Whisky from Chivas Regal
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Chivas Regal 12y
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Chivas Regal 12y
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Chivas Regal 12y is a Scottish blended whisky carrying a 12-year age statement. It sits firmly in the classic blended Scotch tradition, where maturation and blending are more important than bold extremes.
The available profile points towards a gentle style, with light fruity and floral elements. There is no emphasis on peat, saltiness or pronounced spice, so the overall impression is calm, polished and approachable rather than forceful.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Chivas Regal 12y fits well among the Scottish blends for customers looking for a recognised aged whisky with a composed and elegant feel.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.chivas.com/
The flavour profile suggests a gentle Scotch blend with (…)Chivas Regal Extra Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal Extra Incl. Box
In stock
Chivas Regal Extra is a Scotch blended whisky with a smooth, rounded style and added depth from sherry maturation. It stays close to the approachable Chivas Regal house character, while bringing a warmer and slightly fuller impression.
The sherry matured element supports gentle fruit, mild spice and a restrained touch of wood. Rather than feeling heavy, the whisky keeps a composed and familiar blended Scotch profile, with just enough extra richness to set it apart.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Chivas Regal Extra as a natural choice for customers who enjoy well-known Scotch blends but want a little more flavour presence than the most classic expressions. Bottled at 40%, it remains easy-going and versatile.
Additional information about the (…)Chivas Extra 13y Irish Whiskey Cask 1l Incl. Box
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Chivas Extra 13y Irish Whiskey Cask 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Chivas Extra 13y Irish Whiskey Cask 1l brings a familiar Scotch blended whisky name together with a cask finish that immediately gives the bottle its point of difference. It remains firmly within the Chivas Regal style of blended Scotch, yet the Irish Whiskey Cask reference adds a distinct angle to the release.
The 13-year age statement gives this whisky a clear identity beyond a standard non-age-stated blend. Rather than presenting itself as a highly technical bottling, it is a Chivas expression built around a recognisable brand, added maturity and the extra dimension of its whisky cask finish.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who enjoys Chivas Regal but wants a variation with a more specific story. The 1 (…)Chivas Extra 13y Rum Cask 1l Incl. Box
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Chivas Extra 13y Rum Cask 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Chivas Extra 13y Rum Cask 1l is a Scottish blended whisky that brings the familiar Chivas Regal name together with a rum cask finish. The 13-year age statement gives the bottling a clear point of maturity, while the finish adds a different angle compared with a more straightforward blend.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would present this as a Chivas for drinkers who enjoy blended Scotch with a gentle twist rather than peat, salt or heavy oak. The flavour direction points towards light fruit, a floral touch and mild spice, keeping the emphasis on an approachable blended style with an added cask influence.
The one-litre bottle also gives it a generous presence. It suits those moments when a recognisable Scottish blend is wanted, but with an extra detail in its (…)Chivas Regal 12y 1,5l
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Chivas Regal 12y 1,5l
On request only
Chivas Regal 12y 1.5l is a 12-year-old Scotch blended whisky in a generous 1.5-litre bottle. It keeps the focus on the familiar, smooth side of Chivas Regal, without pushing peat, spice or heavy wood to the foreground.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a recognisable Scotch blend with a lighter fruit-and-flower profile. The larger size makes sense when the bottle is meant to be shared rather than kept for only the occasional small pour.
As these are the last bottles, this format is especially worth noting for anyone specifically looking for Chivas Regal 12 years in the larger 1.5-litre presentation.
The flavour profile is light in structure, with gentle fruity and floral accents. (…)Chivas Regal 12y Mini
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Chivas Regal 12y Mini
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Chivas Regal 12y Mini offers this Scottish blended whisky in a compact format, a convenient way to get acquainted with the Chivas Regal style without opening a full-size bottle. The 12-year age statement gives the whisky a clear maturation identity, with oak cask ageing forming part of its make-up.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits comfortably among approachable Scotch blends for customers looking for a 40% whisky with a lighter flavour direction. The profile points to gentle fruity and floral notes rather than smoke, spice or pronounced wood.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.chivas.com/
The stated flavour profile suggests a gentle style, with light fruity and floral accents. Smoke, spice and pronounced oak are (…)Chivas Regal 15y Cognac Finish Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 15y Cognac Finish Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 15y Cognac Finish is a Scottish blended whisky that brings the familiar Chivas Regal style together with a Cognac finish. Its 15 years of age give the blend a sense of maturity, while the finish adds a different accent from a more traditional blended Scotch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of a smooth Scotch blend with a gentle fruit, floral and spice-driven profile. It is not built around peat, salinity or pronounced wood influence; the emphasis is more on elegance and an extra layer of character from the Cognac finish.
Bottled at 40%, it remains approachable and easy to enjoy, while still offering something distinctive within the Chivas Regal range. It suits a relaxed tasting moment, especially for someone who (…)Chivas Regal 16y Charles Leclerc Limited Edition Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 16y Charles Leclerc Limited Edition Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 16y Charles Leclerc Limited Edition is a Scottish blended whisky with a 16-year age statement. The name immediately sets it apart from a standard release, placing it in the more distinctive limited-edition side of Chivas Regal.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who enjoys recognised blended whisky houses but also appreciates a special edition with a clear identity. Its appeal lies in the combination of the Chivas Regal name, the 16-year statement and the Charles Leclerc Limited Edition presentation.
The supplied flavour profile points mainly towards a floral style, supported by lighter fruity and spicy touches. Bottled at 40% alcohol, it presents itself as a measured blended whisky rather than a (…)Chivas Regal 18y Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 18y Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Chivas Regal 18y is a Scottish blended whisky built around maturity and restraint. The 18-year age statement gives it a more developed position within the Chivas Regal range, while the available flavour profile points to a style that remains measured rather than heavy or smoky.
Its character is shaped by gentle floral, fruity and spiced accents. Oak cask maturation provides the traditional whisky framework, though the supplied profile does not suggest a strongly wood-led expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits comfortably among Scotch blends for customers looking for a recognised name with age, composure and an approachable 40% strength. More information about the brand can be found at https://www.chivas.com/
Chivas Regal 18y shows a (…)Chivas Regal 18y Margaux Wine Cask 1l Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 18y Margaux Wine Cask 1l Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 18y Margaux Wine Cask 1l is a Scottish blended whisky that takes an 18-year-old Chivas Regal foundation and gives it a wine-cask finish. The Margaux reference in the name points to a more fruit-led interpretation of the brand, adding a different accent to a mature blended Scotch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits naturally among whiskies for people who enjoy recognised names in a less everyday form. Bottled at 48%, it has enough strength to carry its flavour profile, where fruit is the main thread and lighter touches of flower, wood and spice add support. It is not a whisky built around peat smoke or salty notes; the wine influence has more room to speak.
The one-litre format gives the bottle a generous feel, while the fact that only the (…)Chivas Regal 18y Mini
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Chivas Regal 18y Mini
Only 2 left in stock!
Chivas Regal 18y Mini presents the 18-year-old Scottish blended whisky from Chivas Regal in a compact miniature format. It is a practical way to get acquainted with the whisky without committing to a full bottle, while still offering the interest of an 18-year age statement.
The character is built around restraint rather than smoke or power. The flavour profile points towards gentle fruit, light spice and a small floral accent, with no pronounced peated side. At 40% alcohol, it remains measured and approachable in style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this miniature fits nicely for customers looking for a recognisable Scottish blend in a smaller presentation, whether for tasting, sharing or adding to a thoughtful drinks selection.
The tasting (…)Chivas Regal 25y Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal 25y Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Chivas Regal 25y is a Scotch blended whisky where the age statement is the key part of the conversation. Twenty-five years of maturation gives this release a more composed identity, built around oak, gentle spice and a touch of fruit, without the supplied profile pointing towards peat or salty notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place it among the mature Scotch blends for customers looking for a classic, carefully aged style rather than a whisky driven by smoke or extremes. Its appeal lies in the Chivas Regal name, its Scottish origin and the quiet confidence of long maturation.
At 40% alcohol, it keeps a smooth and approachable framework, while the 25-year age statement clearly places it in a more mature category. The oak cask influence forms the (…)Chivas Regal Ultis Incl. Box
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Chivas Regal Ultis Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Chivas Regal Ultis is a Scotch blended malt from Chivas Regal, presented without an age statement and with the focus placed firmly on style rather than specification. It sits in a more restrained register, built around malt whisky rather than overt cask impact or smoky intensity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers who appreciate a calmer Scotch profile. The available flavour profile points towards light fruit and gentle floral notes, while peat, salt, spice and wood do not take the lead. That gives Ultis a composed, understated identity within the Chivas Regal range.
Bottled at 40%, it keeps to a classic drinking strength and communicates more through subtlety than force.
Additional information about Chivas Regal (…)Chivas Royal Salute 21y Incl. Box
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Chivas Royal Salute 21y Incl. Box
In stock
Chivas Royal Salute 21y is a Scottish blended whisky built around maturity rather than volume or intensity. The 21-year age statement gives it a clear sense of patience, with oak cask ageing forming an important part of its identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle among the more classically styled Scotch blends: composed, mature and not driven by peat smoke or coastal salinity. The available flavour profile points instead to a measured interplay of fruit, gentle spice and a light touch of wood.
Bottled at 40%, Chivas Royal Salute 21y keeps to a traditional drinking strength, allowing the focus to remain on its aged blended Scotch character. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.chivas.com/
The (…)Chivas Royal Salute 21y Jodhpur Polo Edition Incl. Box
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Chivas Royal Salute 21y Jodhpur Polo Edition Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Chivas Royal Salute 21y Jodhpur Polo Edition is a Scottish blended whisky built around maturity and presentation. The Royal Salute 21y name sets the tone clearly: this is a 21-year-old whisky from the Chivas Regal world, positioned with more ceremony and presence than an everyday blend.
The Jodhpur Polo Edition gives this release its own identity. It keeps its Scottish blended whisky foundation, while the edition name adds a more distinctive, occasion-led feel to the bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that suits someone looking for an aged blended Scotch with a refined appearance and a calm, composed style. With only the last bottles remaining, this edition is becoming a less common find.
The supplied flavour (…)Chivas Royal Salute Gun 62 1l
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Chivas Royal Salute Gun 62 1l
Very last one in stock!
Chivas Royal Salute Gun 62 1l is a Scottish blended whisky from Chivas Regal, bottled at 43% alcohol. The Royal Salute name gives it a sense of occasion, while the Gun 62 designation sets this bottle apart from the more familiar Chivas references.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce it as a Chivas blend for drinkers who prefer a fruit-led Scotch profile rather than a peated one. The available flavour profile points to clear fruitiness, supported by lighter floral, woody and spicy notes. That gives the whisky its direction without making it feel heavy or smoke-driven.
As these are the last bottles, this release naturally receives a little extra attention. It is a specific presentation within the Chivas Regal range, and those tend to be most (…)Chivas Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve No Giftbox!!!
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Chivas Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve No Giftbox!!!
Very last one in stock!
Chivas Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve is a Scottish blended whisky with a restrained, polished style. At 40% alcohol, it presents itself as a composed expression rather than a whisky built around intensity or force.
The character suggested by the profile is gentle and evenly spread: light fruit, a floral touch, a little spice and a modest oak influence. Peat smoke and salty notes are not part of the picture here, so the emphasis stays on softness, poise and a clean blended whisky style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that suits someone looking for a Scottish blend with a refined presentation and a calm flavour direction. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that will not stay available indefinitely.
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.
