Whisky from Dalmore
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Dalmore 12y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 12y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 12y is a Highland single malt built around a thoughtful combination of bourbon and sherry cask maturation. It starts life in bourbon casks, after which half of the whisky is moved into sherry casks. The two parts are then brought back together, giving this 12-year-old its polished classic style with both strength and elegance.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to use when explaining how cask influence shapes a single malt. The bourbon-matured part keeps the whisky malt-driven and approachable in structure, while the sherry casks add depth through wood, cocoa, orange and spice.
There is no peat smoke at the centre of the experience here. Dalmore 12y leans instead towards malt, fruit, a clear wood influence and a spicy finish. (…)Dalmore 12y Sherry Select Incl. Box
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Dalmore 12y Sherry Select Incl. Box
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Dalmore 12y Sherry Select is built around The Dalmore's long-standing connection with sherry casks. This Highland single malt first spends ten years in ex-bourbon casks made from American white oak, laying down the distillery's familiar house style of chocolate, orange and spice.
It is then finished in an assemblage of hand-selected sherry casks from Andalusia. That finishing period adds a sweeter, fruitier layer to the 12-year-old whisky, with autumnal spice bringing warmth and depth to the profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dalmore for those who enjoy a clear sherry influence without losing sight of the whisky's original foundation. At 43% alcohol, the emphasis remains on fruit, wood, chocolate and gentle spice rather than sheer (…)Dalmore 15y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 15y Incl. Box
In stock
Dalmore 15y is a Highland single malt shaped by a carefully staged maturation. It spends twelve years in ex-bourbon casks made from American white oak, followed by three further years in three different sherry cask styles: Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem oloroso. That final period adds depth without reducing the whisky to a single sherry note, bringing fruit, wood and gentle spice into focus.
First released in 2007, this 15-year-old has become one of the most popular expressions in The Dalmore range. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we tend to introduce it as a whisky for people who enjoy a polished sherry-matured single malt where smoke is absent and the attention goes instead to orchard fruit, oak influence and warming spice.
Additional information about the (…)Dalmore 17y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 17y Incl. Box
In stock
Dalmore 17y is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky built around maturity and a sherry finish. Its 17 years of age give it a composed, developed feel, while the finishing cask shapes the whisky without pushing it towards peat smoke or a heavy-handed style.
The emphasis here is on a fruit-led profile, supported by gentle spice and a light touch of wood. That combination makes it a mature Dalmore with a polished, considered character rather than an overtly smoky or salty one.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this bottling as a fine choice within the range of well-aged single malts for customers looking for Highland depth, a sherry-finished influence and a measured drinking strength of 42%.
The tasting profile is clearly fruit-driven, with mild (…)Dalmore 18y 2022 Incl. Box
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Dalmore 18y 2022 Incl. Box
In stock
Dalmore 18y 2022 is a Highland single malt built around maturity and cask influence. It is first matured in ex-bourbon casks made from American white oak, then finished in Matusalem oloroso sherry casks. That second stage gives this 18-year-old Dalmore a confident style, with fruit and spice taking the lead rather than peat or coastal salinity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle with whiskies for customers who enjoy a well-developed sherry-finished single malt with a polished Highland character. At 43%, it keeps a composed drinking strength while still carrying the depth expected from its age and maturation path.
Additional information about Dalmore can be found at https://www.thedalmore.com/
The flavour direction is led by (…)Dalmore 18y Cigar Malt Incl. Box
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Dalmore 18y Cigar Malt Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Dalmore 18y Cigar Malt is an 18-year-old Highland single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 46%. That combination gives it a mature, composed presence: this is a Dalmore to take time with rather than rush through.
The Cigar Malt name gives a clear sense of direction. The profile leans towards spice, supported by a touch of fruit and a measured wood influence. Peat smoke is not part of the story here, so the whisky's appeal comes from its warmer, more structured side.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for drinkers looking for an aged Highland single malt with a fuller, spiced personality, without moving into smoky territory.
The flavour profile is led by spice, with fruit playing a supporting role and wood kept in a more (…)Dalmore 2015 9y (Adelphi)
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Dalmore 2015 9y (Adelphi)
On request only
Dalmore 2015 9y shows a more direct side of Highland single malt: one cask, bottled at natural cask strength, with the distillate kept firmly in focus. It matured in a first fill bourbon American Standard Barrel, a choice that supports the whisky without taking away its clear, malt-driven identity.
At 59.1% and with only 238 bottles drawn from the cask, this is a compact release rather than a regular house expression. The story here is about a specific barrel and a specific moment in maturation, with bourbon cask influence, youthful energy and a clean whisky character all sitting close together.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Dalmore that adds depth to a whisky selection: not because it tries to be everything at once, but because it gives a (…)Dalmore 21y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 21y Incl. Box
On request only
Dalmore 21y is a Highland single malt with a clear sense of depth and sherry-led refinement. Its dark colour already points towards a whisky where cask influence is central, giving the expression a luxurious feel without needing to shout about it.
The whisky begins its maturation in a combination of American white oak bourbon casks and first fill sherry casks. As bottling approaches, it is moved into Oloroso sherry casks that previously held 30 year old Matusalem sherry. Old, sherry-soaked casks of this kind have become rare in the Scotch whisky industry, and their influence is one of the defining elements of this 21 year old Dalmore.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle in front of someone looking for a mature single malt with pronounced cask (…)Dalmore 25y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 25y Incl. Box
On request only
Dalmore 25y is a Highland single malt built around a carefully layered maturation. It first rests in American white oak before being divided between Palomino sherry butts and first fill bourbon casks. Those components are then brought back together in bourbon casks, followed by a final period in Tawny Port pipes.
That sequence matters. It gives this 25-year-old Dalmore its deep golden amber appearance and helps explain the whisky's interplay of fruit, spice and wood. The product information places Master Blender Richard Paterson at the centre of this creation, highlighting the dedication and creativity behind a release shaped by patience rather than simplicity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce this as a Dalmore for quiet attention: a mature single (…)Dalmore 30y 2021 Incl. Box
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Dalmore 30y 2021 Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Dalmore 30y 2021 is a Scottish Highland single malt built around age, patience and a carefully chosen port finish. With thirty years behind it, this is not a casual release in the range; it sits in a more mature, contemplative style where wood, spice and fruit form the main lines of character.
Only 1,318 bottles were released, and the remaining availability is now down to the last bottles. Together with its collector's item status, that gives this 2021 edition a very specific place: a limited Dalmore bottling with a clear sense of time and occasion.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce this whisky to someone who is interested in more than just an age statement. The Highland origin, the long maturation and the port finish all point towards a whisky (…)Dalmore 45y Incl. Box
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Dalmore 45y Incl. Box
On request only
Dalmore 45y is a Highland single malt from Scotland where the age statement is central to the whole experience. At Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this is introduced with a certain respect: it is not simply an older whisky, but a long-matured release shaped by careful cask selection and final refinement.
The assemblage was created by Richard Paterson. It first matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then spent a further 5 years in Graham's Colheita Port pipes from 1961 and 1963. That finishing period adds depth and fruit richness, while the oak influence gives the whisky structure and maturity.
As a 45-year-old collectors item, Dalmore 45y clearly sits outside everyday single malt territory. Its story is one of time, cask influence and precision (…)Dalmore Cigar Reserve Incl. Box
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Dalmore Cigar Reserve Incl. Box
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Dalmore Cigar Reserve is a Highland single malt with a deliberately generous style. Its depth comes from a careful selection of mature whisky drawn from three cask types: American ex-bourbon casks, 30-year-old Matusalem oloroso sherry casks and premier cru Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. Together they shape a whisky where spice and oak sit at the centre, with fruit adding a softer layer underneath.
The Dalmore story gives the bottle extra context. The distillery has been producing single malt whisky since 1839 and was owned by Clan Mackenzie for almost a century. The royal stag's antlers on the bottle still refer to the clan's family crest, making the presentation instantly recognisable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dalmore for those moments (…)Dalmore King Alexander III Incl. Box
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Dalmore King Alexander III Incl. Box
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Dalmore King Alexander III is a Highland single malt with a name that immediately suggests a more polished, composed style of whisky. As a no age statement release, it draws attention less to a number on the label and more to the way its character comes together in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dalmore for drinkers who enjoy a fruit-led and gently spiced Scotch single malt without a smoky emphasis. At 42.8% ABV, it keeps a refined drinking style while still carrying enough fruit and spice to feel distinctive.
Light wood influence and a subtle floral touch sit in the background, giving structure without dominating. The result is a Highland whisky with a graceful, rounded personality rather than a heavy or peated one.
The (…)Dalmore King Alexander III Incl. Box
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Dalmore King Alexander III Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Dalmore King Alexander III is a Highland single malt built around one of the historic stories linked to The Dalmore. It honours the rescue of the Scottish King Alexander in 1263, when a member of Clan Mackenzie saved him from a stag during a hunting party. That background gives the whisky a sense of place and symbolism rather than simply a decorative name.
The most distinctive element is its use of six selected cask types. Ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem Oloroso sherry, Madeira, Marsala, Port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon barriques are brought together in one composition. The result, as the tasting profile suggests, is strongly fruit-led, clearly spiced and gently touched by wood, with the cask influences working as layers rather than separate statements.
At (…)Dalmore Luminary N°3
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Dalmore Luminary N°3
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Dalmore Luminary N°3 is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky with a notably composed presence. At 17 years old and bottled at 49.2%, it has enough strength and maturity to feel substantial, while its profile is not built around peat smoke or coastal salinity.
Its collector's item status is part of the interest here. The Luminary N°3 name gives this release a more considered feel than a standard bottling, making it relevant for drinkers who pay attention to the identity of a whisky as much as to its flavour.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Dalmore sits naturally among refined Highland single malts with a more elegant direction. The flavour profile points first to fruit, with lighter floral, woody and spicy elements adding support. It is a whisky whose (…)Dalmore Port Wood Incl. Box
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Dalmore Port Wood Incl. Box
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Dalmore Port Wood shows a fruit-led side of Highland single malt, shaped by a carefully layered cask journey. It starts life in ex-bourbon casks made from American white oak, then moves into American oak and Tawny Port pipes from W & J Graham's vineyard in Portugal. Those elements are brought back together before bottling, giving the whisky time to settle into a more harmonious whole.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dalmore for drinkers who enjoy the depth that Port maturation can bring to single malt: ripe fruit, gentle oak and a light touch of spice rather than smoke. Bottled at 46.5%, it has enough strength to carry that richness while keeping the focus firmly on the fruit and cask influence.
Additional information about the brand can be (…)Dalmore Quintessence Incl. Box
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Dalmore Quintessence Incl. Box
On request only
Dalmore Quintessence is a Highland single malt with a story that is closely tied to Richard Patterson's fiftieth anniversary in the whisky world. Rather than being defined by age, it is shaped by a very deliberate maturation idea and by the selection of casks behind it.
The whisky first matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, before spending a further five years in five different Californian red wine casks. Each cask had held wine made from a different grape variety: Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. That gives Quintessence a fruit-led and gently spiced direction, with the oak playing a supporting role rather than dominating the whisky.
Only 499 bottles were released, and its collector's item status makes this Dalmore a (…)Dalmore The Quartet Incl. Box
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Dalmore The Quartet Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Dalmore The Quartet is a Highland single malt from Scotland, bottled at 41.5% alcohol and presented without an age statement. Rather than putting maturation age at the front of the conversation, it draws attention to its overall style: fruit-led, gentle in structure and shaped by quieter supporting notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Dalmore we would point out to someone looking for a single malt that does not rely on peat smoke or coastal salinity. The fruit character is the clearest element, while light floral, woody and spicy touches add detail without taking over.
The Quartet has its own place in the Dalmore range, with a profile that feels composed around smoothness and aromatic nuance. It is a whisky for moments when you want a Highland (…)Dalmore The Trio 1l
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Dalmore The Trio 1l
On request only
Dalmore The Trio 1l is a Highland single malt from Scotland with its emphasis on fruit, spice and a rounded style rather than peat or coastal sharpness. As a no age statement whisky, it is presented through its character and cask influence rather than through a fixed number of years.
The bourbon and port maturation gives the whisky its main direction. Fruity and spiced elements come forward most clearly, with lighter touches of wood and a subtle floral side in support. Nothing in the profile points towards smoke, so the focus stays on the warmer, more polished side of single malt whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dalmore for those who enjoy a Scottish single malt with generous fruit and spice without moving into heavily peated territory. The (…)Dalmore The Trio Incl. Box
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Dalmore The Trio Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Dalmore The Trio is a Scottish single malt whisky from the Highland region, bottled at 40% alcohol. As a no age statement release, it is presented more through its overall style than through a fixed maturation age.
The supplied flavour profile points to a restrained and even composition. Fruit, floral notes, wood and spice are all lightly present, while peat smoke and salty elements are not part of the stated profile. That places this Highland single malt in a calm, unpeated direction, with no single flavour dimension pushed too far forward.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Dalmore The Trio fits well for customers looking for a Scotch single malt with a gentle structure and a nuanced, non-smoky character. It is a whisky that speaks in softer accents rather than (…)Dalmore Vintage 2003 Incl. Box
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Dalmore Vintage 2003 Incl. Box
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Dalmore Vintage 2003 is an 18-year-old Highland single malt shaped by a carefully layered maturation. It begins in ex-bourbon casks made from American white oak, before being moved into rare Matusalem and Amoroso sherry casks, Rivesaltes wine casks and small-batch bourbon casks.
That sequence of casks is the heart of this release. The bourbon maturation gives the whisky its foundation, while the sherry and wine casks add a sweeter, spicier and more warming dimension. It is the kind of Dalmore that feels especially fitting when a dram may be a little richer and more contemplative.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this vintage as a thoughtful choice for drinkers who enjoy a Highland single malt with clear cask influence, where wood, fruit, floral notes and (…)Dalmore Vintage 2005 Incl. Box
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Dalmore Vintage 2005 Incl. Box
In stock
Dalmore Vintage 2005 is a Highland single malt built around a generous sherry influence. For the 2023 Vintage selection, The Dalmore chose the 2005 and 2008 releases, each shaped by differences in age, cask use and strength. The 2005 is the older expression, matured for 18 years and bottled at 49.3%.
Its maturation begins in ex-bourbon casks made from white American oak, followed by further ageing in sherry casks. That second stage gives the whisky its darker, fuller direction, with fruit and wood taking a clear role and spice sitting more in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly engaging Dalmore for anyone interested in the richer side of the house style through a specific vintage. The 2005 vintage, the 18 years of maturation and (…)Dalmore Vintage 2006 Incl. Box
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Dalmore Vintage 2006 Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Dalmore Vintage 2006 is a Highland single malt built around age, cask selection and depth of maturation. This 18-year-old release was distilled in 2006 and bottled at 47.2%, after maturation in ex-Bourbon casks made from American white oak and further enrichment in hand-selected Matusalem and Amoroso Sherry casks.
That cask combination gives the whisky a layered identity. The Bourbon wood provides structure and a clear oak presence, while the Sherry casks bring darker fruit, spice and deeper cocoa-like tones into focus. It is unchill filtered and presented at natural colour, keeping the emphasis close to the whisky's own maturation character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dalmore for drinkers who appreciate mature Highland single malt with a (…)Stag Wine (Dalmore) 2013 10y 13.106 (Scotch Malt Whisky Society - Artist Collection) Tube Incl.
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Stag Wine (Dalmore) 2013 10y 13.106 (Scotch Malt Whisky Society - Artist Collection) Tube Incl.
In stock
Stag Wine 13.106 is a Highland single malt from Dalmore, distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2023 at 10 years of age. It comes from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Artist Collection, a setting where the focus is firmly on an individual cask rather than a recurring house expression.
The appeal here lies in its specificity. This is a single cask bottling from a Pedro Ximenez cask, released at cask strength with an alcoholic strength of 60.1%. Only 237 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, the release has the quiet tension of something finite rather than widely reproducible.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we place in front of someone who enjoys seeing a distillery through one sharply defined lens. It is Dalmore (…)
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.
