Whisky from Tomintoul
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Tomintoul Seiridh
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Tomintoul Seiridh
In stock
Tomintoul Seiridh brings the gentle Speyside identity of Tomintoul into a richer register through a finish in Oloroso sherry casks. These casks came from an old Andalusian bodega and were carefully selected by the Master Distiller, giving the whisky a warmer and deeper style.
There is no peat here; the emphasis is on dried fruit, woody spice and a rounded sweetness. Bottled at 40%, it remains measured in strength, while the Oloroso finish gives it a clear sense of richness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Speyside single malt we would introduce to someone looking for sherry-cask influence without moving into a heavy style.
With 12,960 bottles released, Tomintoul Seiridh feels like a well-defined expression rather than a broad standard bottling. (…)Tomintoul 16y Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 16y Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 16y is a Speyside single malt with a calm sense of maturity. After 16 years in bourbon casks, it shows a rounded and gentle style, with fruit taking a clear role and softer sweet notes giving the whisky its easy charm.
The 16-year-old expression reflects the tradition and craftsmanship of the Tomintoul distillery. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a mature Speyside whisky for drinkers who appreciate cask age without wanting the wood to dominate the glass.
The bourbon casks bring creamy sweetness and a light touch of spice, while the whisky keeps its elegant, fruit-led nature. The wood influence is present but restrained, adding structure rather than weight.
More information about Tomintoul is available at (…)Tomintoul 10y
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Tomintoul 10y
In stock
Tomintoul 10y is a Speyside single malt built around softness and balance. Matured for ten years exclusively in American white oak bourbon casks, it focuses on a gentle, rounded style where the cask adds quiet sweetness and subtle wood influence rather than weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Scotch we like to introduce when someone is looking for a refined Speyside malt with a calm, approachable nature. The age statement gives it time to settle and develop, while the 40% strength keeps the whisky smooth and easy to enjoy.
Its charm lies in the detail: floral notes, honey, vanilla and soft spice come forward in a measured way. More information about the brand can be found at https://www.tomintoulwhisky.com/
The aroma is (…)Tomintoul 14y Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 14y Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 14y shows a fuller side of this Speyside single malt. It has spent 14 years in bourbon casks and is bottled at 46%, unfiltered, giving it a stronger and more rounded presence than the classic Tomintoul style.
The appeal here lies in the way maturity and bottling strength work together. The bourbon cask ageing sits naturally alongside the whisky's vanilla, nutty and citrus notes, while the 14 years of maturation add depth without making the whisky feel heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the Tomintoul we would point to when someone wants to stay with the approachable Speyside single malt style, but with a little more weight and expression in the glass.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Tomintoul 15y Port 2008 Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 15y Port 2008 Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 15y Port 2008 is a Speyside single malt with a distinctly fruit-led personality. It was matured in bourbon casks before receiving a finish in port casks, adding a deeper, richer fruit note to Tomintoul's gentle malt style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out for the way its fifteen years of maturation, limited edition character and 46% bottling strength come together. It is bottled natural and unfiltered, keeping the whisky close to its full flavour without turning it into something overly forceful.
There is no peat or coastal saltiness shaping the profile here. The focus is on ripe fruit, chocolate and soft spice, making it a rewarding Speyside for drinkers who enjoy a port-finished malt with a warmer, dessert-like side.
Tomintoul 15y Port Finish
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Tomintoul 15y Port Finish
In stock
Tomintoul 15y Port Finish is a Speyside single malt shaped by age and finishing. Fifteen years of maturation give it a mature foundation, while the port finish sets this release apart within the Tomintoul range.
At 46% ABV, it has enough strength to carry its style without being presented as a cask strength whisky. The flavour profile points towards a fruit-led character, with lighter floral, woody and spiced accents around it. Peat and salinity are not meaningful parts of the picture here, keeping the focus on a gentler Speyside expression.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that earns attention because it combines a recognised Speyside single malt with a clear finishing choice and a limited release of 5,820 bottles. As these are the last (…)Tomintoul 18y + 2 Glasses
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Tomintoul 18y + 2 Glasses
In stock
Tomintoul 18y + 2 Glasses shows the elegant, fruit-led side of Speyside single malt. Matured for 18 years in oak casks, it has a composed style where orchard fruit, gentle sweetness and soft spice sit at the centre of the experience.
The gift presentation gives this bottle an extra sense of occasion. It comes in a box with two engraved glasses, released in honour of the Cairngorms National Park. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of whisky that feels made for sharing: mature enough to feel special, yet presented in a way that invites you to pour it together.
Bottled at 40%, Tomintoul 18y keeps a graceful profile while still carrying the depth of its age, with honeyed, vanilla-led and softly spiced notes running through the whisky. Additional (…)Tomintoul 1969 42y (The Perfect Dram)
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Tomintoul 1969 42y (The Perfect Dram)
Only 3 left in stock!
Tomintoul 1969 42y is a Speyside single malt shaped by remarkable age. Distilled in 1969 and bottled in 2011, it spent 42 years maturing before being released at natural cask strength.
Its appeal lies in the combination of time, individuality and scarcity. This is a single cask whisky from a bourbon barrel, with only 182 bottles drawn from that cask. With the final bottles now remaining, it has the quiet rarity that comes with a release that cannot simply be repeated.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this have a very particular place: they are not just old whiskies, but precise snapshots of one cask, one vintage year and one moment in maturation.
At 53.1%, the whisky retains a firm cask-strength presence. For anyone drawn to mature (…)Tomintoul 1977 38y Single Cask
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Tomintoul 1977 38y Single Cask
Very last one in stock!
Tomintoul 1977 38y Single Cask is a Speyside single malt with a very defined sense of origin. It was distilled on 12 April 1977, matured for 38 years, and bottled on 1 June 2015 from one individual sherry butt. That single cask origin is the heart of the bottle: one cask, one long maturation, one limited release.
Bottled at cask strength at 54.9%, it keeps close to the strength at which the whisky left the cask. Only 470 bottles were drawn, and with the last bottles now indicated, its limited nature is an important part of the story. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this Tomintoul among the more distinctive bottles for drinkers who appreciate age, provenance and the individuality of single cask whisky.
Its collector's item status follows naturally (…)Tomintoul 1995 30y #6 50,7 Svs (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
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Tomintoul 1995 30y #6 50,7 Svs (Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice)
On request only
Tomintoul 1995 30 Year Old #6 from Signatory Vintage Symington's Choice is a mature Speyside single malt with a very defined identity. Distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2025, it spent thirty years maturing before being released at cask strength, bottled at 50.7%.
The appeal here lies in its focus. This is a single cask whisky from cask #6, matured in Oloroso Sherry, so it represents one particular cask rather than a broader vatting. That gives the bottling a clear sense of place within Tomintoul's range and within Signatory's independent bottlings.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they show a precise snapshot of long maturation: fruit, spice and wood are all clearly present, with a lighter floral note in support. With the (…)Tomintoul 2001 10y Ll (The Whisky Agency - Liquid Library)
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Tomintoul 2001 10y Ll (The Whisky Agency - Liquid Library)
Only 2 left in stock!
Tomintoul 2001 10y LL is a tightly defined Speyside single malt: distilled in 2001, bottled in 2011, drawn from a single bourbon barrel and released at cask strength with just 219 bottles produced. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one particular ten-year maturation from Tomintoul.
Bottled by The Whisky Agency for the Liquid Library series, it sits at Drankenshop Broekmans as the kind of independent release that rewards a closer look. The single cask origin and 49.7% strength give it a direct connection to that individual barrel, without the smoothing effect of a larger vatting.
Its profile is not built only around gentle Speyside fruit. Spice and peat are clearly present, supported more quietly by fruity, floral, woody and lightly salty (…)Tomintoul 2005 17y Px Finish Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 2005 17y Px Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 2005 17 Year Old PX Finish shows a richer side of Speyside single malt. Distilled in 2005, it first matured in bourbon casks before being finished in Pedro Ximénez casks from the Fernando de Castilla bodega in Andalusia.
The charm here lies in the meeting of Tomintoul's refined style with the deeper, fruit-laden influence of PX. Seventeen years of maturation give the whisky maturity, while the finish brings forward dried fruit, chocolate, toffee and gentle spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Speyside whisky we like to introduce to customers looking for a fuller sherry-influenced malt without peat smoke. Bottled at 46%, it is presented without chill filtration and without added colouring.
The aroma brings (…)Tomintoul 2008 14y White Port Finish Tube Incl.
138360° view available
Tomintoul 2008 14y White Port Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 2008 14y White Port Finish is a Speyside single malt with a clear point of difference: distilled in 2008, matured for 14 years and finished in White Port. That finishing cask gives this release its own identity within the Tomintoul range, while the whisky remains firmly rooted in Scottish single malt territory.
At 46% ABV, it has enough strength to carry its fruit and spice without feeling built around sheer power. With 5,610 bottles released, it is also a defined batch rather than a regular standard expression, giving the whisky a more specific sense of occasion.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Speyside bottling that adds interest to the shelf: recognisable in origin, but shaped by a finishing choice that brings a different accent to (…)Tomintoul 2008 15y Madeira Cask Finish Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 2008 15y Madeira Cask Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 2008 15y Madeira Cask Finish is a Speyside single malt that keeps the gentle Tomintoul style at its centre while adding an extra layer of aromatic depth. Distilled in 2008, it first matured in American bourbon casks before receiving a carefully selected Madeira cask finish.
That finishing period brings a more pronounced fruitiness and a sense of elegant richness. Rather than pushing the whisky into an overly heavy direction, it adds warmth, soft spice and a polished fruit-driven character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this release as a fine choice for drinkers who enjoy a clear cask-finish influence while still wanting the softness associated with Tomintoul. The release is limited to 6654 bottles, giving it a nicely defined place within the (…)Tomintoul 2009 14y Cognac Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 2009 14y Cognac Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 2009 14y Cognac is a Speyside single malt shaped by a French Cognac cask finish. Distilled in 2009, it first matured in bourbon casks before being finished in carefully selected Cognac casks from France, adding roundness and a more layered fruit character to Tomintoul's elegant style.
What makes this whisky engaging is the way the maturation story remains clear in the glass. The bourbon cask maturation provides the foundation, while the Cognac finish brings an extra sense of depth and softness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is exactly the kind of bottling we like to present to customers who enjoy Speyside whisky with a distinctive cask influence.
Bottled at 46% without chill filtration or colouring, it has been released as a defined batch of 8082 (…)Tomintoul 2010 10y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Tomintoul 2010 10y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Tomintoul 2010 10y is a Speyside single malt with a very clearly defined identity: one cask, one vintage and a small outturn of 246 bottles. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in March 2021 after 10 years of maturation in a butt, it is less about a broad house release and more about one specific cask chosen at a particular point in time.
It was bottled by the Campbeltown Whisky Company under the Watt Whisky label and presented at cask strength, 56.7% ABV. That gives the whisky a direct, concentrated format, especially appealing for drinkers who enjoy independent bottlings and want to explore Tomintoul through a single-cask lens.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of bottling sits in the part of the range for customers who look beyond regular distillery (…)Tomintoul 2010 12y Ww No Giftbox (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
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Tomintoul 2010 12y Ww No Giftbox (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
On request only
Tomintoul 2010 12 Year Old WW is a Speyside single malt with a very defined identity. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2022, it comes from a single cask, so it represents one particular twelve-year chapter rather than a broad, ongoing release.
The port finish adds an extra dimension to a profile where fruit and spice are the main points of interest. Bottled at cask strength, 58.4% ABV, it keeps close to the natural intensity of the cask and gives the drinker room to explore it neat or with a little water.
Within the Drankenshop Broekmans range, this Tomintoul sits among the small-batch Scottish releases that tend to draw attention from curious whisky drinkers. With only 282 bottles produced and the last bottles now available, its appeal lies in its focus: one (…)Tomintoul 2011 12y Oloroso Finish Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 2011 12y Oloroso Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 2011 12y Oloroso Finish is a Speyside single malt shaped by 12 years of maturation and an Oloroso sherry finish. It is a whisky where the cask finish adds an extra layer to the Tomintoul expression, while keeping the overall style clear and composed.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this release as a calm but distinctive Speyside bottling: spice is the most noticeable part of the profile, with lighter fruit, floral and wood tones in support. It is not a whisky built around peat smoke or salty coastal notes, and that gives it a more rounded, sherry-finished Speyside direction.
A total of 13,445 bottles were released, and these are now the last bottles. That makes this 2011 vintage a release with a defined place and moment, rather than a whisky that (…)Tomintoul 21y
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Tomintoul 21y
In stock
Tomintoul 21y is a mature Speyside single malt where age brings refinement rather than heaviness. After 21 years of maturation, it presents itself with softness, balance and a fruit-driven complexity that feels measured and composed.
The bourbon cask maturation gives the whisky a clear woody presence, with gentle spice and fruit supporting the overall style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Tomintoul as a strong choice within the Speyside range for drinkers who appreciate maturity, softness and an elegant wood influence without peat.
Its IWSC 2023 category win says something about the careful balance of this release. Bottled at 40%, Tomintoul 21y keeps an approachable structure while still showing the development and polish of long ageing.
Tomintoul 25y Incl. Box
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Tomintoul 25y Incl. Box
In stock
Tomintoul 25y is a Speyside single malt shaped by time rather than force. It is drawn from a selection of rare casks over 25 years old, giving the whisky a sense of maturity, depth and balance that sits at the heart of its character.
The oak cask maturation brings a clear woody warmth, supported by gentle spice and ripe fruit. At 43% alcohol, it remains composed and approachable, while the age gives it the layered feel one looks for in an older Scottish single malt.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with the more mature Scotch whiskies: calm, refined and with a reputation to match. Its recognition as Best Scotch Whisky at the Scotch Whisky Masters 2020 fits naturally with that impression of richness held in balance.
Tomintoul 30y Robert Fleming
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Tomintoul 30y Robert Fleming
Only 2 left in stock!
Tomintoul 30y Robert Fleming is a Speyside single malt shaped first and foremost by time. Distilled in 1990 and matured for 30 years, it carries the calm depth of an older whisky, with an Oloroso finish adding an extra layer to its maturation story.
Only 481 bottles were released, and the indication that these are the last bottles gives this edition a naturally scarce feel. Bottled at 49.7% cask strength, it presents the whisky with concentration and directness rather than as a standard, everyday expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone interested in mature Speyside whisky with a clear sense of origin and limited availability. The profile is built around wood, spice and fruit, supported by a lighter floral (…)Tomintoul 40y
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Tomintoul 40y
On request only
Tomintoul 40y is a Speyside single malt with a quietly impressive story behind it. This second edition was drawn from carefully selected old casks, after forty years of maturation in oak, and released in a very small outturn of just 165 bottles.
A whisky of this age is less about immediate power and more about depth, composure and mature elegance. Bottled at cask strength at 43.1%, it keeps its natural character while showing the refined side of long oak ageing.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place among the rare releases with a real sense of occasion. It speaks to drinkers who appreciate aged Speyside whisky, limited bottlings and the layered aromatic richness that develops only over many decades.
The aroma is gentle (…)Tomintoul Amarone Cask Finish Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul Amarone Cask Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul Amarone Cask Finish shows the Speyside single malt from a richer, fruit-led angle. It begins with maturation in American bourbon casks before receiving a finish in Italian Amarone wine casks, adding extra depth while keeping close to Tomintoul's gentle house style.
The appeal here lies in the way the wine-cask finish brings darker fruit, soft spice and elegant wood notes into the whisky without making it feel heavy. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly approachable way to explore a more intense side of Tomintoul, especially for drinkers who enjoy a smooth malt with a deeper fruit influence.
Bottled at 40%, it remains easy-going in structure, with the Amarone finish giving the whisky its distinctive extra layer.
The (…)Tomintoul Caribbean Rum Finish
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Tomintoul Caribbean Rum Finish
In stock
Tomintoul Caribbean Rum Finish brings a warmer, more dessert-like accent to Speyside single malt. Distilled at Tomintoul Distillery, founded in 1965, it is made from malted barley and matured in small batches in first-fill American bourbon casks before being finished in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks.
That rum cask finish is central to its personality. It adds a sweeter, more tropical layer to Tomintoul's unpeated style, with fruit, pastry notes and gentle spice taking the lead rather than smoke. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to introduce when someone enjoys Speyside whisky but wants to explore a fruitier, more indulgent interpretation.
Bottled at 40% vol. and without an age statement, the focus is on approachable aroma and (…)
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.
