Whisky from Kilchoman
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Kilchoman Rockside 11y Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Rockside 11y Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Rockside 11y is an Islay single malt with a very specific sense of place. The barley is grown exclusively on Rockside farm on Islay, and the full production journey, from cultivation to bottling, takes place on site. That gives this whisky its Single Farm Single Malt identity.
Eleven years in bourbon and sherry casks bring together gentle peat smoke, fruit, citrus freshness and spice. With a light peat level of 20 PPM, the smoke stays refined rather than dominant, while bottling at 46%, without chill filtration and without added colouring, keeps the whisky close to its natural character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Kilchoman with a particularly clear story: unmistakably Islay, yet shaped by one farm, one production chain and a (…)Kilchoman 100% 11y Sherry Incl. Box
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Kilchoman 100% 11y Sherry Incl. Box
On request only
Kilchoman 100% 11y Sherry shows the richer, sherry-matured side of this Islay single malt. It was distilled from the 2011, 2012 and 2013 barley harvests and matured for at least 11 years in 16 ex-oloroso sherry butts.
The appeal here lies in the meeting of Kilchoman's peated Islay character with the darker influence of oloroso maturation. The whisky keeps its smoke and a touch of coastal saltiness, while gaining depth through dried fruit, chocolate and sweet spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to drinkers who already enjoy peated whisky but want something with more maturity and sherry-driven weight. Bottled at 50%, it has the strength to carry its fruit, smoke and oak influence with confidence.
With (…)Kilchoman 100% Islay 15th Edition
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Kilchoman 100% Islay 15th Edition
On request only
Kilchoman 100% Islay 15th Edition is a single malt with a very clear sense of place. Everything happens on Islay, from growing the barley to bottling the whisky, so the name is more than a style reference. It is a release built around origin, continuity and the island itself.
This 15th edition was distilled from the 2014 and 2015 harvests and matured for at least 9 years in 54 ex-bourbon casks. That maturation brings caramel, vanilla and butterscotch into the whisky, while Kilchoman's natural citrus sweetness and peat smoke remain firmly present. The supplied profile points to fruit and peat as the main lines, supported by lighter wood, spice and floral touches.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone who wants (…)Kilchoman 100% Islay 4th Edition Incl. Box
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Kilchoman 100% Islay 4th Edition Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman 100% Islay 4th Edition is built around a very clear idea: every stage takes place at the distillery itself, from growing the barley through to bottling. For an Islay single malt, that gives the whisky a particularly direct sense of origin and identity.
Bottled at 50%, this 4th Edition matured in bourbon barrels. Its interest does not come from an age statement, but from the way it is made and the way it expresses its place. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as one of those bottles that is worth explaining properly: an Islay malt with freshness, citrus brightness and a gentle peat presence.
With 12,000 bottles released, this is a defined edition rather than an ongoing standard bottling, and these are now the last bottles. Its popularity is easy to (…)Kilchoman 13y
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Kilchoman 13y
On request only
Kilchoman 13y is a limited edition Islay single malt that speaks clearly of the distillery's hands-on approach. Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is known for its commitment to traditional methods and is among the few Scottish distilleries still working with a traditional malting method.
The maturity here comes from at least 13 years in a combination of bourbon casks, octaves and calvados casks. That cask mix gives the whisky a layered feel, with fruit, sweetness, spice, peat smoke and coastal saltiness all playing a role. It remains unmistakably Islay, but there is more to follow than smoke alone.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Kilchoman that shows a more developed side of the distillery. Bottled at 50%, it has the strength to carry its fruit, (…)Kilchoman 16y
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Kilchoman 16y
Only 3 left in stock!
Kilchoman 16y is a significant release in the Kilchoman story. According to the supplied product information, it was the distillery's oldest bottling to date in 2023, giving this Islay single malt a clear sense of occasion. It is a whisky shaped by peat, time and cask influence, with maturity playing a central role.
The whisky was created from a vatting of 21 ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 50% ABV. That cask combination supports the style described in the tasting notes: vanilla and fruit from one side, richer spice and dried-fruit impressions from the other. The peat level is stated at 50 ppm, so the smoky Islay identity is still firmly part of the whisky, but the 16 years of maturation give it more depth and composure.
With 5,000 (…)Kilchoman 2013 10y Nec
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Kilchoman 2013 10y Nec
On request only
Kilchoman 2013 10y Nec is an Islay single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, ten years of maturation and bottling at cask strength. It was distilled on 31 May 2013 and bottled on 10 September 2023 as an exclusive single cask release for The Nectar.
The whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. That maturation brings layers of vanilla and butterscotch, set against the peat smoke and sweet citrus noted in the product information for this Kilchoman. Rather than being smoke alone, it draws its interest from the contrast between coastal peat, salinity and the sweeter influence of the bourbon barrel.
Only 251 bottles were filled, and with the final bottles now indicated, it naturally stands out within the Drankenshop (…)Kilchoman Batch Strength Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Batch Strength Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Batch Strength presents a more forceful side of Kilchoman, without making the whisky feel heavy-handed. When it was introduced, it quickly found favour with drinkers who wanted a regular Kilchoman release at a higher strength than the core bottlings. At 57%, the spirit has real presence, yet the emphasis remains on balance between power and flavour.
Maturation in a combination of re-charred red wine casks, oloroso sherry casks and bourbon barrels gives this Islay single malt both structure and a sweet centre. Kilchoman's natural peat smoke and citrus character form the foundation, with darker fruit, generous spice and salted caramel adding depth around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly engaging choice for anyone exploring (…)Kilchoman Casado Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Casado Incl. Box
On request only
Kilchoman Casado is an 8 year old Islay single malt finished in wine casks. That detail gives the whisky its point of interest: the island style remains clearly present, with peat and spice at the centre, while the wine finish adds another layer to the maturation.
Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character with clarity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy peated Islay whisky but also appreciate a more shaped, cask-influenced style. The profile points towards pronounced spice and peat, with lighter touches of wood, salinity and a subtle floral edge.
With only the last bottles remaining, Kilchoman Casado has the feeling of a release to consider while it is still around. Its appeal lies in that specific (…)Kilchoman Cognac Matured Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Cognac Matured Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Cognac Matured is a 2026 Limited Edition that continues the distillery's exploration of distinctive cask maturation. The key point here is that this is not a short finish: the whisky spent its full maturation in former Cognac casks.
Distilled in 2019, it matured in a mix of 24 barriques and 8 hogsheads made from French oak. That gives the cask influence time to shape the whisky from the start, adding structure and spice while keeping Kilchoman's maritime, peated Islay identity clearly in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to introduce to customers who enjoy seeing how cask choice can add a new dimension without covering the distillery style. Orchard fruit, stone fruit, caramel, roasted nuts and warm spices sit (…)Kilchoman Coull Point
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Kilchoman Coull Point
In stock
Kilchoman Coull Point is a Scottish single malt from Islay, bottled at 46%. Its profile is built around clear peat smoke and spice, with lighter touches of fruit, saltiness and oak sitting in the background.
The use of bourbon and sherry casks gives the whisky a broader frame than a release shaped by one cask type alone. With no age statement, the focus sits firmly on composition and character: an Islay single malt where smoke and spice carry the main line.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Kilchoman Coull Point fits the selection for drinkers looking for a peated whisky with a recognisable island signature. The smoky and spicy core is supported rather than overwhelmed by its fruit, salt and wood accents, giving it a defined but not one-note personality.
Kilchoman Family Collection 11 Years Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Family Collection 11 Years Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Family Collection 11 Years comes from the first edition of Kilchoman Distillery's Family Collection. It is a release with a clear family connection, selected by the founding family and centred on a bold expression of the distillery's peated style.
At 11 years old and bottled at 54.7%, this Islay single malt has real weight in the glass. The peat is forceful, with 50 ppm from the Port Ellen maltings, yet the whisky is not just about smoke. The tasting notes point towards dark fruits, cocoa, burnt caramel, leather and saline touches, giving it a deeper, more gastronomic feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly engaging Kilchoman for drinkers who enjoy peat with structure and darker depth. Its place in the first Family Collection, (…)Kilchoman Family Collection 14y Rockside Barley Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Family Collection 14y Rockside Barley Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Family Collection 14y Rockside Barley is a thoughtful expression of Islay single malt, built around the origin of the barley itself. Made with Rockside Barley grown and malted on site, it carries Kilchoman's field-to-glass idea in a very direct way, placing the raw material at the heart of the whisky.
The peat level is 20 ppm, so the smoke is present but handled with a more refined touch. Maturation in bourbon barrels supports that elegance, bringing freshness, vanilla and gentle cereal notes rather than pushing the whisky into a heavier style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Kilchoman we like to point out to customers who are curious about the distillery's more precise, terroir-focused side. With 14 years of maturation, Rockside (…)Kilchoman Family Collection Ex Bourbon 18y Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Family Collection Ex Bourbon 18y Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Family Collection Ex Bourbon 18y presents a more mature side of Kilchoman. For this Islay single malt, eighteen years of ageing is an important milestone: the heavily peated malt still gives the whisky its unmistakable smoky foundation, but time in bourbon barrels has softened the edges and brought greater aromatic depth.
The interest here lies in the way the peat has settled into the whisky. It remains clear, yet more refined, sitting alongside ripe fruit, vanilla and a gentle toasted wood influence. It feels like a grown-up reading of the Kilchoman style rather than a forceful display of peat alone.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone who already appreciates Kilchoman and wants to see what longer (…)Kilchoman Fino Sherry Matured
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Kilchoman Fino Sherry Matured
On request only
Kilchoman Fino Sherry Matured shows a less familiar side of this Islay single malt. Kilchoman more commonly places emphasis on Oloroso sherry casks, especially in expressions such as Sanaig and Loch Gorm, but this 2023 limited edition is built around Fino Sherry Butts. It follows the distillery's first global Fino release from 2020 and continues that particular cask story.
For this bottling, Anthony hand-selected 20 Fino Sherry Butts filled with spirit distilled in 2018. The casks were sourced from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin in Spain and chosen for their quality and individuality. After a minimum of five years of maturation, the Fino influence brings a dry saline edge, lifted by fresh green fruit and stretched out by delicate Islay peat smoke.
At 50% ABV and (…)Kilchoman Loch Gorm 10y 2025
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Kilchoman Loch Gorm 10y 2025
On request only
Kilchoman Loch Gorm 10y 2025 stands out in the Loch Gorm line because it is the first edition to carry an age statement. After ten years of maturation, this Islay single malt brings together Kilchoman's peated signature with the depth and richness of oloroso sherry casks.
That meeting of styles is what gives this release its identity. Sherry maturation brings darker fruit, spice and sweetness, while peat, earthy tones and a salty edge keep the Islay side clearly in view. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to carry those flavours without making strength the main point.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Loch Gorm 2025 as a particularly engaging choice for drinkers who enjoy Kilchoman with a fuller sherry-matured character. With only the last bottles (…)Kilchoman Loch Gorm 10y Editie 2026 Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Loch Gorm 10y Editie 2026 Incl. Box
On request only
Kilchoman Loch Gorm 10y Edition 2026 is a peated Islay single malt with a strong sense of place. It takes its name from Loch Gorm, the dark, peaty loch overlooking the Kilchoman distillery, and that image suits the whisky well: unmistakably Islay, shaped by peat smoke, yet with a deeper sherried side.
The whisky has spent at least 10 years in oloroso sherry casks from Bodega José y Miguel Martín in Spain. Those casks bring a richer aromatic layer, with dried fruit, spice and dark chocolate set against Kilchoman's characteristic peat smoke. Fresh citrus notes keep the whisky from feeling too heavy and add a lively edge to the darker sherry influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we like to place in front of drinkers who (…)Kilchoman Machir Bay + 2 Glasses
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Kilchoman Machir Bay + 2 Glasses
In stock
Kilchoman Machir Bay is Kilchoman's flagship single malt, named after the beautiful beach close to the distillery on Islay. In this gift pack, with two glasses included, it becomes a thoughtful way to present a whisky that speaks very clearly of its island origin.
The style is smoky, yet refined. Sherry and bourbon cask influences shape the whisky around peat, fruit and vanilla, while the 46% strength gives it enough presence without turning it into something overly forceful.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of set we like for someone who wants to give an Islay single malt with real character and a polished presentation. Its gold medal at the IWSC 2015 adds a nice point of recognition to a whisky that already has a strong identity.
Kilchoman Machir Bay 20cl
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Kilchoman Machir Bay 20cl
In stock
Kilchoman Machir Bay 20cl brings Islay single malt into a smaller, approachable bottle size, well suited to anyone wanting to explore Kilchoman without committing to a full bottle straight away.
Its character is built around maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, with peat clearly present but not standing alone. The profile gives fruit a noticeable role, while gentle spice, light wood influence and a touch of salinity add shape around the smoky core.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for discovery: compact in size, yet still bottled at 46%, so the whisky keeps enough strength to show its Islay identity with clarity.
More information about the distillery can be found at https://www.kilchomandistillery.com/
Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength shows Machir Bay without being reduced to 46%. This special edition is bottled at its natural cask strength of 58.1%, giving this Islay single malt a more immediate and forceful presence.
Bourbon and sherry casks provide the framework, while the whisky itself leans into the tension between peat smoke, citrus brightness, sweetness and spice. The strength is not hidden; it gives the familiar Machir Bay style extra definition and intensity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who already enjoys Machir Bay and wants to experience it in a more direct, full-strength form. With the last bottles now remaining, it has the feel of a release worth noticing while it is still here.
Kilchoman Machir Bay Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Machir Bay Incl. Box
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Kilchoman Machir Bay is the flagship whisky of Kilchoman, named after the beautiful beach close to the distillery on Islay. That sense of place matters here: this is a Scottish single malt with a clearly peated Islay identity, yet presented in an elegant rather than heavy-handed way.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Machir Bay is a bottle we often turn to when someone is looking for Islay smoke with fruit and softness alongside it. The sherry and bourbon cask influence helps frame that style, bringing fruit and vanilla notes around the peat rather than pushing the whisky in only one direction.
Its gold medal at the IWSC 2015 adds an extra point of interest, but the appeal is mainly in how recognisable and well-defined the whisky feels. Bottled at 46%, Kilchoman (…)Kilchoman Machir Bay Mini
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Kilchoman Machir Bay Mini
In stock
Kilchoman Machir Bay Mini offers the distillery's flagship release in a smaller format. The name comes from the beautiful beach close to the distillery, a fitting reference for an Islay single malt where peat smoke, fruit and coastal character sit at the heart of the style.
Matured in sherry and bourbon casks, Machir Bay is bottled at 46% and carries no age statement. The supplied tasting description places it firmly in the smoky and elegant camp, with cooked fruit, peat and vanilla shaping the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this miniature as a concise introduction to Kilchoman: expressive enough to show its Islay identity, yet rounded by fruit and softness. Its gold medal at the IWSC 2015 adds a useful point of recognition for a whisky that has (…)Kilchoman Maury Matured
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Kilchoman Maury Matured
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Kilchoman Maury Matured is an Islay single malt built around a very deliberate cask choice. This is not a short wine-cask finish: the whisky spent its full maturation in casks that previously held Maury, the sweet fortified wine from Roussillon in southern France, made mainly from Grenache noir and known for its intense fruit character.
That full maturation gives the whisky a rich, layered feel, with dried fruit and a deep honeyed sweetness meeting Kilchoman's maritime peat smoke, fresh citrus notes and elegant malt structure. Bottled at 50%, it has the strength to carry those darker, sweeter tones while keeping the style precise and refined.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this limited spring release is the kind of bottle that starts a good conversation with (…)Kilchoman Port Matured 2018 Incl. Box
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Kilchoman Port Matured 2018 Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Kilchoman Port Matured 2018 is a distinctive Islay single malt because the port influence is at the heart of the whisky rather than added at the end. This release was fully matured in ruby port hogsheads, giving it a different feel from a whisky that has simply received a short port finish.
It follows the first Port Cask Matured release from 2014, a bottling that remained one of the most discussed Kilchoman expressions in the distillery's 13-year history at the time. The 2018 edition was created from 30 ruby port hogsheads from 2014 and bottled at 50% ABV, bringing layers of red fruit, creamy vanilla and floral sweetness into Kilchoman's peated Islay style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who already (…)
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.
