Whisky from Tamdhu
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Tamdhu 12 Years Incl. Box
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Tamdhu 12 Years Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Tamdhu 12 Years is a fine introduction to the Tamdhu house style: a Speyside single malt where sherry maturation is at the heart of the whisky. It is matured exclusively in hand-selected first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, giving the whisky its generous, rounded and warmly expressive character.
The appeal lies in the way dried fruit, gentle sweetness and spice come forward without making the whisky feel heavy. The wood influence is clearly present, yet it supports rather than dominates, giving structure to a malt that feels traditional, polished and inviting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Tamdhu 12 Years as a strong choice for anyone wanting to explore a fully sherry-matured single malt with real Speyside poise. It has enough immediate charm to be (…)Tamdhu 12y + 2 Glasses
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Tamdhu 12y + 2 Glasses
In stock
Tamdhu 12y + 2 Glasses is a welcoming introduction to Tamdhu's Speyside single malt style, presented as a gift pack with two glasses. The whisky is aged for 12 years and matured exclusively in hand-selected first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, so the sherry maturation is not just a detail here; it shapes the heart of the whisky.
Rather than smoke or coastal notes, the emphasis is on generous fruit, warm spice and a clear wood influence. It feels rooted in traditional Speyside craftsmanship, with enough depth to make the sherry cask character speak clearly.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Tamdhu as a fine choice for anyone exploring sherry-matured single malt in a polished, flavourful style. The glasses make it a thoughtful gift, though it is just as easy to (…)Tamdhu 15 Years Incl. Box
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Tamdhu 15 Years Incl. Box
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Tamdhu 15 Years is a Speyside single malt built around patience and sherry cask depth. It has spent a full fifteen years in carefully selected first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, giving the whisky a generous, mature style with real presence.
What stands out here is the combination of richness and control. The sherry influence is clearly part of the identity, bringing ripe fruit, cocoa, roasted nuts and spice, yet the whisky remains composed rather than heavy. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry that layered character with confidence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to place in front of someone looking for a Speyside malt with a deeper Oloroso signature. It is not about spectacle; it is about time, careful maturation and (…)Tamdhu 18 Years Incl. Box
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Tamdhu 18 Years Incl. Box
In stock
Tamdhu 18 Years is a Speyside single malt built around patience and carefully chosen sherry wood. It has spent its full eighteen years in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, giving the whisky a mature, layered personality where dark fruit, polished wood and spice have had time to settle into one another.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Tamdhu for drinkers who enjoy sherry maturation with real depth rather than simple sweetness. The cask influence is clear, but what makes it engaging is the way the whisky carries that richness with poise: generous, structured and quietly refined.
As an 18-year-old expression, it stands as a confident highlight within Tamdhu's age range. The long maturation gives it a composed, memorable style that feels very much (…)Tamdhu 1998 16y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Tamdhu 1998 16y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
On request only
Tamdhu 1998 16y is a Speyside single malt with a very specific sense of origin. It was distilled in June 1998 and bottled sixteen years later, in June 2014, by Douglas Laing for the Old Particular range. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this release focuses on one individual hogshead and the way that single cask matured over time.
Only 324 bottles came from that cask, and the fact that these are the last bottles gives it a naturally scarce position on the shelf. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that rewards attention to detail: the distillery, the vintage, the age and the cask all point to one clearly defined Speyside snapshot.
The flavour profile places fruit in the foreground, with lighter floral, woody and spicy (…)Tamdhu 2013 12y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
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Tamdhu 2013 12y (Cadenhead - Original Collection)
In stock
Tamdhu 2013 12y is a Speyside single malt bottled by Cadenhead for the Original Collection. Distilled in 2013 and matured for 12 years, it draws much of its personality from a refill Oloroso cask.
That refill cask is what gives this whisky its particular charm. It brings fruit, spice and a measured touch of wood, but it does not turn the whisky into an overly heavy sherry style. The impression is rich yet elegant, with enough room for the distillery character to remain part of the conversation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this bottling for the way it brings together Tamdhu, Speyside maturity and Cadenhead's independent perspective. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to carry its cask influence clearly. With only the last bottles remaining, it is a (…)Tamdhu 2014 12y (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
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Tamdhu 2014 12y (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Tamdhu has a strong identity among Speyside single malts, especially for drinkers who appreciate sherry-matured whisky. This Tamdhu 2014 12y shows that house direction clearly: generous dark fruit and chocolate notes, lifted by orange and warm spice, with a refined touch from Spanish oak.
Bottled by Douglas Laing for the Old Particular range, this is a single cask release rather than a regular batch. It was bottled at 48.4%, without chill filtration or added colouring, so the character stays close to the cask from which it came.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we like to present to customers who want more than a standard Speyside profile. Only 325 bottles were released worldwide, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it has the (…)Tamdhu 2014 12y Highland Life / Schots Weekend Alden Biesen (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
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Tamdhu 2014 12y Highland Life / Schots Weekend Alden Biesen (Signatory - Unchill Filtered)
In stock
Tamdhu 2014 12y Highland Life / Schots Weekend Alden Biesen is a Speyside whisky built around a very specific selection: one sherry butt, bottled at cask strength, with only 264 bottles drawn. Rather than presenting a broad distillery style, it captures one particular cask of Tamdhu, selected and bottled by Signatory.
Distilled on 26 June 2014 and bottled on 21 July 2026, it carries a 12-year age statement. At 58.5% and unchill-filtered, the whisky stays close to its cask-strength presentation. The Highland Life / Schots Weekend Alden Biesen name gives this release its own identity within the world of independent Scotch bottlings.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this sit in the corner of the range reserved for limited single cask whisky: traceable, (…)Tamdhu 21 Years
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Tamdhu 21 Years
In stock
Tamdhu 21 Years is a Speyside single malt built around long, deliberate sherry cask maturation. It has spent twenty-one years exclusively in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, giving the whisky its mature depth, generous fruit character and layered spice.
The appeal here lies in the way time and cask influence meet. The long maturation brings weight and refinement, while the sherry casks add darker tones, polished wood influence and a broad, fruit-driven character. At 47.5% ABV, it still carries enough strength to show that depth clearly.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Tamdhu 21 Years as a serious expression for drinkers who appreciate sherry-matured single malt with age, structure and a composed sense of richness. It completes Tamdhu's age range with (…)Tamdhu 3x5cl (12y, 15y & 18y)
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Tamdhu 3x5cl (12y, 15y & 18y)
In stock
The Tamdhu 3 x 5 cl Gift Pack is more than a simple miniature set; it is a compact vertical tasting of the distillery. It brings together the 12, 15 and 18 year old expressions, each one a Speyside single malt matured exclusively in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks.
What makes the set engaging is the sense of progression. The 12 year old shows the softer, fruitier side of Tamdhu, the 15 year old moves into a spicier and more wooded register, and the 18 year old adds deeper maturity and intensity. Tasted side by side, the three whiskies give a clear view of Tamdhu's sherry-matured house style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of gift pack we like for drinkers who want to explore with purpose. The 5 cl format keeps it approachable, while the 12, 15 and (…)Tamdhu Batch Strength Nr7
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Tamdhu Batch Strength Nr7
On request only
Tamdhu Batch Strength Nr7 is a Speyside single malt with sherry maturation at the heart of its identity. Tamdhu presents this release as part of its commitment to whisky matured exclusively in sherry casks, with hand-selected Oloroso casks contributing to its deep natural copper colour and layered flavour.
At 57.5% ABV, it is bottled at cask strength and carries no age statement, placing the focus firmly on intensity, oak influence and fruit depth. Spanish oak, darker fruit tones and a gentle spiced edge shape the whisky, while peat is not part of the picture. The character is firmly in the richer, sherry-led side of Speyside.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are appreciated because they show Tamdhu in a more direct and powerful form, without (…)Tamdhu Bs N°8 Incl. Box
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Tamdhu Bs N°8 Incl. Box
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 22/11/2026Tamdhu Batch Strength No. 008 shows the house style in a very direct way: a Speyside single malt matured exclusively in sherry casks. The hand-selected Oloroso sherry casks give it its deep natural copper colour and place sherry oak firmly at the centre of the whisky's identity.
At 55.8% ABV, this eighth Batch Strength release has real presence in the glass. Still, the appeal is not simply about strength. The character described here moves through vanilla, honeycomb, fruit and polished oak, giving the whisky a more layered feel than its robust bottling strength alone might suggest.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Tamdhu for drinkers who appreciate sherry-matured Speyside whisky with a clear sense of cask influence. It is not built around an age (…)Tamdhu Cigar Malt IV Incl. Box
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Tamdhu Cigar Malt IV Incl. Box
In stock
Tamdhu Cigar Malt IV is the fourth release in Tamdhu's renowned and award-winning Cigar Malt collection. This Speyside single malt is built around depth, texture and flavour, with sherry maturation playing an important role and a robust strength of 53.8% ABV.
Released annually in batches and bottled without chill filtration, it keeps a full, rounded presence in the glass. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a whisky for unhurried tasting: concentrated, richly textured and made for a slower moment.
The Cigar Malt range is created to complement the aroma and mouthfeel of a handmade luxury cigar. Cigar Malt IV follows that idea closely, bringing a dark, fruity and gently spiced style without peat smoke, and with enough weight to stand beside a reflective (…)Tamdhu Distinction IV Incl. Box
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Tamdhu Distinction IV Incl. Box
In stock
Tamdhu Distinction IV is built around a relationship that sits at the heart of Tamdhu's identity: Speyside single malt and sherry cask maturation. This limited edition focuses that idea through first-fill American oak casks seasoned with Oloroso sherry.
The wood has its own journey here. North American oak travelled to Jerez in Spain, where it was made into casks and shaped by Oloroso before Tamdhu's spirit entered the story. That background gives the whisky its emphasis on rich fruit, warm sweetness and sherry-seasoned oak without turning it into a purely technical exercise.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Tamdhu for drinkers who want the distillery's classic sherry-matured side in a more defined limited release. Bottled at 48%, it has the (…)Tamdhu Year Of The Horse
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Tamdhu Year Of The Horse
On request only
Tamdhu Year Of The Horse is a limited Speyside single malt built around the symbolism of the Horse: strength, perseverance and swift success. Tamdhu connects those qualities with the spirit of its founders, who established the distillery on the banks of the River Spey in 1897.
The whisky stays close to Tamdhu's sherry-led identity. It has been matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry oak seasoned casks from Jerez, bottled at 53.8% batch strength, left unchill-filtered and presented with its deep natural colour. The result is a release that places intensity, oak maturity and aromatic richness at the centre.
For this edition, a special illustration was created by visual artist Page Tsou, whose delicate yet powerful style mirrors the idea behind the bottling. At (…)
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.
