruit, refined wood, gentle spice and a light oxidative note to shape the experience. Bottled at 52.5%, it retains strength and presence, while the supplied profile points to a soft, full texture and a composed style. It is bottled without chill filtration and without added colouring.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we (…)Alness Blended 12y Tb (Thompson Brothers Blend)
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Alness Blended 12y Tb (Thompson Brothers Blend)
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Alness 12 Year Old from Thompson Brothers is a Scottish blended malt built around the combined character of Teaninich and Dalmore. It has a fresh, expressive style with a lightly maritime edge, while maturation in bourbon and sherry casks gives the whisky extra shape without making the wood feel dominant.
Bottled at 50%, it carries real presence, yet the overall impression remains lively and approachable. In typical Thompson Brothers fashion, it is non-chill filtered and bottled without added colouring, allowing the whisky's mix of tropical fruit, floral notes, gentle spice, saline accents and subtle peat smoke to come through with clarity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who want a blended malt with a (…)Ardlair 2010 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Ardlair 2010 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Ardlair 2010 11y Tb is built around a very clear idea: a Highland single malt drawn from one refill barrel, bottled after 11 years, with only 287 bottles released. Distilled on 13 October 2010 and bottled on 1 July 2022, it captures a specific cask rather than a broad house style.
At 50% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps a direct, small-batch feel. The refill barrel points to a whisky where the cask supports rather than dominates, with the supplied profile placing fruit and spice at the centre and lighter touches of wood and floral character around them.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that adds depth to a specialist whisky selection: limited, cask-specific and now down to the last bottles. It is particularly interesting for (…)Ardmore 13y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Ardmore 13y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Ardmore 13y Tb is a Highland single malt with a clear and recognisable personality. It carries Ardmore's softly peated Highland style, where the smoke is present but does not cover the malt, honeyed notes and fruitier side of the whisky.
Matured for 13 years and drawn from two refill barrels, this release was bottled at 48.5% ABV without chill filtration. That choice suits the whisky well: it keeps the texture and natural character intact, while the refill casks support the spirit rather than weighing it down with heavy wood.
With only 588 bottles released and the final bottles now available, this Ardmore has a fitting place at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers looking for a Scottish single malt that combines Highland malt sweetness, gentle peat smoke and a (…)Ardnamurchan 2015 6y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Ardnamurchan 2015 6y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Ardnamurchan 2015 6y Tb is a Highland single malt with a very direct identity. Distilled in 2015 and bottled in March 2022, it spent 6 years in a bourbon barrel. As a single cask release, it presents one specific cask rather than a broader, blended house interpretation.
Bottled at cask strength, 58.4% alcohol, it keeps close to the character of the barrel. Only 253 bottles were filled, so the limited nature of this release is part of its appeal, especially with the last bottles now remaining.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to explain rather than simply list: a compact, focused Highland malt where the available profile points to fruit as the main thread, supported by lighter floral, woody and spicy touches, without a peated (…)Aultmore 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Aultmore 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Aultmore 14y Tb is a Speyside single malt with a maturation story that deserves attention. Although the whisky is 14 years old, its final character is shaped by a layered cask composition: one 18-year-old cask, two 15-year-old barrels and a small Oloroso Octave. That makes the whisky feel more considered than a straightforward age statement alone might suggest.
Its style is built around fresh fruit, honeyed notes, malted grain, vanilla and gentle spice rather than peat or coastal influence. Bottling at 48.5% without chill filtration also suits the profile, keeping the texture and flavour presence intact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would show to someone who enjoys Speyside whisky but wants a little extra depth from the cask work. (…)Ben Nevis 1997 24y (Thompson Brothers)
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Ben Nevis 1997 24y (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Ben Nevis 1997 24y is a Highland single malt built around maturity, provenance and limited availability. Distilled in 1997 and aged for 24 years, it presents an older side of Ben Nevis without moving into a peated or coastal style.
The hogshead maturation and cask strength bottling give this release a direct, unpolished feel. With only 357 bottles produced, and with the final bottles now remaining, it occupies a special place at Drankenshop Broekmans for drinkers who appreciate older Highland malt with a clearly defined vintage.
Its profile is centred on fruit, spice and a noticeable wood influence, with a lighter floral note in support. There is no peat-driven character here; the interest lies in the combination of age, cask and the distillery's Highland (…)Blair Athol 2006 12y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Blair Athol 2006 12y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Blair Athol 2006 12y Tb is a Highland single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Drawn from a refill hogshead and bottled at cask strength, it comes from a limited outturn of 547 bottles. Rather than presenting a broad distillery style, it gives a more focused view of a specific cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we value for its clear sense of place within a small release: fruit takes the lead, with lighter floral, woody and spicy accents around it. Peat and salt are not part of the main impression here, so the whisky remains centred on the Highland malt character and the measured influence of the refill hogshead.
With its single cask origin and the last bottles now in sight, this Blair Athol feels like a whisky to choose (…)Blair Athol 2010 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Blair Athol 2010 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Blair Athol 2010 14y Tb is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, one distillation date and a release of just 274 bottles. Distilled on 20 March 2010 and bottled on 1 April 2024, it spent 14 years maturing in a first fill bourbon barrel.
What makes this bottling stand out is its close connection to the cask. It was bottled at 51.1% cask strength, with natural colour and without chill filtration, so the whisky keeps a direct and unpolished feel. The character is built around ripe yellow fruit, honeyed roundness, caramel, gentle oak and warm spice rather than smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of limited single cask we like to explain properly: a small release that captures one particular stage in Blair Athol's maturation (…)Blended Malt 2001 20y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Blended Malt 2001 20y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
Very last one in stock!
Blended Malt 2001 20y Tb is a Scottish blended malt with an undisclosed origin. That quiet anonymity gives the whisky a different kind of appeal: the focus is not on a famous name, but on the age, the cask and the character in the glass.
Distilled in 2001 and bottled in 2022, the product name presents it as a 20-year-old release. It comes from a single cask, bottled at cask strength, with a total outturn of 630 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see bottlings like this as discovery whiskies: limited, specific and shaped by one individual cask rather than a standard house style.
With the last bottles now remaining, there is a quiet sense of scarcity around this release. It is a thoughtful choice for drinkers who enjoy mature Scottish blended malt and are (…)Blended Scotch Whisky 5y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Blended Scotch Whisky 5y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Blended Scotch Whisky 5y Tb is a Scottish blend with a clear point of view: five years old, shaped by sherry maturation and bottled at 46%. With the origin kept undisclosed, the focus moves away from a familiar name and towards the whisky's own character in the glass.
The style leans towards spice, supported by lighter touches of fruit, floral notes and wood. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are appreciated because they offer a straightforward way to explore a sherry-matured blended Scotch without relying on a big distillery identity.
Only 621 bottles were filled, and the remaining stock is marked as last bottles. That gives this release a more limited feel, while its popularity suggests that customers have responded well to its direct, (…)Craigellachie 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Craigellachie 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Craigellachie 2007 15y Tb is a Speyside single malt built around a very specific idea: one cask, fifteen years of maturation and bottling at cask strength. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023, it captures the character of a single refill hogshead rather than presenting a broad, standardised house style.
Only 213 bottles were drawn from the cask, so the appeal lies partly in its scale. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are interesting because they let whisky drinkers explore a more individual side of a distillery, with the natural strength of 51.6% left intact.
The refill hogshead maturation points towards a whisky where wood influence is clearly present, supported by lighter spicy, fruity and floral accents according to the supplied profile. (…)Craigellachie 2009 13y 53,9° Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Craigellachie 2009 13y 53,9° Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Craigellachie 2009 13y 53.9° Tb is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: one distillation date, one cask and a limited outturn. It was distilled on 18 May 2009 and bottled on 1 October 2022 after 13 years in a refill hogshead.
What makes it engaging is the focus on a single cask rather than a broadly composed house expression. Bottled at cask strength and drawn from an outturn of 628 bottles, it presents this particular maturation in a direct, unblended way. With only the last bottles remaining, its limited nature is now very tangible.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Craigellachie sits comfortably among whiskies for drinkers who enjoy the detail of individual cask selection. The flavour direction is led by spice, with lighter floral, fruity (…)Craigellachie 2012 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Craigellachie 2012 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Craigellachie 2012 11y Tb is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity: distilled in 2012, bottled in 2023 and drawn from a single refill barrel after 11 years of maturation.
The refill barrel detail matters here, because the wood influence is not presented as the dominant force. The available flavour profile points more clearly towards fruit and spice, with oak and floral elements playing a quieter supporting role.
Only 285 bottles were produced, and it was bottled at cask strength at 50%. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits among those more individual Scotch whiskies for drinkers who enjoy seeing what one specific cask can say about a distillery, especially now that these are the last bottles.
The flavour profile places fruit and (…)Croftengea 2006 16y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Croftengea 2006 16y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Croftengea 2006 16y Tb is a Highland single malt from Loch Lomond with a very clearly defined origin: distilled on 8 April 2006, matured for 16 years and bottled on 1 November 2022 from a single hogshead.
As a single cask release bottled at cask strength, it carries the imprint of one individual cask rather than a broader house composition. Only 479 bottles were drawn, and with the last bottles now in stock, it has a naturally limited place in the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans.
The profile points towards a whisky where spice plays the leading role, supported by lighter wood influence and smaller touches of fruit, salinity and peat. At 50%, it has the presence one expects from a cask strength bottling, while still keeping the focus on the character (…)Dailuaine 2010 12y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Dailuaine 2010 12y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Dailuaine 2010 12y Tb is a Speyside single malt drawn from a single cask, giving it the focused feel that makes these small releases so appealing. Distilled on 18 February 2010 and bottled on 1 July 2022, it spent 12 years in a refill hogshead, a cask style that keeps the wood influence present without making it the whole story.
Only 266 bottles were filled, and it was bottled at cask strength at 50%. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to present as a specific snapshot of a distillery and a cask, rather than as a broad house style.
The flavour profile points most clearly towards spice, with lighter floral, fruity and woody notes in support. Peat and salinity are not part of the stated profile. With the last bottles now remaining from (…)Dailuaine 2016 7y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Dailuaine 2016 7y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Dailuaine 2016 7y Tb is a young Speyside single malt with a clear, direct personality. Distilled in 2016 and aged for 7 years, it keeps the focus close to the spirit itself: fruit is the main thread, supported by light floral touches, restrained wood influence and a modest spicy edge.
The hogshead maturation gives the whisky structure without making the wood dominate. At 57.1% alcohol, it has a firm presence in the glass, making this a compact and energetic view of Dailuaine at a relatively young age.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of limited release that is interesting because it captures a specific style rather than trying to be a permanent house bottling. With 1006 bottles produced and the last bottles now available, it is clearly a (…)Fettercairn 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Fettercairn 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Fettercairn 2007 14y Tb is a Highland single malt from Scotland with a very specific point of view. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022 after 14 years of maturation, it comes from a single cask, so the focus is not on a broad house style but on one particular cask and the way it developed over time.
Bottled at cask strength, at 55.1%, it keeps a direct and undiluted presence. In the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy seeing a single malt without the smoothing effect of a standard bottling strength.
The fact that only the last bottles remain adds to its appeal in a very straightforward way. A single cask is finite by nature: once these bottles are gone, this exact version of Fettercairn (…)Girvan 1990 32y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Girvan 1990 32y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Girvan 1990 32y Tb is a Lowland Scotch grain whisky with time at the centre of its story. Distilled on 29 November 1990 and bottled on 1 March 2023, it spent 32 years maturing before being drawn from a single cask. Within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection, it stands out as the kind of whisky where age, origin and cask individuality matter more than broad stylistic labels.
Bottled at cask strength at 48.7%, this release comes from one individual cask only. Just 383 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now in circulation, its limited nature becomes part of the appeal. It is a precise snapshot of Girvan grain whisky from a specific vintage and cask.
The profile points towards fruit, spice and wood, supported by a lighter floral touch. Peat and (…)Glen Garioch 1998 27y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glen Garioch 1998 27y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glen Garioch 1998 27 Year Old is the kind of whisky where the cask has clearly had its own say. Bottled in 2025 from a single cask, with only 190 bottles produced, it presents one very specific view of mature Highland single malt rather than a broad house style.
The intriguing part is the cask story. It was originally selected as a first-fill Oloroso sherry cask, yet on arrival it showed more of a Fino-like character. That gives this whisky a different shape from the heavier, more traditional sherry style: fresher, more elegant, with citrus, mineral notes, almond and subtle spice coming to the front.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this release for precisely that sense of discovery. Thompson Bros has allowed the cask to speak in its own voice, including the (…)Glen Garioch 2012 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glen Garioch 2012 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Glen Garioch 2012 11y Tb is a Highland single malt with a clear sense of direction: no peat-driven profile, but a whisky where wood influence and spice sit more prominently than overt fruitiness. Distilled in 2012 and aged for 11 years, it has enough maturation behind it while still keeping a direct, focused style.
The Bourbon Barrel maturation gives the whisky its frame, and the 48.5% strength adds presence in the glass. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of single malt that suits drinkers looking for a Scottish Highland whisky with structure, spice and a clean non-peated character.
With only the last bottles remaining, this Glen Garioch also has a sense of immediacy. Its interest lies in the combination of distillery, vintage, age and cask (…)Glen Moray 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glen Moray 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Glen Moray 2007 15y Tb is a Speyside single malt built around the personality of one individual cask. It was distilled on 23 November 2007 and bottled in January 2023 after 15 years of maturation in a bourbon barrel.
As a single cask release, it presents a narrow, specific snapshot rather than a broad house-style composition. Bottled at cask strength at 50.7%, and drawn from an outturn of just 213 bottles, it has the appeal of a whisky that can only exist in this particular form.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for that sense of precision: one distillery, one cask, one limited batch. With the last bottles now in view, the scarcity becomes part of the story, but the main interest remains the chance to taste Glen Moray through a very (…)Glenrothes 1997 24y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glenrothes 1997 24y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Glenrothes 1997 24y Tb is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity. Distilled on 19 November 1997 and bottled on 1 March 2023, it spent 24 years in a refill hogshead before being released as a single cask bottling.
What makes it stand apart is the scale. One cask, 269 bottles, bottled at cask strength at 48.9%. The refill hogshead keeps the wood influence in a supporting role, giving space to the fruity and spiced side of the whisky. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for customers who enjoy discovering a specific cask-driven take on Glenrothes rather than a broader house expression.
With only the last bottles remaining, it has become an increasingly finite release. More than just an age statement, it is a particular (…)Glentauchers 2006 18y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glentauchers 2006 18y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
In stock
Glentauchers 2006 18y Tb is a Speyside single malt with a clear sense of maturity and natural strength. Distilled on 8 June 2006 and aged for 18 years, it was bottled at 52.4%, giving the whisky the presence and definition of cask strength without losing its fragrant fruit-driven side.
The hogshead maturation adds wood and spice in a supporting role, while the character remains centred on ripe, expressive fruit and creamy sweetness. Thompson Bros is known for bottlings without chill filtration and with natural colour, an approach that keeps the whisky close to its cask identity.
With 408 bottles released and the last bottles now in circulation, this Glentauchers has a quietly limited character within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection. It is a whisky for (…)
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.
