Whisky from Nikka
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Nikka Coffey Malt Incl. Box
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Nikka Coffey Malt Incl. Box
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In stockNikka Coffey Malt is a Japanese whisky built around an unusual idea: it is made from 100% malted barley, yet distilled in a Coffey still. For that reason it is not classified as a single malt, even though malted barley is at its core. That distinction is exactly what makes it fascinating, because it shows how much the still itself can shape the personality of a whisky.
The Coffey still is central to Nikka's story. Patented by Aeneas Coffey in 1830, this continuous still was something Masataka Taketsuru learned to work with during his 1919 training under James Calder at Bo'Ness Distillery. Convinced by its advantages, he later installed two Coffey stills when building Nikka. Coffey Malt was released in 2013 as part of an ongoing search for new flavour profiles and as a way (…)Nikka From The Barrel 50cl Incl. Box
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Nikka From The Barrel 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka From The Barrel is one of those Japanese whiskies that makes an impression before the bottle is even opened. Its compact, instantly recognisable bottle has become closely linked with one of the great classics of Japanese blended whisky, and the whisky itself has the same confident identity.
The blend brings together whiskies from sherry casks, bourbon casks, re-charred bourbon casks and new casks. In the hands of Nikka's Master Blender, those different cask influences are shaped into a powerful and layered whisky. At 51.4% and bottled at cask strength, it carries a real sense of concentration.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is a bottle we often reach for when someone wants Japanese whisky with more drive and depth. It has fruit, spice and intensity, but (…)Nikka Frontier 50cl Incl. Box
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Nikka Frontier 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka Frontier 50cl was created for a meaningful occasion: the 90th anniversary of Nikka. It also pays tribute to founder Masataka Taketsuru, described in the supplied information as the figure behind the Japanese whisky tradition.
The blend is built with a strong malt component, with malt whiskies making up more than 51% of the recipe. Peated malts from the historic Yoichi distillery on Hokkaido play an important role, while grain whiskies from Miyagikyo's Coffey stills bring softness and balance to the composition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Japanese blend we would introduce to someone looking for a whisky with fruit, roundness and a gentle smoky edge. Bottling at 48% alc. and without chill filtration helps preserve the fuller texture and (…)Nikka Coffey Grain Incl. Box
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Nikka Coffey Grain Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka Coffey Grain is a Japanese grain whisky with a clear sense of style: no age statement, no peat-driven profile, but a fruit-led character supported by a noticeable oak influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we often point to when someone wants to explore Japanese whisky through a softer, more open expression. At 45% alcohol, it has enough weight to feel complete, while staying approachable in its overall impression.
The oak cask maturation gives the whisky structure, with gentle spice playing a supporting role rather than taking over. What remains is a clean, inviting Nikka whisky where fruit and wood form the main conversation.
The flavour leans clearly toward fruit and oak, with a light touch of spice adding (…)Nikka Super Incl. Box
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Nikka Super Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka Super is a Japanese blended whisky from Nikka, bottled at 43%. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a calm and approachable introduction to Nikka's whisky style, especially for drinkers looking for a Japanese blend without a peated profile.
The character is built around gentle fruitiness and a modest spicy accent. Oak cask maturation is part of the whisky's make-up, yet the supplied profile points more toward restraint and clarity than heavy wood influence.
For anyone exploring Japanese blended whisky through Nikka, Nikka Super offers a measured, quietly expressive style with enough strength to remain present in the glass.
On the palate, Nikka Super stays on the lighter side, with gentle fruity tones and a soft spicy touch adding (…)Nikka Days + 2 Glasses
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Nikka Days + 2 Glasses
In stock
Nikka Days + 2 Glasses is a Japanese blended whisky presented as a gift pack, complete with two glasses. It has the kind of presentation that feels thoughtful and ready to share, without turning the whisky into something overly formal.
The style is led by a lighter aromatic side. Rather than peat, saltiness or pronounced wood, the profile points towards a floral impression, supported by gentle fruit and a touch of spice. Bourbon cask maturation is part of the whisky's make-up, yet the overall character is not driven by heavy wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this set sits well among Japanese whiskies for customers looking for a refined, approachable Nikka blend with a practical gift presentation. Bottled at 40% and carrying no age statement, Nikka (…)Nikka "The Nikka" 12y
COLLECTOR164
Nikka "The Nikka" 12y
Only 3 left in stock!
Nikka "The Nikka" 12y is a(n) whisky from Japan by the brand Nikka. It falls within the whisky group under the category Blend. Nikka "The Nikka" 12y is regarded by us as a Collector's Item, which makes many a collector's heart beat that little bit faster. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.
IMPORTANT: This whisky from Nikka will never return once it is sold out. If you want to be sure that this Nikka will shine in your bar cabinet, don't wait too long to order!
This whisky is matured in Sherry + Bourbon barrels. It is a version of 70 cl and has an alcohol content of 43%.
We have compiled a flavour profile for this Nikka "The Nikka" 12y whisky. Of course, taste (…)Nikka 40 Years
COLLECTOR15.000
Nikka 40 Years
Very last one in stock!
Nikka 40 Years is a Japanese blended whisky where age and scarcity immediately define the conversation. A 40-year age statement already places it in a very limited sphere, and the release of 1000 bottles gives it a clear sense of rarity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are approached less as everyday whiskies and more as carefully selected pieces with a strong identity: mature, limited, and marked as a collector's item. The fact that these are the last bottles adds to that sense of restricted availability.
Its profile is led by fruit, supported by clear oak and spice. The oak cask maturation gives the whisky its mature framework, while the 43% alcohol strength keeps the presentation composed and refined.
The stated flavour profile (…)Nikka 9 Decades
COLLECTOR350
Nikka 9 Decades
On request only
Nikka 9 Decades is a limited blended whisky with an unusually wide historical span. It brings together whiskies from nine decades, from the 1940s through to the 2020s, selected from more than 50 batches across Nikka's six distilleries, including Ben Nevis in Scotland.
What makes the release especially compelling is the contrast within the blend. Some of Nikka's oldest reserve malt whiskies from Yoichi and Miyagikyo are brought together with new grain whiskies from Moji and Satsumatsukasa. It is a whisky built around heritage, but not only heritage; it also shows how Nikka connects its past with the direction of its future.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Nikka 9 Decades as the kind of bottle that invites a slower conversation. It is limited, collectible in (…)Nikka Coffey Box 1 Coffey Malt, 1 Coffey Grain, 1 Coffey Vodka, 1 Coffey Gin 2,8l
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Nikka Coffey Box 1 Coffey Malt, 1 Coffey Grain, 1 Coffey Vodka, 1 Coffey Gin 2,8l
On request only
The Nikka Coffey Box gathers the full Nikka Coffey range in one gift presentation: Coffey Malt, Coffey Grain, Coffey Gin and Coffey Vodka. Rather than being a standard whisky pack, it gives a broader view of this particular Nikka line, placing whisky, gin and vodka side by side.
Coffey Malt and Coffey Grain keep the whisky connection at the centre of the box, while Coffey Gin and Coffey Vodka add a wider spirits dimension. That contrast is what makes the set engaging: four different Nikka Coffey bottles brought together for comparison and discovery.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of box stands out because it tells a fuller story than a single bottle can. The giftpack presentation makes it a thoughtful option for someone who enjoys exploring different (…)Nikka Coffey Grain + 2 Glasses
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Nikka Coffey Grain + 2 Glasses
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Nikka Coffey Grain + 2 Glazen brings Japanese grain whisky together with two glasses in a neatly presented gift pack. It is a bottle where the grain whisky identity sits at the centre, supported by a format that feels ready for sharing or gifting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Nikka release we would point out to someone looking for Japanese whisky with a clear sense of style rather than an age statement. The product does not carry an age indication, so the emphasis is on the character of the whisky itself.
Oak cask maturation gives it a noticeable woody side, while the profile also points to clear fruitiness and a lighter touch of spice. Bottled at 45%, it has enough strength to carry its character, without moving into smoky or coastal (…)Nikka Coffey Malt + 2 Glasses
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Nikka Coffey Malt + 2 Glasses
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Nikka Coffey Malt + 2 Glasses presents a Japanese whisky from Nikka in a giftpack that feels made for sharing. The two glasses give the bottle a more complete, considered feel, especially for someone who enjoys taking time over a whisky rather than simply opening another standard bottle.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out for its clear identity: Nikka Coffey Malt, bottled at 45%, with no age statement and matured in oak casks. Its profile is built around fruit and wood, supported by a gentle touch of spice.
That makes this set especially appealing as a gift, but also as a neat way to explore Nikka at home with the right glassware already included.
The flavour profile leans toward fruit and oak, with the wood influence clearly (…)Nikka Days
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Nikka Days
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Nikka Days is a Japanese blended whisky from Nikka, shaped around a light and open style. Rather than leaning on heavy wood or smoke, it places its floral side at the centre, with gentle fruit and a touch of spice playing a supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we naturally bring into the conversation when someone is looking for Japanese whisky with an easy-going character. The bourbon cask maturation forms part of the whisky's make-up, but the overall impression remains delicate, approachable and clearly on the softer side.
Bottled at 40% and carrying no age statement, Nikka Days is less about age or intensity and more about the relaxed balance of a blended whisky. Its popularity with customers comes from that straightforward, (…)Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage 50cl
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Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage 50cl
On request only
Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage is a special anniversary release marking 40 years of the legendary Nikka From the Barrel, first launched in 1985 and still instantly recognisable by its square bottle.
For this cuvée, Nikka gave the whisky twice the maturation time of the original version. The blend combines Yoichi and Miyagikyo single malts with grain whisky distilled in Coffey stills, keeping the familiar strength of From the Barrel while adding extra depth and polish.
At 51.4%, it remains a powerful Japanese blend, but this release is not simply about strength. Fruit, spice and wood play an important role, with a subtle floral note adding lift. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly engaging bottle for drinkers who already (…)Nikka From The Barrel Silhouette + 2 Glasses
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Nikka From The Barrel Silhouette + 2 Glasses
On request only
Nikka From The Barrel Silhouette + 2 Glazen presents the Japanese blended whisky in a set with two glasses, giving it a more complete and ready-to-share feel. It keeps the focus firmly on Nikka From The Barrel itself: a blend with a strong, concentrated presence.
The defining detail is its cask strength character. Bottled at 51.4%, it carries more weight than many standard blends, while oak cask maturation adds a gentle wooden frame rather than taking over. The main impression is built around fruit and spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for someone looking for Japanese whisky with extra intensity, without a pronounced peated style. With the last bottles now indicated, this set has a more limited feel than a regular shelf item.
Nikka Ftb Coffret 3x50cl
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Nikka Ftb Coffret 3x50cl
On request only
Nikka Ftb Coffret 3x50cl is a Japanese blended whisky presented as a gift pack with three 50 cl bottles. At 55.8%, it has a notably assertive strength, giving the set a more serious whisky character than its compact format might first suggest.
The coffret presentation makes it feel considered and gift-worthy without losing sight of the whisky itself. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Nikka release we like to place with bottles that have an extra sense of occasion around them.
With no age statement, the focus stays on the blend and its chosen style rather than on a number. The fact that these are the last bottles also gives the set a more limited feel, especially for anyone looking for Nikka in a less everyday presentation.
The (…)Nikka The Grain Incl. Box
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Nikka The Grain Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka The Grain puts Japanese grain whisky in the spotlight as part of the Nikka Discovery Series. Rather than presenting grain as a simple supporting element, Nikka builds this release from seven different grain whisky styles, giving the whisky a deliberately layered identity.
The blend draws on the know-how of four distilleries, including shochu-making techniques used at Moji and Satsumatsukasa. It brings together older Coffey Grain and Coffey Malt from Nishinomiya, Coffey distillates from Miyagikyo, barley grain whisky from Moji and grain whiskies from Satsumatsukasa based on barley, corn, rye and malted barley. Each component was matured separately in American oak, including new, refill and recharred casks.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of (…)Nikka The Nikka Limited Incl. Box
350
Nikka The Nikka Limited Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Nikka The Nikka Limited is a blended whisky built around the craft of blending itself. It was created through the collaboration of Hiromi Osaki, master blender at Nikka Whisky, and his successor Junji Iseki. Rather than simply bringing casks together, this release feels composed with patience, precision and a clear sense of legacy.
The blend includes a 1989 Yoichi distillate and a 1979 Miyagikyo distillate, both matured in mizunara oak, alongside selected Ben Nevis casks from the 1980s. Those elements give the whisky its depth: mature wood tones, gentle peat influence and layered richness, all held together in a refined Japanese blending style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present when the conversation turns to whisky as (…)Nikka The Nikka Tailored Incl. Box
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Nikka The Nikka Tailored Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka The Nikka Tailored is a Japanese blended whisky whose name says quite a lot about its approach: careful composition, precision and a style shaped through blending rather than through an age statement. The focus is on how the different elements come together in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we reach for when someone is looking for a Japanese blend with a clear sense of structure, where fruit and wood are the most noticeable pillars and smoke or salinity are not part of the main impression. Light floral and spicy touches add detail without pushing the whisky into a heavier style.
Bottled at 43%, Nikka The Nikka Tailored presents itself as a polished Japanese blend built around clarity, composition and an approachable yet (…)Nikka White 50cl
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Nikka White 50cl
In stock
Nikka White 50cl shows a smoky side of Japanese whisky. As a blended malt from Nikka, it leans into a more pronounced peated profile, giving the whisky a firmer identity than its modest bottle size might suggest.
Oak cask maturation adds a light supporting layer, with wood, spice and fruit present without taking over. The main impression remains the smoke, making this a Japanese whisky with a more defined and assertive direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers exploring Japanese whisky beyond the softer styles. With only the last bottles remaining, it has also become a less common find in the selection.
The flavour profile is led by clear peat smoke. Light touches of oak, spice and fruit (…)
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.
