Whisky
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Allt A Bhainne 1993 29y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Allt A Bhainne 1993 29y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Allt A Bhainne 1993 29y is a Speyside single malt shaped by time and by one individual cask. Distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2022, it spent 29 years in a hogshead before being released by Wemyss as part of its Single Cask range.
The appeal here lies in its focus. This is not a broad composition, but a single-cask snapshot of Allt A Bhainne, limited to 275 bottles. With the last bottles now remaining, it carries a quiet sense of scarcity that comes directly from the nature of the bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that rewards attention to maturation and cask selection. Its profile is led by fruit and wood, supported more gently by floral and spiced tones, with no peated character taking the lead. Bottled at 46%, it keeps (…)Benriach 2008 13y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Benriach 2008 13y (Wemyss Single Cask)
In stock
Benriach 2008 13 Year Old from Wemyss is a Speyside single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2022 after 13 years of maturation, it comes from a hogshead and was released in the Wemyss Single Cask range. Bottled at cask strength, 56.5%, it keeps the whisky close to the way that particular cask presented itself.
Only 266 bottles were drawn from this release, giving it a naturally limited feel without needing any extra decoration. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of whisky drinkers who enjoy independent bottlings and want to explore a more specific, cask-led side of Benriach.
The profile points towards wood and spice as the main pillars, with lighter fruit and floral elements (…)Bladnoch 1990 29y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Bladnoch 1990 29y (Wemyss Single Cask)
Very last one in stock!
Bladnoch 1990 29y is a Lowland single malt from Scotland, drawn from a single bourbon barrel. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in April 2020 after 29 years of maturation, it belongs to the Wemyss Single Cask range, where the individuality of one cask is the point of focus.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a whisky like this stands out because it is so clearly defined: one distillation year, one cask type, one bottler, and a long period of maturation. With the last bottles now remaining, it has a quiet scarcity that comes from the facts rather than from any need for exaggeration.
The flavour direction is centred on fruit and spice, with lighter floral and woody elements in support. Peat and salinity are not part of its stated profile, keeping the attention on the (…)Blair Athol 1991 23y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Blair Athol 1991 23y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Blair Athol 1991 23y is a Highland single malt with a very clearly defined identity: one distillery, one cask and 23 years of maturation. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the development of a particular cask over time.
Bottled by Wemyss as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range, it sits at 46% alcohol. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they offer a different way to approach a distillery name: more focused, more specific and shaped by the individuality of a single cask.
With only the last bottles remaining, its limited nature is now quite tangible. That scarcity is not a marketing construction, but simply part of what a single cask bottling is: a finite release from one individual cask.
No (…)Blair Athol 1991 25y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Blair Athol 1991 25y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Blair Athol 1991 25y is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity. Distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2017 by Wemyss for the Wemyss Single Cask range, it comes from one individual hogshead rather than from a marriage of several casks. That makes it a specific view of Blair Athol at 25 years of age.
Only 298 bottles were drawn from this cask, and the remaining availability is now limited to the last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they are defined by place, time and cask rather than by broad house style. It is a whisky for someone who enjoys the precision of an independent single cask bottling.
The supplied flavour profile points toward a fruit-led Highland character, with lighter floral, woody and spiced accents (…)Bowmore 1992 24y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Bowmore 1992 24y (Wemyss Single Cask)
Very last one in stock!
Bowmore 1992 24y is a mature Islay single malt with a very focused story behind it. Distilled in 1992 and bottled by Wemyss on 3 November 2016, it spent 24 years maturing before being released as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range.
What makes this bottle stand out is the single hogshead origin. Rather than representing a wider batch, it captures the personality of one individual cask, bottled at cask strength at 54.4%. Only 250 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now available, it sits at Drankenshop Broekmans as one of those releases for drinkers who appreciate rarity with a clear whisky identity.
The character is firmly shaped by Islay cues: peat, salinity and spice are the main threads, with lighter fruity and floral accents adding some (…)Clynelish 1995 24y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Clynelish 1995 24y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Clynelish 1995 24y is a Highland single malt with the quiet appeal of a well-aged independent bottling. Wemyss selected it for the Wemyss Single Cask range, and the whisky comes from a single hogshead, giving a focused view of one individual cask after 24 years of maturation.
Distilled in 1995 and bottled in April 2020, it carries a sense of patience rather than excess. The profile points towards fruit and spice as the main features, with gentle wood influence and a light salty edge in support. It is bottled at 46%, giving it presence while keeping the emphasis on the whisky itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out because it brings together several details that matter in a specialist whisky selection: Clynelish, Highland origin, a 24-year (…)Dufftown 2008 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Dufftown 2008 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
In stock
Dufftown 2008 14y is a Speyside single malt with a very specific point of view: one hogshead, distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2022 after 14 years of maturation. As part of the Wemyss Single Cask range, it is less about a broad, standardised style and more about the personality of one individual cask.
Only 308 bottles were drawn from this cask, and the fact that these are now last bottles adds to the sense of a release with a clearly limited lifespan. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for exactly that reason: they allow whisky drinkers to explore a precise cask-driven snapshot of Dufftown from Speyside.
The flavour profile points towards fruit and spice as the main features, supported more gently by floral and wood notes. Peat smoke and (…)Glen Keith 1995 21y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Glen Keith 1995 21y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Glen Keith 1995 21y is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky bottled by Wemyss as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range. It comes from one hogshead, distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2017 after 21 years of maturation.
The attraction here lies in its precision. This is one cask, one maturation story and a total outturn of just 313 bottles. With the last bottles now in view, it feels less like a standard Glen Keith release and more like a finite snapshot of the distillery through the lens of Wemyss. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are especially interesting because they show how much individuality a single cask can bring to a familiar whisky region.
The flavour direction is built around fruit and spice, supported by lighter floral and woody notes. (…)Glen Keith 1996 22y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Glen Keith 1996 22y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Glen Keith 1996 22y is a Speyside single malt with a very precise identity. Distilled in 1996 and bottled in December 2019 by Wemyss for the Single Cask range, it spent 22 years maturing before being drawn from a single butt. That matters, because this is not a broad batch expression; it reflects one individual cask.
The appeal here lies in the combination of maturity and focus. A 22-year-old Glen Keith from a single cask, now down to the last bottles, feels like a specific snapshot rather than a regular shelf whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a mature Speyside single malt where wood, spice and fruit shape the experience, without peat taking the lead. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence (…)Glenallachie 2007 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Glenallachie 2007 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
In stock
Glenallachie 2007 14y is a Speyside single malt with a very clear sense of origin: distilled in 2007, matured for 14 years and bottled in 2022 by Wemyss as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range. Rather than being a composition of several casks, it comes from one refill bourbon cask, yielding 745 bottles. With the last bottles now available, its appeal is also tied to that limited single-cask nature.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we place in front of people who enjoy a more focused cask selection. The refill bourbon maturation and the flavour profile suggest a whisky where fruit and spice take the lead, while oak and floral notes remain in a lighter supporting role. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character without moving into a (…)Glenrothes 1996 21y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Glenrothes 1996 21y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Glenrothes 1996 21y is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: distilled in 1996, matured for 21 years and selected by Wemyss for its Wemyss Single Cask series.
The hogshead maturation and 46% bottling strength give it a clear, composed presence. Based on the supplied profile, the whisky leans towards fruit and wood influence, with lighter floral and spiced accents rather than peat smoke or coastal salinity.
Only 342 bottles were filled, and the remaining stock is now marked as last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of bottling has a natural place for customers who enjoy older Speyside single malt seen through the lens of an independent bottler.
The supplied flavour profile points to a whisky where fruit and wood (…)Longmorn 1997 17y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Longmorn 1997 17y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
Longmorn 1997 17y is a Speyside single malt with the particular appeal of a single cask bottling. Rather than presenting a broad, repeated house style, it captures the outcome of one individual cask after 17 years of maturation.
Bottled by Wemyss as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range, this Scottish whisky is presented at 46% alcohol. The focus here is on the specific identity of the cask: a 1997 Longmorn seen through one carefully defined release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they are finite by nature. With only the last bottles remaining, this is not a whisky that will simply stay on the shelf as a permanent expression.
No detailed tasting notes are provided for this Longmorn 1997 17y in the available (…)North British 2007 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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North British 2007 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
On request only
North British 2007 14y is a Scottish grain whisky from the Lowland region, bottled by Wemyss as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range. Rather than being a broad batch release, it comes from one individual hogshead cask and was bottled at 46% after 14 years of maturation.
Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022, this release sits firmly in the world of independent cask-led whisky. Only 456 bottles came from the cask, and the fact that these are the last bottles adds to the sense of a whisky with a clearly limited window of availability. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for showing a more specific side of Scotch grain whisky.
The supplied flavour profile points first to a floral style, supported by touches of fruit, gentle spice and light (…)Teaninich 2009 13y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Teaninich 2009 13y (Wemyss Single Cask)
In stock
Teaninich 2009 13y is a Highland single malt with a very clearly defined origin: one hogshead, distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2022 by Wemyss as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the character of one individual cask after 13 years of maturation.
Only 252 bottles were drawn from this cask, and the remaining availability is limited. Bottled at cask strength at 53.5%, it keeps close to the whisky as it came from the wood. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the way they let customers explore the detail and individuality of a single malt through one specific cask selection.
The profile points towards fruit as the main thread, supported by lighter floral, woody and spicy accents. (…)Untold Riches 28y (Wemyss) Incl. Box
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Untold Riches 28y (Wemyss) Incl. Box
In stock
Untold Riches 28y is a mature Bunnahabhain single malt from Islay, bottled at cask strength at 49.1%. At 28 years old, it is the kind of whisky where the appeal lies in patience, selection and the quiet depth that long maturation can bring.
The cask information points to a combination of sherry and bourbon influence, giving the whisky a broad foundation. Its profile is built around clearly present wood, spice and fruit, while peat and salt are not indicated as defining features. That places the emphasis firmly on maturity and cask character rather than on a smoky or coastal style.
With 6,500 bottles released, a multivintage composition and a collector's item designation, Untold Riches 28y has a special place in the range at Drankenshop Broekmans. We would (…)Wemyss Blooming Gorse (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss Blooming Gorse (Wemyss Blended Malt)
In stock
Wemyss Blooming Gorse is a Scottish blended malt with a name that points you straight towards its main impression: a clearly floral style, supported by noticeable wood influence and a lighter touch of fruit. It sits away from peat, salt and spice, giving the whisky a calmer, more fragrant direction.
The Bourbon Barrel cask reference helps frame that character. It gives the whisky a woody backbone while allowing the floral side to remain the most distinctive part of the experience. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to feel considered without turning heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Blooming Gorse has the added interest of being a limited release of 6900 bottles, now down to the last bottles in our range. It is a good choice for drinkers looking to explore (…)Wemyss Flaming Feast (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss Flaming Feast (Wemyss Blended Malt)
In stock
Wemyss Flaming Feast is a Scottish blended malt with a clear sense of direction. Peat is the main feature here, supported by lighter fruity, floral and salty notes rather than by heavy oak or spice. The name gives the whisky a lively identity, but the style remains focused rather than cluttered.
The bourbon barrel maturation keeps the presentation clean and straightforward. As a Wemyss blended malt, Flaming Feast is less about a single distillery statement and more about shaping a recognisable flavour idea through selected malt whiskies.
With 6000 bottles produced and the last bottles now indicated, it has become one of those releases at Drankenshop Broekmans that carries a little extra urgency for drinkers who enjoy peated Scotch with a defined profile and (…)Wemyss Nectar Grove (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss Nectar Grove (Wemyss Blended Malt)
On request only
Wemyss Nectar Grove is a Scottish blended malt built around a Madeira finish. Released as a limited edition, this Highland blended malt has been described by Wemyss as a success story since 2017 within their Blended Malt range.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Nectar Grove as one of those Wemyss bottlings with a slightly playful personality. The producer calls it a funky whisky in a funky bottle, and that feels in line with its style: clear wood and spice at the centre, supported by softer fruity and floral touches rather than smoke or coastal notes.
With 9000 bottles released and only the last bottles remaining, it also has a naturally limited character. There is no age statement here; the focus is on the blend itself, the Madeira finishing and the (…)Wemyss Peat Chimney Nas (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss Peat Chimney Nas (Wemyss Blended Malt)
On request only
Wemyss Peat Chimney NAS is a Scottish blended malt shaped around smoke, but not in a way that overwhelms the whisky. Wemyss uses an Islay signature malt here, bringing the peated, lightly salted character that gives Peat Chimney its name and identity.
The appeal lies in the way the smoke is framed. There is peat, certainly, yet it is supported by gentle fruit, a touch of spice and a coastal edge rather than pushed into heavy intensity. It feels clearly smoky while still leaving room for detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of blended malt we like to introduce to customers who enjoy peated whisky but also appreciate a composed, well-made style. Bottled without an age statement and at 46%, it focuses on character and blending rather than on a (…)Wemyss Spice King 12y Highland & Islay (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss Spice King 12y Highland & Islay (Wemyss Blended Malt)
Very last one in stock!
Wemyss Spice King 12y Highland & Islay immediately sets a clear expectation: this is a Scottish blended malt built around spice, with a clearly present fruity side. The Highland and Islay reference gives it a more distinctive identity than a whisky that simply aims for softness.
At 12 years old and bottled at 52%, it has real presence. The available flavour profile points to spice and fruit as the main pillars, while wood, salinity and peat sit in a lighter supporting role rather than dominating the whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle with customers looking for a blended malt with a defined flavour direction and a bit more energy in the glass. As these are the last bottles, it is also not a whisky that will remain in our selection (…)Wemyss Spice King Batch 2 (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss Spice King Batch 2 (Wemyss Blended Malt)
In stock
Wemyss Spice King Batch 2 is a Scottish blended malt built around spice and strength. It brings together a refined selection of single malts from the Highlands and the islands, and takes the familiar Spice King style into a more forceful direction. The regular 46% version is already known for its complexity; this limited cask strength edition gives the same idea a broader, more intense voice.
Bottled at 58%, it has real presence, but the appeal here is not simply the alcohol level. The whisky is shaped by lively spice, with fruit, malt and a light oak influence supporting the whole. There is no need to look for peat or coastal saltiness in this profile; the focus sits firmly on warmth, texture and spiced depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of (…)Wemyss Spice King Nas (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss Spice King Nas (Wemyss Blended Malt)
In stock
Wemyss Spice King NAS is a Scottish blended malt built around spice rather than smoke. The name is quite direct here: this is a whisky for those who enjoy warmth, seasoning and malt-driven depth, with fruit playing a supporting role.
The blend is made from a refined selection of single malts from the Highlands and the islands. That combination gives the whisky breadth, while the 46% bottling strength helps the spiced character stay clear and expressive. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Wemyss release we would point to when someone asks for a Scotch blended malt with personality, but without a peated direction.
With only the last bottles remaining, Spice King NAS has become a bottle to consider while this Wemyss style is still available. (…)Wemyss The Hive Batch 1 !! No Giftbox !! (Wemyss Blended Malt)
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Wemyss The Hive Batch 1 !! No Giftbox !! (Wemyss Blended Malt)
On request only
Wemyss The Hive Batch 1 shows The Hive in a more forceful form. While The Hive is known as a blended malt presented at 46%, this limited edition was bottled at cask strength, at 54.5%, to give the full intensity of the single malt blend more room in the glass.
The blend is made mainly with single malt components from Speyside. That background supports the whisky's honeyed, fruity and gently spiced personality, with oak playing a supporting role rather than taking over. The name The Hive feels very fitting here: honey is central, but it is carried by cinnamon, orchard fruit, ginger and candied fruit notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits in the selection as a more concentrated and limited version of a now well-known Wemyss blended malt. Only 6,000 (…)
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.
