Whisky from Caol Ila
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Caol Ila 2018 8y Douglas Laing Single Minded Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 2018 8y Douglas Laing Single Minded Incl. Box
In stock
Douglas Laing's Single Minded range is built around the idea of letting the distillery speak clearly. The whiskies are bottled without chill filtration and without added colouring, keeping the natural character of the spirit at the centre. In this Caol Ila, that means Islay peat presented with finesse rather than force.
Distilled in 2018, matured for 8 years in a bourbon barrel and bottled at 46%, it shows a fresh and precise side of Caol Ila. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is exactly the kind of Islay release we like to point out when someone wants peat, but also clarity: citrus brightness, soft malt, refined smoke and a maritime lift.
As the first Caol Ila expression in the new Single Minded series, it carries a sense of discovery. This small batch keeps (…)Caol Ila 12y Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 12y Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 12y is a Scottish single malt from Islay with a clearly peated identity. Matured for 12 years in oak casks and bottled at 43%, it sits firmly in the world of smoky island whisky.
Its character is built around peat, supported by a lighter salty edge and a modest fruity note. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for drinkers who want the Islay signature to be present and recognisable, without turning the description into unnecessary embellishment.
The 12-year age statement gives the whisky a clear sense of place and maturity. What matters here is the straightforward combination of single malt structure, Islay origin and a smoke-led profile.
The flavour profile is led clearly by peat. Lighter fruity and salty accents sit in (…)Caol Ila Moch
5
Caol Ila Moch
In stock
Caol Ila Moch is a Scottish single malt from Islay, shaped first and foremost by a clear peated character. Rather than presenting itself as a heavily wood-driven whisky, it puts the emphasis on smoke, with lighter salty, spicy and fruity accents around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Caol Ila for those moments when the Islay identity should be easy to recognise without becoming one-dimensional. The oak cask background does not take the lead in the profile; the maritime, smoky side of the malt remains the central feature.
Bottled at 43%, Caol Ila Moch stays within a classic drinking strength. Its appeal lies in the way peat, a saline edge and subtle fruit and spice come together in a direct Islay single malt style.
The flavour (…)Caol Ila 13y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
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Caol Ila 13y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
On request only
Caol Ila 13 Year Old by Gordon & MacPhail shows a welcoming side of Islay single malt without losing the island signature. It comes from the Discovery range, created as an accessible introduction to Gordon & MacPhail's single malt portfolio. Caol Ila itself is located on the north-eastern side of Islay, near Port Askaig, and that origin comes through in the whisky's gentle peat smoke and salty edge.
What makes this bottling stand out is the sweet, fruit-led expression of that Islay style. The bourbon cask maturation supports notes of vanilla, apricot jam and tropical fruit, while malt, lemon zest and soft smoke keep the whisky lively and unmistakably coastal. At 13 years old and bottled at 43%, it feels composed, clear and easy to understand without becoming (…)Caol Ila 18y Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 18y Incl. Box
In stock
Caol Ila 18y is a Scottish single malt from Islay where peat and maturity meet in a restrained, grown-up way. The Islay identity is clearly part of the whisky, yet the 18 years of ageing give it a calmer and more developed presence than a purely forceful peated style.
Matured in oak cask and bottled at 43%, it sits in a classic strength range while keeping the focus on its island character. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Caol Ila we would point to when someone wants a peated Islay single malt with a little more age, supported by gentle fruit, light spice and a salty accent.
Its appeal lies in the way the smoke is clearly there without becoming the only thing to notice. The age gives the whisky room to breathe, making it a considered expression (…)Caol Ila 1979 Over 40y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
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Caol Ila 1979 Over 40y Artist #10 (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Edition)
Only 3 left in stock!
Caol Ila 1979 Over 40y Artist #10 is an Islay single malt with a very focused identity: one hogshead cask, distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2020 by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Artist Edition. Rather than a broad house-style release, this is the story of one individual cask captured after more than four decades of maturation.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out for its combination of age, scarcity and bottling approach. It was released at cask strength, 54.9%, as a single cask bottling of only 156 bottles, and the remaining availability is down to the last bottles. The dataset also marks it as a collector's item, which fits the limited nature of the release.
Its flavour profile points toward a mature whisky where wood, spice and (…)Caol Ila 1995 20y Artist (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
350
Caol Ila 1995 20y Artist (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Caol Ila 1995 20y Artist is a sharply defined Islay single malt rather than a broad house-style release. Signatory bottled it for the Artist Edition from a single hogshead, at cask strength, with an alcoholic strength of 54.1%. That gives this whisky a very specific identity: one cask, one vintage, twenty years of maturation.
Only 276 bottles were drawn from this cask, and these are now the last bottles. Within the Drankenshop Broekmans range, that makes it a particularly focused choice for drinkers who enjoy independent bottlings with a clear sense of origin.
The supplied flavour profile points to a whisky where peat smoke, maritime saltiness and fruit carry the main story. Light floral and spicy touches sit around that core, while wood influence is not (…)Caol Ila 2006 18y (The Single Malts Of Scotland) Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 2006 18y (The Single Malts Of Scotland) Incl. Box
On request only
Caol Ila 2006 18y is a tightly defined Islay single malt: distilled on 23 August 2006, matured for 18 years in a single refill hogshead and bottled on 24 April 2025. With only 271 bottles drawn from cask #307354, and with the last bottles now indicated, this is the kind of release where the individual cask really matters.
The setting behind the whisky is part of its identity. Caol Ila is located at the foot of the cliffs near Port Askaig on Islay's east coast, and the supplied information describes the distillery as known for elegant, maritime peated whiskies. This bottling stays close to that idea, bringing together smoke, saltiness and mature cask influence in a way that keeps the distillery character visible.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this (…)Caol Ila 2008 13y Tasttoe (The Whisky Jury)
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Caol Ila 2008 13y Tasttoe (The Whisky Jury)
In stock
Caol Ila 2008 13y Tasttoe is a focused single malt from Islay, drawn from one individual cask rather than a broad vatting. Distilled in October 2008 and bottled in March 2022, it carries a 13-year age statement and has been bottled at cask strength, giving the whisky a direct and unpolished sense of presence at 55%.
The sherry finish adds another layer to the whisky, while the Islay side remains clearly in view. Peat smoke, salinity and spice are the main threads here, supported more gently by fruit, floral touches and wood. It is a bottling that speaks more about a particular cask than about a standardised expression.
Only 202 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now available, this Tasttoe bottling has a naturally limited feel within the (…)Caol Ila 2010 (Berry Bros)
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Caol Ila 2010 (Berry Bros)
On request only
Caol Ila 2010 is a single malt from Islay with peat clearly at the heart of its identity. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2023, it comes at cask strength, 56.4%, giving a direct impression of the whisky as it stood in the cask.
This is a single cask bottling from a hogshead, so the interest lies in its individuality. Rather than a broad house-style expression, it shows one particular cask's take on Caol Ila, with peat in the foreground and lighter salty, spicy and fruity accents around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy the more specific side of Islay whisky. With only the last bottles remaining, it also carries the quiet appeal of a release that will not stay around indefinitely.
Caol Ila 2010 10y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Caol Ila 2010 10y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Caol Ila 2010 10y is a Scottish Islay single malt with a very focused identity: one hogshead, one distillation year, one bottling date and just 326 bottles. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in March 2021, this Watt Whisky release from the Campbeltown Whisky Company presents a single cask rather than a broad house-style vatting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they show a whisky in a particularly direct form. Bottled at cask strength at 58.2%, it keeps the energy of the cask intact. The profile points clearly towards Islay, with peat and salinity at the centre, supported by lighter fruity, spicy and floral touches rather than heavy wood influence.
With the last bottles now remaining, its limited nature is part of the appeal. It is (…)Caol Ila 2010 10y Art5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
149
Caol Ila 2010 10y Art5 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Caol Ila 2010 10y Art5 is an Islay single malt from Signatory's Artist Edition, distilled in 2010 and matured for 10 years in a sherry butt. Bottled at 48% cask strength, it sits away from the idea of a broad house style and closer to a specific, limited interpretation of Caol Ila.
Only 2,139 bottles were released, and the remaining availability is now down to the last bottles. The supplied flavour profile points strongly towards fruit, with spice playing a clear supporting role and a lighter floral accent in the background. Wood and peat are not presented as defining elements here, so the focus is firmly on the fruit-and-spice side of the whisky.
Within the Drankenshop Broekmans selection, this is the kind of independent bottling we like to introduce to (…)Caol Ila 2010 11y Art6 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
201
Caol Ila 2010 11y Art6 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Caol Ila 2010 11y Art6 is an Islay single malt with a very direct presentation: bottled by Signatory for the Artist Edition and released at cask strength. At 59.1%, it keeps close to the cask, giving the whisky a firm presence and allowing its peated, salty and spicy side to come through clearly.
The refill butt maturation is part of the appeal here. Rather than letting wood dominate, it leaves room for the distillery character to stay in focus. Peat and salinity carry the profile, spice adds structure, and fruit and oak remain more restrained in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like to present to customers who enjoy a clear Islay identity without unnecessary embellishment. With 1191 bottles produced and (…)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 (…)Caol Ila 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Caol Ila 2011 14y (Berry Bros Odyssey Range)
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Caol Ila 2011 14y is a single malt from Islay bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd as part of the Odyssey Range. At 52.4% cask strength, it keeps a close connection to the individual cask rather than smoothing everything into a broader house style.
This 14-year-old release comes from a single cask, #312219, with an outturn of just 240 bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are interesting because they show a very specific side of a distillery rather than a repeated standard expression. With only the last bottles remaining, that sense of a small, finite release becomes even more tangible.
The supplied tasting detail points to a Caol Ila that keeps its Islay smoke, while bringing a sweeter and fruitier dimension into the glass. Cola-like candy (…)Caol Ila 2013 7y Artist (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 2013 7y Artist (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Caol Ila 2013 7y Artist is a young Islay single malt with a very direct personality. Bottled by Signatory for the Artist Edition, it brings together Caol Ila's peated island style, wine maturation and a cask strength bottling at 57.2%.
At 7 years old, the emphasis is on energy and clarity rather than heavy oak maturity. The profile points to peat as the main feature, with lighter touches of fruit, spice, florality and coastal saltiness around it. The wine cask maturation adds another dimension, while the wood itself does not appear to dominate the whisky's character.
In the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy independent Islay releases with a more pronounced edge. With the last bottles now (…)Caol Ila 2013 8y (The Whisky Trail By Elixir - Silhouette Series)
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Caol Ila 2013 8y (The Whisky Trail By Elixir - Silhouette Series)
On request only
Caol Ila 2013 8y is an Islay single malt with a very focused identity: one hogshead, eight years of maturation, and a cask strength bottling at 60.6% by The Whisky Trail by Elixir for the Silhouette Series. Rather than presenting a softened house-style bottling, it gives a closer look at one individual cask.
Only 591 bottles came from this cask, so the appeal lies partly in its precision and limited nature. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show a particular slice of maturation, not a whisky blended to repeat the same profile year after year.
The flavour direction is clearly Islay, with peat taking the lead and lighter touches of fruit, spice, floral notes and salt around it. Wood is not the main theme in the supplied (…)Caol Ila 2013 9y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Caol Ila 2013 9y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Caol Ila 2013 9y is a Scottish Islay single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, one vintage and a total outturn of 306 bottles. It was distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2023 after 9 years of maturation in a hogshead.
The appeal here lies in its directness. Bottled at cask strength at 59.6%, it keeps close to the individual cask rather than presenting a softened house-style version. The profile is clearly shaped by salty and peated elements, while fruit and spice play a more supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Watt Whisky release from the Campbeltown Whisky Company sits among those bottlings that are chosen for their specific point of view. As a single cask with the last bottles available, this Caol Ila feels like a small, well-defined (…)Caol Ila 2013 9y Art6 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
149
Caol Ila 2013 9y Art6 (Signatory - Artist Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Caol Ila 2013 9y Art6 is an Islay single malt with the appeal of a focused independent release. Bottled by Signatory for the Artist Edition, it takes a familiar distillery name and presents it through a more specific, limited lens.
Distilled in 2013 and matured for 9 years in a wine cask, it sits apart from more regular Caol Ila expressions without losing the Islay identity suggested by its profile: peat, salt and spice play the leading roles, with fruit sitting more quietly in the background. At 48%, it has enough strength to carry that character with confidence.
Only 1388 bottles were released, and at Drankenshop Broekmans this is the sort of bottling we look at as a snapshot of Caol Ila from an independent selector's point of view. It is a bottle for (…)Caol Ila 2014 11y The Nectar & Kirsch, Sauternes Matured (Signatory - The Nectar And Kirsch)
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Caol Ila 2014 11y The Nectar & Kirsch, Sauternes Matured (Signatory - The Nectar And Kirsch)
Only 2 left in stock!
Caol Ila 2014 11 Year Old The Nectar & Kirsch, Sauternes Matured brings out a particularly polished side of Islay. The whisky keeps the maritime, lightly medicinal identity of Caol Ila, with peat smoke kept under control rather than pushed to the front. The 2nd fill Sauternes hogshead adds a vinous influence that feels more refined than overtly sweet.
Distilled on 18 September 2014 and bottled on 1 August 2026 at 53%, this is a single cask release presented at cask strength. That gives it presence, but the story here is not only about power. The supplied tasting notes point to finesse, sweet-salty tension and a layered conversation between fruit, spice, salt and dry peat.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we enjoy (…)Caol Ila 2016 9y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Caol Ila 2016 9y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Caol Ila 2016 9y shows a young Islay single malt with real coastal energy, but also with the softer peat and malty sweetness that give this bottling its charm.
Selected by The Nectar for the Daily Dram range, it comes from a single cask and is bottled at cask strength at 58.4%. The Chardonnay finish adds another layer to a whisky already driven by smoke, spice, fruit and salinity, keeping the profile lively rather than heavy.
Only 300 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in view, this Caol Ila has a distinctive place in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection. It is a focused small-batch Islay bottling for drinkers who enjoy peat with texture, coastal freshness and a generous, creamy sweetness.
The aroma is buttery and inviting, (…)Caol Ila 2017 9y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Caol Ila 2017 9y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
On request only
Caol Ila 2017 9y Rum Cask Finish shows the idea behind Douglas Laing's Paradise In Smoke Collection very clearly: take the coastal smoke of Islay and place it beside a warmer, less expected influence. The whisky still speaks unmistakably of Caol Ila, with maritime character, refined peat smoke and a salty coastal edge.
The finish in a single Barbados rum cask adds layers of tropical fruit and gentle sweetness without pushing the distillery style into the background. That is what makes this release engaging: the rum cask influence brings warmth and fruit, while the Islay side keeps its shape.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Douglas Laing Old Particular stands out for drinkers who enjoy Caol Ila but are curious to see it from a slightly different angle. Drawn (…)Caol Ila 25y Incl. Box
350
Caol Ila 25y Incl. Box
In stock
Caol Ila 25y shows a mature side of Islay single malt, shaped by long ageing rather than sheer force. Its profile is led by fruit and peat, while oak, spice and a light salty touch sit more quietly in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would introduce to someone who wants Caol Ila with age and composure. The oak cask maturation supports the whisky, but the supplied profile does not point towards a heavily wood-driven style.
Bottled at 43%, Caol Ila 25y keeps its strength measured. The interest lies in the combination of mature single malt, clear peat influence and a distinctly fruity core.
The flavour profile is mainly built around fruitiness and peat smoke. These two elements are clearly present and define (…)Caol Ila 40y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Director's Special)
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Caol Ila 40y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Director's Special)
In stock
Caol Ila 40y is the kind of single malt where age and origin immediately set the tone. Forty years of maturation gives this Islay whisky a serious sense of depth, while the fact that it comes from a single hogshead cask makes it highly specific rather than broadly representative.
Bottled by The Single Malts of Scotland for the Director's Special series, it is presented at cask strength, 49.1% ABV. Only 108 bottles were drawn from the cask, and with the last bottles remaining, it has a naturally special position within the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans.
The profile stays connected to Islay through peat and a salty accent, while long maturation brings wood influence and spice into focus. Fruit is present in a quieter supporting role. For anyone (…)
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.
