Whisky from Teeling
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Teeling Small Batch - Duvel Cask - Belgian Golden Ale Collaboration 2023 (Casks #2) Incl. Box
Teeling Small Batch - Duvel Cask - Belgian Golden Ale Collaboration 2023 (Casks #2) Incl. Box
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In stockTeeling Small Batch Duvel Cask Belgian Golden Ale Collaboration 2023 brings Irish blended whiskey into conversation with a distinctly Belgian beer influence. The whiskey remains rooted in the Teeling Small Batch style, but the Duvel cask finish gives this release its own particular angle.
Compared with the earlier Duvel Collaboration, this second edition stays at 46% ABV yet differs through a longer period of cask maturation. It is also easy to recognise: the first edition came in a white box, while this second and final edition is presented in a black box.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a thoughtful crossover bottling for drinkers interested in how Irish whiskey can take on a Belgian golden ale accent. With 6000 bottles released and the final (…)Teeling Blackpitts Tube Incl.
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Teeling Blackpitts Tube Incl.
In stock
Teeling Blackpitts is an Irish single malt whiskey with peat clearly woven into its identity. That immediately gives it a distinctive position: rather than presenting smoke as a faint background note, this bottling places the peated side of the whiskey firmly in view.
Matured in Bourbon and Sauternes casks, Blackpitts has a style-driven character rather than one built around an age statement. At 46%, it brings together a pronounced peated profile with lighter floral, fruity, spicy and slightly salty accents. In the range at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as an Irish single malt for drinkers who want to explore smoke from a different angle.
What is especially notable here is that the supplied flavour profile does not point toward a wood-heavy whiskey. (…)Teeling Small Batch Rum Finish + 2 Glasses
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Teeling Small Batch Rum Finish + 2 Glasses
In stock
Teeling Small Batch Rum Finish is an Irish blended whiskey with a warm and distinctive twist. The rum cask finish adds a soft, gently sweet dimension, while the whiskey keeps the lively and approachable character expected from this style.
There is more substance here than the word blend might suggest. The supplied information highlights a high proportion of whiskey from fresh bourbon casks, along with a higher malt-to-grain ratio than average for the category. Bottling at 46% without chill filtration helps retain texture and aromatic depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this gift pack with two glasses is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for an Irish whiskey with charm, but also a little extra personality. The rum finish, fruit-led profile (…)Teeling Small Batch Santa Teresa Finish Incl. Box
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Teeling Small Batch Santa Teresa Finish Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Teeling Small Batch Santa Teresa Finish brings together Irish whiskey and Venezuelan rum in a very natural way. This limited edition comes from a collaboration between Teeling Whiskey and Santa Teresa, the historic Venezuelan rum producer. The Small Batch whiskey receives an additional maturation in Solera casks that previously held Santa Teresa 1796 rum.
That rum cask finish adds a warmer, fruit-led layer to the whiskey while keeping the Teeling character intact. The style leans towards honeyed sweetness, vanilla, orchard and dried fruit, with gentle spice and a touch of wood giving it structure.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we like to present to customers who enjoy seeing how a well-chosen finish can shift the personality of an (…)Teeling Single Pot Still Tube Incl.
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Teeling Single Pot Still Tube Incl.
In stock
Teeling Single Pot Still carries a strong Dublin story. According to the supplied information, it is the first whiskey from Dublin in more than 50 years, made in the traditional Single Pot Still style from an equal split of malted and unmalted barley.
That composition gives the whiskey its particular voice. The style is fruit-led and gently spicy, with a creamy side that fits the pure pot still tradition. Bottling at 46% without chill filtration also helps preserve body and flavour rather than polishing everything too smooth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Irish whiskey we like to introduce to customers who want something with a clear sense of tradition, but still with a fresh and lively drinking character. It is not built around smoke; its (…)Irish Single Malt Whiskey 2001 23y Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
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Irish Single Malt Whiskey 2001 23y Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
Only 2 left in stock!
Irish Single Malt Whiskey 2001 23y Dd is a single cask release from The Nectar's 2024 Daily Dram series, drawn from one bourbon barrel. Distilled in 2001 and bottled on 11 June 2024, it brings 23 years of maturation together with the directness of cask strength bottling at 53.9%.
Only 218 bottles came from this cask, and with the last bottles now in circulation, its appeal lies in that very specific snapshot of Irish single malt maturation. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see releases like this as bottles for drinkers who enjoy the individuality of a single cask rather than the predictability of a larger batch.
The character has several layers: floral notes, fruit, warm spice and wood are all clearly present, with a gentle smoky thread adding extra depth. The (…)Irish Single Malt Whiskey 2002 22y Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
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Irish Single Malt Whiskey 2002 22y Dd (The Nectar Of The Daily Drams)
Only 2 left in stock!
Irish Single Malt Whiskey 2002 22y DD is a Teeling bottling built around one individual cask rather than a broader house style. Distilled in 2002 and bottled in 2024, it spent 22 years maturing before The Nectar selected it for its Daily Dram series.
Drawn from a single bourbon barrel and bottled at cask strength, 54.6%, this release keeps the focus firmly on the personality of that particular cask. Only 231 bottles were filled, so it belongs to that small-scale world where every bottle represents a finite part of the same maturation story. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for precisely that reason: they show a very specific side of Irish single malt whiskey.
The collector's item indication and the last-bottles status mainly underline (…)Teeling 13y Single Grain
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Teeling 13y Single Grain
On request only
Teeling 13y Single Grain brings together Irish grain whiskey, 13 years of maturation and a Bordeaux Finish in one clearly defined release. It is the kind of bottling where the style matters: grain whiskey with age behind it, shaped further by a wine-cask finish rather than presented as a standard everyday expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this stands out for its focus on fruit and spice, supported by a lighter touch of wood. The 50% alcohol strength gives the whiskey a firm presence in the glass, making the profile feel more expressive without needing to overstate it.
With only the last bottles remaining, this is a good moment to discover this particular Teeling release while it is still available. Additional information about Teeling can be found at (…)Teeling 1991 24y Single Cask #10668 Vintage Reserve
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Teeling 1991 24y Single Cask #10668 Vintage Reserve
Very last one in stock!
Teeling 1991 24y Single Cask #10668 Vintage Reserve is an Irish single malt with a very clear identity. Distilled in 1991, matured for 24 years and bottled in 2016 for the Belgian market, it presents one particular cask rather than a broad house-style release.
The rum matured cask adds an extra point of interest to a whiskey whose profile is strongly fruit-led, with wood and spice sitting behind that fruit rather than taking over the whole story. Bottled at 46.9% and at cask strength, it keeps close to the individual cask from which it came.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of someone who enjoys detail: one cask, 214 bottles, long maturation and now only the last bottles remaining. Those elements come together as a (…)Teeling 1991 28y Rum Nectar
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Teeling 1991 28y Rum Nectar
Only 2 left in stock!
Teeling 1991 28y Rum Nectar is an Irish single malt with a very specific story behind the bottle. Distilled in 1991 and bottled in October 2020, it spent 28 years maturing before being released as a single cask whiskey at cask strength, with a rum cask finish.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we would present for its sense of rarity rather than for volume or familiarity. A single cask already gives the whiskey a clearly defined origin, and the indication of last bottles, together with its collectors item status, makes the limited nature of the release an important part of its appeal.
The available flavour profile points to a fruit-led style, supported by noticeable wood influence and lighter touches of spice and floral character. The rum (…)Teeling 24y Sauternes
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Teeling 24y Sauternes
Only 3 left in stock!
Teeling 24y Sauternes is a 24-year-old Irish single malt shaped by maturation in bourbon casks and Sauternes casks. The result places fruit firmly at the centre, with oak and spice playing a more restrained supporting role.
This limited release of 5,000 bottles is presented as the follow-up to the well-received Silver. Its presentation was also updated, using the same elegant bottle style as the Revival.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Teeling we like to highlight for its combination of age, fruit-driven character and scarcity. It is listed as a collector's item, and with the last bottles now available, it stands apart from the everyday Irish single malt selection.
More information about Teeling can be found at (…)Teeling 28y
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Teeling 28y
In stock
Teeling 28y is an Irish single malt that immediately stands apart through its age. After 28 years, the focus is no longer on youthful energy, but on maturity, patience and the influence of the casks that have shaped the whiskey over time.
The use of Sauternes and bourbon casks gives this release its frame. The profile is clearly fruit-led, supported by a noticeable wood presence and lighter spicy and floral accents. With no peated or salty emphasis in the profile, the attention stays on mature Irish single malt character and cask development.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Teeling has a natural place among limited older whiskies with real scarcity. Only 4000 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it is also a collector's item for (…)Teeling 30y
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Teeling 30y
Very last one in stock!
Teeling 30y is the kind of Irish single malt where age is more than a number; it is the foundation of the whole whisky. This Vintage Reserve is among the oldest Irish single malts ever brought to market. Distilled in 1987 and released in a run of barely 500 bottles, it has the quiet rarity that comes with a whisky made in very small numbers.
The maturation gives it much of its identity. It was first aged in bourbon casks, then given additional time in white Burgundy wine casks to build greater aromatic complexity. That places tropical fruit at the centre, supported by malt, wood and a gentle touch of spice. Selected by the master distiller for its exceptional quality, it shows a mature Irish single malt style without peat or smoky weight.
At Drankenshop (…)Teeling 32y
350
Teeling 32y
Only 3 left in stock!
Teeling 32y is an Irish single malt with a story built around time, scarcity and a distinctive maturation path. Distilled in 1988 and matured for 32 years, it belongs to a much more selective side of Irish whiskey. With only 750 bottles released, it feels clearly removed from everyday bottlings and speaks to a very specific moment in maturation.
The Rum Matured cask reference is an important part of its identity. Based on the supplied profile, fruit is the leading element, supported by floral, woody and spicy notes. That gives the whiskey a sense of mature depth without making the wood the only point of interest.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that attracts attention through quiet detail rather than loud presentation: an aged (…)Teeling 32y Very Rare Casks Incl. Box
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Teeling 32y Very Rare Casks Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Teeling 32y Very Rare Casks is a rare Irish single malt with real presence. Part of Teeling's Very Rare Cask Collection, it was drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength, 51.4%. With only 198 bottles released, and now down to the last bottles, this is a highly limited expression.
The whisky matured in an ex-bourbon cask before receiving a finish in an ex-Rivesaltes cask, linked to French dessert wine. That extra layer suits its fruit-led profile well: dried fruit sits at the heart of the whisky, with wood, spice and floral notes giving it further shape.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that tells a very specific story: not simply an old Irish whiskey, but a 32-year-old single cask from Teeling presented in a decanter and (…)Teeling 33y
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Teeling 33y
Very last one in stock!
Teeling 33y is an Irish single malt of a kind that does not appear often. Distilled in 1983, it spent 33 years maturing in a single ex-American oak bourbon barrel before being bottled at 42.9%.
The appeal here lies in the meeting of age, origin and scarcity. Only 275 bottles were released, and with its collector's item status and last-bottles indication, this is a notably limited Teeling. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a bottle for those who appreciate Irish whiskey with real maturity and a very specific cask story.
Its character is led by fruit, with bourbon-barrel vanilla, delicate spice and a restrained wood influence giving shape around it. Rather than relying on power, it speaks through refinement, depth and the quiet confidence of long (…)Teeling 37y
350
Teeling 37y
Last one in stock!
Teeling 37y is an Irish single malt defined first of all by patience. At 37 years old and released in only 150 bottles, it sits far away from everyday whiskey and speaks more to the pleasure of discovering a very mature Irish expression in limited form.
The bourbon barrel background and cask strength bottling at 41.3% keep the focus close to the cask itself. Its profile is led by fruit, with a clear presence of wood and a gentler thread of spice and floral nuance.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Teeling that adds real depth to an Irish whiskey selection: scarce, mature and shaped by a long ageing period without relying on peat or heavy smoke.
More information about Teeling can be found at https://teelingwhiskey.com/
Teeling Explorer 15y
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Teeling Explorer 15y
On request only
Teeling Explorer 15y is an Irish blended whiskey from a series built around discovery. The Explorer releases aim to express the character of a country through unusual cask types or spirit categories, and this Japanese edition does so through casks that previously held Mugi Shochu, a barley-based style of shochu.
The whiskey first matured in bourbon casks, then spent a further four long years in those Japanese casks. For a limited 15-year-old release at 46%, that finishing period is an important part of the story: it brings the focus towards fruit, spice and a distinctive Japanese-inspired cask influence.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Teeling stands out as a more exploratory Irish whiskey rather than a conventional release. The giftpack (…)Teeling Renaissance 18y 3rd
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Teeling Renaissance 18y 3rd
In stock
Teeling Renaissance 18y 3rd is an 18-year-old Irish single malt whiskey with a Muscat finish, bottled at 46%. The 3rd in the name places it as the third Renaissance release, giving it a clear identity within this particular Teeling line.
Only 9000 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now remaining, it naturally carries collector interest. What makes it engaging beyond scarcity is the combination of mature Irish single malt character and a flavour direction that leans clearly towards fruit and spice, with lighter floral and woody elements in support.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Teeling we like to present to customers who are looking beyond the everyday side of Irish whiskey. The Muscat finish gives the release its own angle, while (…)Teeling Revival 2.0
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Teeling Revival 2.0
In stock
Teeling Revival 2.0 is an Irish single malt with more behind it than age and cask type. It is the second limited release in the Revival Commemorative Series, created to mark the opening of the Teeling distillery, with 10,000 bottles produced. As these are the last bottles, the release now carries an added sense of scarcity.
The whisky spent its first maturation in bourbon barrels before moving into ex-Calvados casks. That finishing choice gives this 13-year-old single malt a strongly fruit-led identity, supported by spice and gentle floral and wood notes. Bottled at 46% without chill filtration, it keeps a fuller style in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Teeling we like to highlight for its clear sense of occasion: limited, (…)Teeling Revival 5.0
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Teeling Revival 5.0
In stock
Teeling Revival 5.0 closes the Revival Commemorative Series, released to mark the opening of the Teeling Whiskey Distillery. As the final edition in that series, this 12-year-old Irish single malt carries more context than a standard bottling; it represents the last chapter of a commemorative line.
Bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered, Revival V is described in the supplied information as having received a finish in ex-brandy and ex-cognac casks. That cask influence sits naturally alongside the whiskey's fruity, spicy and gently woody tasting profile. The decorative decanter and presentation box add to the sense of a release made with attention, whether opened for a special pour or kept as part of a Teeling selection.
With 15,000 bottles produced and the (…)Teeling Rising 1 Carcavelo
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Teeling Rising 1 Carcavelo
On request only
Teeling Rising 1 Carcavelo is a 21-year-old Irish single malt whiskey bottled at 46%, with its character shaped further by a wine cask finish. It sits on the more mature side of Teeling, built around depth, cask influence and a style that does not rely on peat.
The Carcavelo name points to the finishing story, and the flavour profile supports that direction: fruit, spice and wood are all clearly present, while a lighter floral note adds a softer edge. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone interested in older Irish single malt with a finish that brings extra structure and nuance.
With only the last bottles remaining, Rising 1 Carcavelo has a naturally limited feel. Its appeal lies in the combination of age, (…)Teeling Rising 2 Marsala 21y 46_
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Teeling Rising 2 Marsala 21y 46_
On request only
Teeling Rising Reserve N°2 shows the more mature, cask-driven side of Irish single malt. This 21-year-old whiskey spent more than 18 years in ex-Bourbon casks before moving for a further 3 years into high-quality ex-Marsala casks. That is long enough for the Marsala influence to become part of the whiskey's identity rather than just a brief finishing touch.
The maturation story is very much reflected in its style. The ex-Bourbon years bring sweetness and age, while the Marsala period adds red fruit, gentle spice and a fresh citrus accent. Fruit, wood, spice and floral notes all sit clearly within the profile, giving the whiskey a layered but composed character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are especially interesting because they show how (…)Teeling Rising 4 Wine Finish 21y Incl. Box
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Teeling Rising 4 Wine Finish 21y Incl. Box
In stock
Teeling Rising 4 Wine Finish 21y belongs to the Rising Reserve Series, created as a continuation of the highly sought-after Revival and Renaissance releases. Those earlier bottlings were tied to the opening of the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and the renewed energy around Dublin's distilling tradition.
For this fourth release, Teeling uses 21-year-old Irish single malt. The whiskey spent more than 18 years in former bourbon casks, followed by over 3 years in quality white wine casks. That long maturation and wine finish bring forward bright tropical fruit, citrus, white chocolate, a touch of honey and roasted barley.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone interested in mature Irish single malt with a clear sense of (…)
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.
