Whisky from Glenfiddich
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Glenfiddich 15y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 15y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 15y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland, built around maturity and a gentle sense of refinement. Its 15 years of ageing give it a more developed place within the Glenfiddich range, while the sherry finish adds an extra layer to the whisky's character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for customers looking for a familiar Scottish single malt with a little more depth. The profile is lightly fruity and softly spiced, with no pronounced peated direction, making the sherry influence part of the story rather than the whole story.
Bottled at 40%, Glenfiddich 15y keeps a smooth and approachable presentation. It is especially interesting for drinkers who enjoy Speyside malt and want a whisky where age and sherry finishing bring (…)Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak is a Scottish single malt from Speyside with a gentle, composed style. The name points towards oak, yet the supplied flavour profile suggests a measured whisky rather than a heavily wooded one, with light touches of fruit, floral nuance, soft spice and wood sharing the stage.
At 12 years old and bottled at 40%, it sits in a calm and approachable single malt register, without peat smoke or saline notes defining the experience. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Glenfiddich as a Speyside whisky for drinkers who appreciate a tidy, mellow malt where the different elements remain deliberately understated.
Additional information about Glenfiddich can be found at https://www.glenfiddich.com/
Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak (…)Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky finished in sherry casks. That sherry finish is the detail that gives this bottling its direction: gentle wood influence, a touch of spice and a modest fruity side, rather than a smoky or heavily peated style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for drinkers who enjoy a polished Speyside character with an added layer from the cask finish. Nothing in the supplied profile points to excess; the emphasis is on restraint, balance and a smooth drinking impression.
Bottled at 43%, it keeps an approachable feel while still carrying enough presence for unhurried tasting. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.glenfiddich.com/
The (…)Glenfiddich Xx Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Xx Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich XX is a Speyside single malt from Scotland that presents itself through style rather than an age statement. At 47% alcohol, it has a little more weight and presence, while the available profile does not point towards peat smoke or salty coastal notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this Glenfiddich in the conversation for its wood and spice-driven character. Those elements form the core of the whisky, with fruit playing a lighter supporting role. It gives the expression a structured, warming feel rather than a smoky or maritime one.
For drinkers who know Glenfiddich as a Speyside name, XX offers a way to approach the brand through character and intensity instead of age. Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Glenfiddich 12y Rum Cask 1l Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 12y Rum Cask 1l Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 12y Rum Cask 1l takes a Speyside single malt with a 12-year age statement and frames it through a rum cask finish. That cask detail is the point of distinction here, giving this edition a different angle from a more classic expression of the style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle in front of someone who knows Glenfiddich but wants to explore a variation built around cask influence. It remains a Scottish single malt from Speyside, yet the Rum Cask name clearly signals the feature that sets it apart.
The 43% strength and one-litre format give it a generous, approachable presentation, while the rum finish adds a specific identity that makes it worth considering alongside other Speyside whiskies.
The tasting (…)Glenfiddich 15y Sherry Cask Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 15y Sherry Cask Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 15y Sherry Cask is a Scottish single malt from Speyside with a clear identity from the outset. The name carries the essential story: Glenfiddich, 15 years of age, with Sherry Cask as the defining reference.
In the whisky range at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out through its straightforward focus. It brings together a recognised Speyside name, an age statement with maturity, and a bottling strength of 43%.
For drinkers who like to choose by origin, producer and cask indication, this Glenfiddich offers a clear set of markers: Scotland, Speyside, single malt, 15 years old and Sherry Cask.
No specific tasting notes have been provided for aroma, palate, texture or finish. Based on the available information, the flavour (…)Glenfiddich 15y Vat 03 Perpetual Collection Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 15y Vat 03 Perpetual Collection Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 15y Vat 03 Perpetual Collection is a Speyside single malt with a slightly more assertive presence than many familiar everyday bottlings. The 15-year age statement, the Vat 03 name and the 50.2% strength give this release a clear identity within the Perpetual Collection.
The available flavour profile does not point towards peat or salinity. Instead, it suggests a more measured composition, with fruit, floral notes, wood and spice all present in a restrained way. Rather than one dominant flavour direction, the interest here lies in the way those lighter elements sit alongside the added strength.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glenfiddich we would place in front of someone who already knows the name but wants a version with a little (…)Glenfiddich 16y Aston Martin 2 Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 16y Aston Martin 2 Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 16y Aston Martin 2 is the second limited edition in the collaboration between Glenfiddich and the Aston Martin Formula One Team. Rather than feeling like a simple themed release, it brings together two British names around a shared language of precision, innovation and craftsmanship, expressed here through a 16-year-old Speyside single malt.
What gives Release No.2 its identity is the cask composition. Glenfiddich has brought together whisky matured in first-fill bourbon casks, Port Pipes, Oloroso sherry casks, red wine casks and, for the first time in this second edition, Fino sherry casks. That mix adds depth and structure: stewed fruit and floral notes are joined by marzipan, caramel and sherry influence, while the Fino and oak bring a drier, more refined (…)Glenfiddich 16y Aston Martin Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 16y Aston Martin Tube Incl.
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In stockGlenfiddich 16y Aston Martin is a Speyside single malt Scotch with a name that immediately gives it a distinctive presence. It brings together Glenfiddich, a 16-year age statement and the Aston Martin reference, making the bottle stand out without needing a heavy or smoky profile.
The supplied flavour profile points clearly towards fruit and spice as the main themes, with wood and floral notes playing a lighter supporting role. There is no peat or salty character indicated, so the emphasis stays on a cleaner Speyside style with aromatic lift and a spiced edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would introduce as much for its presentation as for its profile: a 16-year-old Glenfiddich with a recognisable identity, shaped by fruit, spice (…)Glenfiddich 18y Port Cask
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Glenfiddich 18y Port Cask
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Glenfiddich 18y Port Cask is a Scottish Speyside single malt where the name immediately points to maturity and cask identity. The 18-year age statement gives the whisky its central frame, while the Port Cask reference places the cask choice firmly in the foreground.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among whiskies for customers who want a familiar Speyside name in an older expression. Bottled at 43% ABV, it keeps to a classic drinking strength rather than presenting itself as a high-strength release.
As no detailed tasting notes are provided in the supplied information, the description remains deliberately factual: this is Glenfiddich as an 18-year-old Speyside single malt with a Port Cask designation, built around origin, age and cask reference.
Glenfiddich 18y Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 18y Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 18y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland where maturity does much of the talking. The 18-year age statement gives it a more developed feel, with fruit, gentle spice and a measured touch of wood shaping the whisky rather than one dominant flavour taking over.
The use of sherry and bourbon casks is central to its identity. It keeps the style classic and composed, with no peated character indicated in the profile, and a drinking strength of 40% that keeps the whisky approachable in presentation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Glenfiddich 18y as a dependable choice for anyone looking for a mature Speyside single malt with recognisable cask influence and a calm, polished character.
Further information about the brand can be found at (…)Glenfiddich 21y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 21y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 21y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland built around maturity and a rum cask finish. The 21-year age statement gives it a composed, developed feel, while the rum finish adds an extra layer to the whisky's identity without moving it away from its single malt foundation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for drinkers who appreciate a polished Speyside style with a clear spicy accent, supported by lighter touches of wood, fruit and floral character. It is not a peated whisky; its appeal sits more in refinement, ageing and a rounded style.
Bottled at 40%, it remains moderate in strength, yet the combination of long maturation and rum finishing gives it a distinctive place among Speyside single malts. Additional information (…)Glenfiddich 26y Grande Couronne Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 26y Grande Couronne Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Glenfiddich 26y Grande Couronne is a Speyside single malt built around age, polish and a Cognac Finish. With 26 years of maturation behind it, this is a Glenfiddich release with a distinctly mature presence, shaped further by a finishing cask choice that gives the whisky its refined direction.
Only 5000 bottles were released, and together with its collector's item status, that makes Grande Couronne feel far removed from an everyday malt. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as the kind of bottle people consider for a meaningful occasion, a special gift or a carefully chosen addition to a serious whisky selection.
The flavour profile points toward clear fruit, spice and wood influence, with a lighter floral accent in support. There is no peat-driven or salty (…)Glenfiddich 29y Grand Yozakura Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 29y Grand Yozakura Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 29y Grand Yozakura is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky shaped by 29 years of maturation and finished in Japanese oak. That combination gives the bottle its main point of interest: a mature Glenfiddich with a wood influence that moves beyond the more familiar cask language.
The profile centres on wood, spice and fruit, with a lighter floral accent running in the background. There is no peated or salty direction here; the focus stays on maturity, cask influence and the quieter detail that comes with age.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for moments when the whisky itself may take centre stage. The long age statement, Speyside origin and Japanese Oak Finish make it a considered bottle for drinkers who enjoy exploring refined (…)Glenfiddich 30y Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 30y Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 30y is a Speyside single malt Scotch shaped by long maturation. At thirty years old, it naturally points towards a slower, more contemplative style, with fruit and oak forming the main pillars of its character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Glenfiddich sits among the whiskies for drinkers looking for an older Scottish single malt with a polished Speyside identity. The 43% strength keeps the presentation measured, while the age statement gives the whisky a sense of depth and patience.
Its profile is built around clear fruitiness and a noticeable wood influence, supported by a lighter touch of spice. Smoke is not part of the main story here, allowing the mature, fruit-led Speyside style to remain in focus.
Additional information (…)Glenfiddich 31y Grand Chateau
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Glenfiddich 31y Grand Chateau
On request only
Glenfiddich 31y Grand Chateau is a Scottish single malt from Speyside built around maturity and finishing. At 31 years old, it sits firmly among Glenfiddich's older releases, while the Wine Finish gives the whisky its most distinctive point of reference.
The Grand Chateau name naturally draws attention to that wine-cask finishing element. Without adding tasting details that are not supplied, the key story here is clear: a long-aged Glenfiddich shaped by an additional layer of wine cask influence before bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that rewards a slower look. It is not just defined by age, but by the combination of Speyside single malt, 31 years of maturation, a Wine Finish and a bottling strength of 47.6%.
Glenfiddich 3x5cl (12 Years, 15 Years & 18 Years)
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Glenfiddich 3x5cl (12 Years, 15 Years & 18 Years)
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This Glenfiddich gift pack brings together three Speyside single malts in 5 cl miniature bottles: 12 Years, 15 Years and 18 Years. It is a neat way to explore the same distillery name across three different age statements without committing to a full bottle straight away.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky set that works well when someone wants a gift with a little discovery built in. The appeal is in the comparison: three Scottish single malts, one recognisable brand, and a clear step from 12 to 15 and then 18 years.
Each whisky is bottled at 40% alcohol. Rather than focusing on one single expression, the pack invites you to taste a progression within Glenfiddich's Speyside range and to see how the different ages sit next to one another in (…)Glenfiddich 40y 2016 Release 13 Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 40y 2016 Release 13 Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Glenfiddich 40y 2016 Release 13 is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with the kind of age statement that immediately changes the conversation. Forty years of maturation places it firmly among the rarest Glenfiddich releases, and the 2016 Release 13 was limited to 600 bottles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see a whisky like this as more than a bottle with an impressive number on the label. It brings together Glenfiddich's name, a very mature age statement, a clearly defined release and genuine scarcity. With only the last bottles remaining, its collectible character becomes an important part of its appeal.
Bottled at 46.2%, it has enough strength to carry its mature profile without making power the main point. The flavour indications point towards wood, (…)Glenfiddich 40y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 40y Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Glenfiddich 40y is a Speyside single malt where age is the defining part of the conversation. After forty years of maturation, the focus is less on youthful intensity and more on the depth that comes from wood influence, spice and fruit developing over time.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that naturally stands apart in a whisky selection: a long-aged Glenfiddich with a flavour profile built around mature fruit, clear oak presence and measured spice. A lighter floral accent adds a more delicate side to that mature structure.
Bottled at 44.6%, it carries a little more strength than a standard 40% whisky, while the supplied profile does not point towards peat smoke or salty coastal notes. The emphasis remains firmly on Speyside single malt (…)Glenfiddich Cask Of Dreams Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Cask Of Dreams Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich Cask Of Dreams is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with a more particular place in the Glenfiddich line-up than a regular core expression. The name suggests a special release, and the available details support that impression: this is a bottle for drinkers who enjoy exploring Glenfiddich beyond the familiar labels.
New Oak maturation gives the whisky a wood-accented frame, though the flavour profile points to a restrained expression rather than an oak-heavy one. Light notes of wood, spice and fruit shape its character, while the 48.8% strength gives it a little more presence in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Cask Of Dreams as a noteworthy choice for those who follow distinctive Glenfiddich releases. Its collectors item status (…)Glenfiddich Fire & Cane Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Fire & Cane Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich Fire & Cane is a Speyside single malt built around contrast. The name points towards that meeting of a gentle smoky element and a rum cask finish, rather than a whisky driven by heavy peat or pronounced oak. Bottled at 43% and without an age statement, it places clear emphasis on fruit and spice, with lighter wood, saline and peated touches in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glenfiddich we would introduce to someone curious to see a different side of the distillery's single malt style. The rum finish gives it a distinctive direction, while the subtle smoky and savoury accents add extra definition without taking over the whisky.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.glenfiddich.com/
Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23y is a 23-year-old Speyside single malt from Scotland, carrying the familiar Glenfiddich name in a more mature and polished form. The Grand Cru name gives the bottle a refined, celebratory feel, while the age statement points to a whisky built around patience and development rather than raw power.
Its stated flavour profile centres on fruit and wood, with spice playing a lighter supporting role. Peat is not part of the picture here, so the focus stays on a smoother Speyside style with a clear sense of maturity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for those moments when a more composed, aged single malt feels appropriate.
Bottled at 40%, it remains approachable in strength while still standing apart through its 23 (…)Glenfiddich Orchard Experimental Series #5 Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Orchard Experimental Series #5 Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Orchard Experimental Series #5 shows the more exploratory side of this Speyside single malt. The Orchard name sits naturally alongside its Somerset Pomona Spirit finish, giving the whisky a fruit-led direction without pushing it into a heavy or smoky style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for drinkers who want to taste the familiar single malt character from a slightly different angle. The emphasis is on gentle fruit, a light floral touch and modest spice, rather than peat smoke, salinity or pronounced oak.
Bottled at 43%, it remains composed and approachable, while the finishing cask gives it its own place within the Glenfiddich Experimental Series. It is a whisky built around subtle variation rather than force.
Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Vat 01 Smooth & Mellow 1l Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Vat 01 Smooth & Mellow 1l Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection Vat 01 Smooth & Mellow is a Speyside single malt with a name that sets the tone straight away. It is built around softness and an easy, rounded style rather than weight, smoke or sharp intensity.
Maturation in bourbon and wine casks gives this Glenfiddich a gentle framework, with light fruity, floral, woody and spicy accents. At 40% alcohol, the character remains composed and approachable, with no pronounced peated or salty edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this one-litre bottle sits well among Scotch single malts for customers looking for a familiar Speyside style with a calm, mellow personality. It is a Glenfiddich that speaks quietly, relying on smoothness and balance rather than force.
The flavour profile (…)
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.
