Whisky
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Amrut 2016 8y Virgin Oak Incl. Box
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Amrut 2016 8y Virgin Oak Incl. Box
In stock
Amrut 2016 8y Virgin Oak is an Indian single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, eight years of maturation and bottled at cask strength. Distilled in April 2016 and bottled in July 2024, it carries its strength naturally at 60% ABV.
The Virgin Oak cask gives the whisky a clear wood-driven presence, supported by pronounced spice and fruit. A lighter floral side sits in the background, adding a little lift without taking away from the firm, direct nature of the single cask style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Amrut release we see as a precise snapshot rather than a broad house style. Only 102 bottles came from this cask, and with the last bottles now indicated, it is especially relevant for drinkers who enjoy exploring the individual (…)Amrut 2017 6y Oloroso
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Amrut 2017 6y Oloroso
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Amrut 2017 6y Oloroso is a focused Indian single malt: one cask, six years old, bottled at cask strength. Distilled in August 2017 and bottled in July 2024, it carries an Oloroso finish that gives the whisky a clear stylistic direction.
The appeal here lies in its specificity. This is not a broad vatting designed to represent a general house style, but a single cask release of 462 bottles, tied to one individual maturation path. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are especially interesting because they show Amrut through a more limited, one-off lens.
At 60% alcohol, the whisky is presented with real force. The supplied profile points strongly toward fruit, with wood and spice clearly present alongside a lighter floral note. Peat is not part of the (…)Ardnamurchan 2017 7y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Ardnamurchan 2017 7y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Ardnamurchan 2017 7 Year Old is a Highland single malt with a very focused small-batch identity. Distilled in 2017 and bottled in 2024, it was selected by Watt Whisky for the Campbeltown Whisky Company from a single bourbon barrel, with just 251 bottles released.
The distillery is based on the Ardnamurchan peninsula on the far west coast of Argyll and Bute and was founded in 2014. That gives this whisky an added point of interest: it captures an early stage in the life of a young distillery, with seven years of maturation and a clear single-cask voice.
One of the more distinctive details is Mark Watt's synesthetic link between this whisky and the colour blue. The supplied description gives that idea a sensory direction, pointing to a coastal, slightly funky (…)Arran 2016 8y For The Nectar (Douglas Laing - Provenance)
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Arran 2016 8y For The Nectar (Douglas Laing - Provenance)
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Arran 2016 8y For The Nectar is a Scottish single malt from the Isle of Arran with the clear identity of an independent single cask release. Distilled in 2016 and bottled in September 2024, it spent 8 years maturing before appearing in Douglas Laing's Provenance range.
Its appeal lies in the precision of the bottling. This is not a large vatting, but whisky from one Bourbon Barrel, bottled for The Nectar at cask strength, 59.8%, with just 231 bottles released. The maturation took place in Douglas Laing's warehouses, giving the whisky a distinct place among independent Arran bottlings.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we value for its directness: a compact release, drawn from a single cask, with the final bottles underlining its limited (…)Auchentoshan '99 22y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
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Auchentoshan '99 22y (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
In stock
Auchentoshan '99 22y is a Lowland single malt with a very specific identity: distilled in 1999, bottled by Signatory for the Cask Collection, drawn from a single sherry butt and presented at cask strength, 55.6% ABV.
What makes this release stand apart is its single cask nature. Rather than representing a broad, recurring style, it captures one individual cask, bottled in a run of 689 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that speaks to drinkers who enjoy provenance, limited availability and the detail of a clearly defined maturation.
The supplied profile points towards a whisky where wood, spice and fruit all have a clear presence. There is no peated element shaping the experience; the focus stays on maturation, cask strength (…)Aultmore 2014 10y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Aultmore 2014 10y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
Only 3 left in stock!
Aultmore is a Speyside single malt with a rather discreet profile as a standalone whisky, even though it is noted in the supplied information as an important component in Dewar's blends. That makes an independent single cask release like this a particularly interesting way to meet the distillery on its own terms.
This Aultmore 2014 10 year old was bottled in 2024 by the Campbeltown Whisky Company under the Watt Whisky name. It was drawn from a single hogshead, producing 319 bottles. Because it is a single cask whisky, this is a fixed snapshot of one individual cask rather than a repeatable batch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the directness they bring: one distillery, one cask, bottled without dilution at 56.9%. That cask (…)Ballechin 2014 Lmdw Tube Incl.
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Ballechin 2014 Lmdw Tube Incl.
Only 3 left in stock!
Ballechin 2014 Lmdw is a Scottish Highland single malt built around a clear peated character. It was drawn from a single Bourbon Barrel and bottled at cask strength, so the appeal here lies in the directness of one individual cask rather than a broader batch composition.
Distilled on 10 December 2014 and bottled on 23 July 2024, it spent 10 years maturing before being released at 58.4% alcohol. Only 225 bottles were produced, and with the final bottles now in focus, it has the naturally limited feel that makes a release stand out in the Drankenshop Broekmans whisky selection.
The flavour direction is led by peat, with lighter supporting notes of fruit, spice, salt, wood and a floral touch. The Bourbon Barrel influence frames the whisky without turning it into (…)Ben Nevis 2016 8y Art 7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
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Ben Nevis 2016 8y Art 7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
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Ben Nevis 2016 8y Art 7 is a Highland single malt with a very specific story behind it: one hogshead cask, distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2024 by Signatory as part of the Artist Edition. At 8 years old, it keeps a youthful directness, while the 57.1% strength gives the whisky a firm and expressive presence.
With an outturn of 980 bottles, this is a clearly defined release rather than a broad standard bottling. The single cask origin matters here, because it captures one individual piece of Ben Nevis maturation. That also explains its place as a collector's item: limited, traceable and tied to one particular cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are selected for drinkers who enjoy independent single cask whisky with a clear identity. The (…)Ben Nevis 2017 7y Art7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
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Ben Nevis 2017 7y Art7 (Signatory - Artist Edition)
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Ben Nevis 2017 7y Art7 is a Highland single malt with a clearly defined identity: distilled in 2017, bottled in 2024, and selected by Signatory for the Artist Edition. Its 7 years of maturation in an Oloroso sherry cask give the whisky a focused profile rather than the broad, blended impression of a larger batch release.
As a single cask bottling, limited to 1765 bottles, it captures one particular cask rather than a house style assembled from many. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they let whisky drinkers explore the meeting point between distillery character, cask influence and independent bottling.
The Oloroso sherry cask brings the emphasis towards wood and spice, while fruit and floral notes sit more in the background. (…)Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Benrinnes 1997 26y #9749 is a Speyside single malt built around one very clear idea: one cask, long maturation and a small outturn. Distilled on 27 October 1997 and bottled on 29 April 2024, it spent 26 years in a Sherry Hogshead before being released at 53.7% cask strength.
Signatory bottled this whisky as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range. The focus here is not on a standardised distillery profile, but on the individual voice of cask #9749. With only 230 bottles drawn, this is a tightly defined release rather than a widely available expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Benrinnes stands out for customers who enjoy mature Scotch single malt with a clear cask identity and limited availability. The fact that these are the last bottles (…)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 2017 6y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Blended Malt 2017 6y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
In stock
Unbd Blended Malt 2017 6y is a Scottish whisky with a clearly defined identity: distilled in 2017, bottled in 2024, aged for 6 years and released as a single cask bottling by Campbeltown Whisky Company under the Watt Whisky label.
The appealing part here is the contrast between the blended malt category and the precision of a single cask release. Only 282 bottles came from this butt, so this is a small-scale bottling rather than a regular ongoing expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are valued for exactly that reason: they give a focused view of one particular cask, without needing a grand story around it.
At 57.1% alcohol, it is a robust whisky with real presence. The available profile points towards wood and spice as the main lines of (…)Bowmore 1998 25y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Bowmore 1998 25y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
Only 3 left in stock!
Bowmore 1998 25y Awwif is a mature Islay single malt with a very clear identity: one distillation date, one bourbon barrel, one independent bottler and a total outturn of 280 bottles. Distilled on 9 September 1998 and bottled on 1 June 2024, it brings together 25 years of maturation in a tightly defined single cask release.
Alistair Walker selected this Bowmore for the Infrequent Flyers range, where the focus is on individual casks rather than broad, repeated house styles. Bottled at cask strength at 45.8%, it presents this particular bourbon barrel on its own terms.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this have a natural place among whiskies for customers who enjoy independent bottlings with a clear origin story. Bowmore, Islay, 25 years of age, single (…)Bunnahabhain 2001 22y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Bunnahabhain 2001 22y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
Very last one in stock!
Bunnahabhain 2001 22y is an Islay single malt built around mature whisky, individual cask character and limited availability. It was distilled on 8 October 2001 and bottled on 9 February 2024 after 22 years in an Oloroso Sherry cask.
This release was bottled by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice series. It is a single cask whisky, presented at cask strength, with only 427 bottles drawn from the cask. At Drankenshop Broekmans, these are the kinds of bottlings we like to take time with: they show a particular cask rather than a standardised expression.
Although it comes from Islay, the flavour profile is not driven by peat. The emphasis is on fruit, spice and wood influence, with a lighter floral side in the background. At 56.5%, it (…)Caol Ila 2010 14y #311745 (Berry Bros)
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Caol Ila 2010 14y #311745 (Berry Bros)
On request only
Caol Ila 2010 14y #311745 comes from Berry Bros & Rudd's Coasts & Shores series, a range built around distilleries shaped by remarkable coastal settings. Caol Ila fits that theme naturally. The distillery sits near Port Askaig on Islay's east coast, sheltered from the Atlantic, in a place where sea air and peat are part of the whisky's identity rather than decorative details.
Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2024, this single malt spent 14 years maturing. It began in a 1st fill hogshead before being finished in an active Pedro Ximenez cask. That finish brings a darker, sweeter dimension to the whisky, giving the coastal and smoky Caol Ila style a layer of raisined richness and deeper sweetness.
As a single cask release with only a small outturn, this (…)Chichibu 2016 8y #14044 Incl. Box
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Chichibu 2016 8y #14044 Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Chichibu 2016 8y #14044 is a Japanese single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2024, it spent 8 years maturing before being released at natural cask strength, with a substantial 65.5% alcohol content. Only 268 bottles were drawn from cask #14044, making this a very limited release.
The Bordeaux maturation gives the whisky its main direction in the available profile: fruit and spice are clearly present, while oak remains more restrained. There is no broad-brush blending story here; the interest lies in the specific character of this one cask and the intensity preserved by bottling it at full strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out as a rare Chichibu release for drinkers and collectors who value (…)Chichibu 2016 Single Cask Nectar Incl. Box
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Chichibu 2016 Single Cask Nectar Incl. Box
In stock
Chichibu 2016 Single Cask Nectar is a Japanese single malt built around rarity and precision: one cask, one vintage, and only 245 bottles. Chichibu is one of the most talked-about newer distilleries in Japan, with releases that are widely sought after by whisky enthusiasts for their quality and distinctive identity.
Distilled on 3 December 2016 and bottled on 1 September 2024, this whisky was 7 years old at bottling. It was made from Concerto barley and matured in cask #7071, a second-fill American oak cask that previously held sherry. The supplied description points to a rich topaz colour with orange-copper highlights, matching the whisky's fruit-driven and warming personality.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottling like this stands out because it brings (…)Croftengea 2005 19y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Croftengea 2005 19y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
On request only
Croftengea 2005 19y Awwif is a Highland single malt from Loch Lomond, distilled under the Croftengea name and bottled by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series. It comes from a single cask and is bottled at cask strength, giving it a direct, unfiltered sense of place and maturation at 54.5%.
The detail that really shapes this whisky is its 19 years of ageing, including a 5-year finish in a Moscatel Hogshead. That finish adds a sweeter aromatic layer, while Croftengea's softer peated side remains in the background. Rather than being defined by strength alone, it is a whisky where time and finishing have added roundness and depth.
Only 269 bottles were drawn from this cask, with the last bottles now in circulation. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits (…)Dalrymple 2012 11y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Dalrymple 2012 11y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
In stock
Dalrymple 2012 11y is a Scottish Lowland blended malt bottled by Watt Whisky for the Campbeltown Whisky Company. Its appeal lies in its precision: this is a single cask release from one hogshead, rather than a broad multi-cask composition. That gives the whisky the feel of a particular cask captured at a particular stage of its life.
Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2024, it carries an 11 year age statement and comes at 57.1% ABV. With only 294 bottles filled, and now down to the last bottles, it has the quiet scarcity that often makes independent bottlings so engaging.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to place in front of curious whisky drinkers: a Lowland blended malt with fruit clearly at the centre, supported by gentle wood, (…)Edradour 2000 23y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Edradour 2000 23y (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
On request only
Edradour 2000 23y is a Highland single malt with a very clear independent bottling identity. Distilled on 17 November 2000 and bottled on 29 April 2024, it spent 23 years in a single sherry butt. That one cask produced 656 bottles, released at cask strength with an alcoholic strength of 56.2%.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to present as a specific cask story rather than a standard distillery expression. Signatory selected it for the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice series, where the individual cask is the centre of attention. It gives a focused view of Edradour after long maturation, shaped by one sherry butt from start to finish.
The profile is built around clear wood influence, spice and fruit. Because it is bottled as a (…)Edradour 25y Cask Strength #2
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Edradour 25y Cask Strength #2
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Edradour 25y Cask Strength #2 is a Highland single malt from Scotland with a very specific identity: one cask, one long maturation, one bottling moment. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2024, it spent 25 years in an Oloroso sherry cask.
The appeal here lies in the combination of age, cask strength and single cask origin. Bottled at 55.6%, it keeps close to the strength and personality of the cask, giving this Edradour a concentrated, mature presence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show a whisky through the lens of an individual cask rather than a broad house style. With only the last bottles indicated, this is clearly a limited opportunity within the range.
The profile points towards a whisky where wood, (…)Glen Spey 1997 26y (The Whisky Agency)
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Glen Spey 1997 26y (The Whisky Agency)
On request only
Glen Spey 1997 26y is a Speyside single malt with a very clear sense of age and origin. Distilled in 1997 and bottled in 2024, it spent 26 years maturing before being released at 49.8% cask strength.
The key point here is its single cask nature. Drawn from one butt, it represents one particular cask rather than a broader composition. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for exactly that reason: they give whisky drinkers a chance to explore a specific vintage, a specific maturation and a specific cask in its own right.
With only the last bottles available, this Glen Spey also carries the quiet appeal of a limited cask-strength release. Its profile is led by spice, supported by lighter fruity, floral and woody notes, without peat or salinity (…)Glen Spey 2008 15y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Glen Spey 2008 15y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
On request only
Glen Spey 2008 15y Awwif is a Speyside single malt bottled by Alistair Walker as part of the Infrequent Flyers range. Distilled on 4 August 2008 and bottled on 1 June 2024, it presents one specific cask rather than a broad, standardised distillery expression.
This 15-year-old Glen Spey was finished in a port cask and bottled at cask strength, coming in at 54.8% ABV. As a single cask release of 308 bottles, now down to the last bottles, it has the appeal of a clearly defined and limited Speyside bottling. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to present to customers who enjoy seeing how one cask can shape the identity of a malt.
The flavour direction is led by spice, supported by lighter fruity, floral and woody notes. There is no peated (…)Glenlivet 1998 #128819 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice) Tube Incl.
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Glenlivet 1998 #128819 (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice) Tube Incl.
On request only
Glenlivet 1998 #128819 is a very defined Speyside single malt: one vintage, one individual cask and 25 years of maturation. It was distilled on 28 August 1998 and bottled on 22 August 2024 by Signatory as part of the Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice range.
This release comes from an Oloroso Sherry cask and was bottled at 53.1% ABV. Only 515 bottles were drawn from cask #128819, so the appeal lies in its precise identity rather than in a broad house-style expression. It is Glenlivet seen through one particular cask after a long period of ageing.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who appreciate mature Speyside single malt with fruit, spice and wood influence at the centre of the experience, without peat smoke taking the lead. (…)
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.
