Whisky from Bushmills
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Bushmills Black Bush
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Bushmills Black Bush
In stock
Bushmills Black Bush is an Irish blended whiskey with a notably high malt content. More than 80% of the blend is Bushmills single malt, giving it a fuller identity than many straightforward blends.
Its character is shaped in particular by Spanish oak that previously held Oloroso sherry. That sherry-cask influence supports the warmer spicy and lightly woody side of the whiskey, while the overall style remains clearly Irish and approachable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Black Bush as a whiskey for drinkers who want a blend with a little more substance, without moving into an overly demanding style. Its reputation for offering strong value fits the bottle very naturally.
More information about Bushmills can be found at (…)Bushmills Caribbean Rum Finish
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Bushmills Caribbean Rum Finish
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Bushmills Caribbean Rum Finish takes an Irish blended whiskey and gives it a rum-finished direction. The emphasis is clearly on that Caribbean Rum Finish: a fruit-led style rather than a heavily wooded or smoky interpretation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits well among Irish whiskeys for customers looking for a softer, more fruit-driven variation within the blend category. At 40% alcohol, it keeps the focus on approachability, with the profile pointing more clearly towards fruit, supported by lighter floral and spiced notes.
There is no peated side to the character here, so the whiskey remains centred on its fruitier rum-finished identity. It is a straightforward way to discover Bushmills through a slightly sunnier lens, without moving into a heavy (…)Black Bush Mini
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Black Bush Mini
In stock
Black Bush Mini puts Bushmills in a smaller bottle, making this Irish blended whiskey easy to discover or share as a compact gift. It is bottled at 40% and carries no age statement, keeping the focus on the Black Bush name and its blended Irish character.
The profile points towards a clearly spiced style, supported more gently by fruit, floral notes and wood. The stated Sherry Butt cask type gives the whiskey a cask-driven context, while peat and salty notes are not part of the indicated profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, miniatures like this are useful for customers who want to explore a whiskey style without immediately choosing a full bottle, especially when the product has a recognisable name such as Bushmills.
The supplied flavour profile (…)Bushmills 10y
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Bushmills 10y
| 1 review
In stockBushmills 10y is an Irish single malt built around freshness and easy charm rather than weight. It spends ten years maturing, mainly in American oak bourbon casks, with a smaller influence from Spanish oak that previously held sherry. That combination gives the whiskey its bright fruitiness, with gentle touches of vanilla, honey and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of how approachable Irish single malt can still have a clear sense of character. The bourbon cask influence brings softness and familiar sweetness, while the sherry-seasoned Spanish oak adds a little extra depth without making the whiskey feel heavy.
Bottled at 40%, Bushmills 10y remains smooth in style, yet the freshness and spice keep it lively in the glass. (…)Bushmills 10y Sherry Cask Finish 1l Tube Incl.
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Bushmills 10y Sherry Cask Finish 1l Tube Incl.
| 1 review
In stockBushmills 10y Sherry Cask Finish is an Irish single malt built around a clear idea: a 10-year-old whiskey given an extra layer through a sherry cask finish. In the available profile, spice is the most prominent element, with lighter touches of fruit, floral tone and wood sitting around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Bushmills for customers who want an Irish single malt with a little more cask-driven depth, while staying away from peat or smoke-led character. Bottled at 46%, it has a confident strength that suits the more pronounced sherry-finished style.
The 1-litre bottle also gives it a generous feel, making it a good choice when you want a recognisable Irish single malt with a more distinctive finish in the glass.
More (…)Bushmills 12y Incl. Box
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Bushmills 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Bushmills 12y is an Irish single malt whiskey shaped by twelve years of maturation and a Marsala finish. That finish gives this Bushmills its own angle, with fruit and spice taking a more noticeable role than heavy oak.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Bushmills for drinkers who enjoy the smoothness of Irish single malt but also want a cask finish that adds an extra layer of character. At 40% alcohol, it stays composed and approachable, without losing the distinctive influence of that Marsala finishing period.
The profile is centred on clear fruity and spiced notes, supported by lighter wood and a subtle floral touch. Smoke and salty accents are not part of the picture here; the focus is on a rounded Irish single malt with a gentle but recognisable (…)Bushmills 14y Incl. Box
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Bushmills 14y Incl. Box
In stock
Bushmills 14y is an Irish single malt whiskey where the age statement and the cask finish do most of the talking. Fourteen years gives it a sense of maturity, while the Malaga Finish adds a distinctive angle within the Bushmills range.
The style is not built around smoke or heavy oak. The supplied flavour profile points towards fruit and floral notes as the main accents, with wood and spice playing a lighter supporting role. That gives the whiskey a more refined direction, focused on nuance rather than force.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bushmills we like to introduce to customers who already enjoy Irish single malt but want something with an extra layer of interest. The combination of age, single malt character and Malaga finishing makes it (…)Bushmills 15y Bourbon Incl. Box
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Bushmills 15y Bourbon Incl. Box
In stock
Bushmills 15y Bourbon is an Irish single malt shaped by time and bourbon barrel maturation. With 15 years of ageing, it places the cask influence clearly at the centre, giving the whiskey a woody foundation while keeping the profile away from smoke or coastal sharpness.
What stands out here is the way fruit and wood carry the character. Gentle spice adds structure, with a lighter floral note bringing a little lift. At 46% ABV, it has enough strength to feel present in the glass without moving into a heavy style.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bushmills that suits customers looking for a more mature Irish single malt, especially one where bourbon barrel ageing plays a clear role. It is a calm, developed whiskey built around fruit, oak and (…)Bushmills 16y Incl. Box
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Bushmills 16y Incl. Box
Temporarily sold out
Bushmills 16y is an Irish single malt whiskey built around a clearly fruit-led character. The 16-year age statement gives it a sense of maturity, while the supplied profile points away from peat or salinity and towards a softer, fruit-focused style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bushmills we would introduce when someone is looking for Irish single malt with more age and a pronounced fruity direction. Gentle floral, woody and spicy touches sit in the background, adding shape without distracting from the main character.
Bottled at 40% alcohol, Bushmills 16y keeps a composed and approachable presentation while still carrying the interest of a mature single malt. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.bushmills.com/
Bushmills 1992 28y Cognac
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Bushmills 1992 28y Cognac
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Bushmills 1992 28y Cognac is an Irish single malt whiskey centred on long maturation and cognac cask influence. Distilled on 9 April 1992 and bottled on 10 April 2020, it captures a very specific chapter from a single cask after 28 years of ageing.
Only 500 bottles were released, bottled at cask strength at 46.7%. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they combine age, single cask individuality and increasing scarcity, especially now that this is listed among the last bottles and recognised as a collector's item.
Its flavour profile points towards a fruit-led whiskey, with clear floral and spicy accents alongside a lighter touch of wood. The cognac maturation gives the release its defining frame, while the single cask nature keeps the (…)Bushmills 1995 24y Malaga Finish
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Bushmills 1995 24y Malaga Finish
Only 2 left in stock!
Bushmills 1995 24y Malaga Finish is an Irish single malt with a clear sense of maturity. Distilled on 22 November 1995 and aged for 24 years, it belongs to a more contemplative style of Bushmills, shaped further by its Malaga finish.
The strength of 53.5% gives it a firm presence, while the profile points towards a combination of fruit, spice and wood, with a lighter floral accent in the background. Peat and salinity are not the focus here; the interest lies in the meeting of long ageing, a defined cask finish and a concentrated style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers looking for an older Irish single malt with a more specific story than a regular release. With only the last bottles remaining and its status (…)Bushmills 2008 Jupille
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Bushmills 2008 Jupille
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Bushmills 2008 Jupille shows a more distinctive side of Irish single malt from Bushmills. Distilled on 5 June 2008 and bottled at 13 years of age, it is marked by a Jupille Cask Finish, giving this release a point of difference from more familiar maturation styles.
At 55.1% alcohol, it has a firm presence, while its flavour direction stays away from peat and salinity. The character is built around fruit, spice and wood, with a lighter floral element sitting in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Irish whiskey that rewards curiosity: recognisably Bushmills in origin, yet shaped by a finish that makes the bottle stand apart. The last-bottles indication also tells you this is no longer an endlessly available release.
Bushmills 21y Incl. Box
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Bushmills 21y Incl. Box
In stock
Bushmills 21y is an Irish single malt where maturation carries much of the story. It spends 19 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before being transferred to ex-Madeira casks for more than two further years. That final period adds an important layer to a whisky already centred on fruit, malt and quiet spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bushmills we would point out to someone interested in cask influence with elegance rather than force. The Madeira finish sits naturally alongside notes of dried fruit and raisins, while the malted aromas, subtle nuts and gentle wood presence keep the whisky composed.
Bottled at 40%, this 21-year-old single malt remains measured in style, yet it has the depth one would look for in a whisky of this age. Its (…)Bushmills American Oak
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Bushmills American Oak
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Bushmills American Oak is an Irish blended whiskey built around its American Oak Finish rather than an age statement. That gives it a clear stylistic direction: floral and spiced notes are the main points of interest, while fruit and wood play a more restrained supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Bushmills as a good example of an approachable Irish blend with enough character to make it stand apart. It is bottled at 40%, without a peated or salty profile, so the emphasis stays on spice, gentle oak influence and a lighter fruit impression.
As these are the last bottles in our selection, it is a Bushmills release worth considering if this particular American oak-influenced style is what you are looking for. More information about the brand (…)Bushmills Black Bush 80% Px Single Malt / 20% Small Batch Grain 1l Tube Incl.
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Bushmills Black Bush 80% Px Single Malt / 20% Small Batch Grain 1l Tube Incl.
In stock
Bushmills Black Bush is an Irish blended whiskey built around a notably high malt component. According to the product name, it combines 80% PX single malt with 20% small batch grain, with a Pedro Ximenez finish giving the whiskey an extra layer of character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Irish blend we would point out to someone looking for more than simple smoothness. The profile leans clearly towards fruit and spice, with lighter touches of wood and a subtle floral edge. At 40%, it remains approachable, yet the malt-led composition gives it a more defined personality.
The one-litre bottle also makes it a practical choice for keeping a dependable Irish whiskey at home. There is no age statement here; the interest lies instead in the way the (…)Bushmills Original
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Bushmills Original
In stock
Bushmills Original is an Irish blended whiskey with a strong connection to the Bushmills distillery itself. More than half of the blend is made up of malt whiskey from Bushmills, combined with Irish grain whiskey. That gives it a clear Irish blend identity, while the malt component adds a little more presence to the style.
Its character is built around an approachable profile rather than weight or intensity. The supplied flavour profile points to fruity and floral elements, with a gentle touch of spice, and no emphasis on peat, saltiness or pronounced wood. That makes it a natural choice as an aperitif whiskey.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Bushmills Original as a familiar Irish blend with a little more distillery-driven substance than its easy-going style (…)Bushmills Original Mini
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Bushmills Original Mini
In stock
Bushmills Original Mini gives you Irish whiskey in a small, easy-to-explore format. It is a compact introduction to Bushmills at 40% ABV, presented without an age statement and with the focus placed on the drinking style rather than on long technical detail.
The supplied flavour profile points towards a fruit-forward and floral expression, with gentle spice in support. Although the whiskey is linked to oak cask maturation, oak itself does not appear as a dominant flavour marker here, and there is no peated or salty emphasis in the profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, mini bottles like this are appreciated for exactly that reason: they allow customers to discover a whiskey style in a modest format, or to add a small Irish whiskey touch to a gift selection.
Bushmills Red Bush
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Bushmills Red Bush
In stock
Bushmills Red Bush is an Irish blended whiskey with a profile that leans towards fruit rather than heavy oak or smoke. The Bushmills name gives it a clear Irish identity, while Red Bush sets this bottling apart within the range.
The listed cask type is Bourbon Barrel, yet the flavour profile does not point to a strongly wood-driven whiskey. Fruit is the main thread, supported by gentle spice and a light floral touch. Peat and salinity are not part of the main impression, giving the whiskey a cleaner, more straightforward direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Bushmills Red Bush as a good reference point for customers exploring Irish blended whiskey without looking for a smoky or heavily oaked style. At 40% alcohol, it keeps its presentation clear and (…)Bushmills Steamship Port
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Bushmills Steamship Port
On request only
Bushmills Steamship Port is an Irish single malt whiskey shaped by port maturation. Rather than leaning on an age statement, this release is about cask influence and style: fruit comes to the fore, with lighter touches of wood and spice in support.
The Steamship Port name points to a more specific side of Bushmills, one where the port-matured character gives the whiskey a fruit-led direction without moving into smoky territory. It is a useful choice when you want an Irish single malt with a different cask accent while staying close to the approachable Bushmills style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a worthwhile discovery for customers who know Bushmills and want to explore a port-influenced expression. With only the last bottles remaining in our (…)Bushmills Steamship Sherry 1l Tube Incl.
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Bushmills Steamship Sherry 1l Tube Incl.
In stock
Bushmills Steamship Sherry 1l is an Irish single malt built around the influence of Oloroso sherry casks. Its name already points you in the right direction: this is a whiskey where fruit and spice take the lead, supported by a lighter touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this among the Bushmills releases for customers who enjoy a sherry-accented Irish single malt without a peated profile. There is no age statement here, so the focus is less on a number and more on the cask style and the overall character of the whiskey. Bottled at 40%, it keeps that character clear and approachable.
As these are the last bottles, the one-litre format feels a little more distinctive on the shelf. More information about Bushmills can be found at (…)Irish Single Malt 1990 28y (The Whisky Agency - Private Stock)
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Irish Single Malt 1990 28y (The Whisky Agency - Private Stock)
Only 2 left in stock!
Irish Single Malt 1990 28y is a mature Irish single malt from Bushmills, bottled by The Whisky Agency as part of the Private Stock range. Distilled in 1990 and bottled in December 2018, it carries 28 years of maturation, placing it firmly among the more contemplative Irish malt releases.
Its appeal lies in how specific it is. This is a single cask bottling from one bourbon barrel, presented at cask strength at 47.3%. Rather than showing a broad house blend of multiple casks, it captures the personality of one individual barrel after almost three decades.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for that sense of precision: a defined origin, a defined maturation, and a limited release with only the last bottles remaining. It is a whisky to (…)Irish Single Malt 2003 16y (The Whisky Agency)
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Irish Single Malt 2003 16y (The Whisky Agency)
Only 2 left in stock!
Irish Single Malt 2003 16y from Bushmills is very much a whisky about one individual cask. Distilled in 2003 and bottled in 2019, it spent sixteen years maturing in a Bourbon Barrel before being bottled at cask strength.
That gives it a different place from a regular ongoing release. A single cask bottling captures one particular barrel at one particular point in time, without being blended into a broader house profile. At 51.9% ABV, it keeps a firm natural strength and a direct connection to the cask it came from.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this stands out as a limited Irish single malt with real scarcity around it: single cask, cask strength and now down to the last bottles. For anyone exploring Bushmills beyond the standard expressions, this 2003 vintage (…)Irish Single Malt XO II Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
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Irish Single Malt XO II Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
On request only
Irish Single Malt XO II Dd is an Irish single malt from Bushmills, bottled by The Nectar as part of The Nectar of the Daily Drams series. Rather than a broad standard release, this is a cask strength bottling from one individual bourbon barrel, presented at 49.3%.
That single cask origin gives the whisky its main point of interest. There is no age statement here, so the focus shifts away from a number on the label and towards the personality of one particular barrel. The profile points clearly towards fruit, with lighter wood and spice in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value releases like this because they show a more specific side of a familiar Irish single malt name. With 264 bottles filled and only the last bottles remaining, Irish Single Malt XO II (…)
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.
