Whisky
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Glengoyne White Oak
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Glengoyne White Oak
In stock
Glengoyne White Oak shows a North American side of Glengoyne's Highland single malt style. The inspiration comes from North America, described as the summer home of the geese that grace the valley each winter, and that idea is reflected in maturation in White Oak bourbon and virgin oak casks.
The whisky is built around fruit, creamy sweetness and a bright citrus lift, with oak shaping the background rather than weighing it down. Notes of key lime pie, honeycomb, toffee apple and delicate citrus give it a lively, flavourful profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glengoyne that speaks to customers looking for a fruit-driven Highland single malt without peat smoke, yet with enough presence from its 48% bottling strength.
The aroma (…)Kyro Malt
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Kyro Malt
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Kyro Malt places Finnish rye at the heart of the whisky. Kyrö works with high-quality rye from Finland, a grain that brings its own spicy edge and gives this whisky a clear sense of identity.
It is distilled in double pot stills and matured in American white oak casks. That maturation adds rounder notes around the rye-driven core, with the wood influence supporting rather than masking the grain. At 47.2% alcohol, Kyro Malt carries its character with confidence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers exploring rye whisky beyond the usual reference points. Its gold medal at the IWSC 2020 gives it extra recognition, but the real interest remains the combination of Finnish rye, pot still distillation and (…)Port Askaig 8y New
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Port Askaig 8y New
In stock
Port Askaig 8 Year Old is named after a place rather than a distillery. Port Askaig sits on Islay's north-eastern coast, where the ferry leaves for Jura and where Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila are found nearby. That sense of place matters here: this is an Islay single malt shaped by peat, sea air and a clearly coastal identity.
Its maturation is built in two stages. The whisky first spends three years in traditional American oak, then continues for another five years in a mix of ex-bourbon casks, toasted American oak, PX sherry casks and refill hogsheads. The result is not just about smoke; the peat is clear, but it is supported by gentle wood influence, spice, fruit and a salty edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Islay whisky we like to introduce (…)Mister Peat (Rest & Be Thankful)
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Mister Peat (Rest & Be Thankful)
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Mister Peat is very clear about its intentions. This Scottish single malt from the Lowland region puts peat at the centre of the glass, with a style that is openly smoky rather than politely restrained. The peat comes through in vegetal, earthy and ashy tones.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would introduce to someone looking for a direct peated character with a clean presentation. It is bottled at 46%, without chill filtration and without added colouring, allowing its citrus and iodine notes to sit naturally alongside the smoke.
Although matured in American Oak, the story here is not driven by heavy wood influence. The focus remains on peat, salinity and spice, lifted by a touch of fruitiness. Mister Peat is a straightforward, (…)Old Pulteney 10y 1l Incl. Box
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Old Pulteney 10y 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Old Pulteney 10y 1l is a Scottish Highland single malt with a clear sense of place and style. Aged for ten years and matured in American oak, it stays on the gentler side of the spectrum, with light fruit, floral touches and a mild spiced note shaping the overall impression.
The small salty accent is what gives this whisky its extra point of interest. It does not turn the whisky heavy or smoky; peat is not part of the profile here. Instead, it adds a subtle edge to an otherwise approachable Highland malt. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a useful bottle for anyone looking for a Scotch single malt with freshness, softness and just enough distinction to keep it engaging.
The one-litre format also makes it a practical choice for those who like to keep a (…)Reki Helios
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Reki Helios
In stock
Reki Helios is a Japanese blended whisky with a profile that clearly leans towards fruit rather than weight or smoke. With no age statement, the focus is less on a specific number of years and more on the style of the blend itself: composed, fruit-led and straightforward to understand in the glass.
American oak adds a gentle wood influence, supported by a light spiced edge. It does not come across from the supplied profile as a heavy or peated whisky; its appeal lies in the cleaner fruity direction, with oak playing a supporting role. At 43% alcohol, it carries a little more presence than the most basic whisky strength while staying approachable in feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Reki Helios sits neatly within the Japanese whisky selection for customers (…)Jack Daniels Familypack 25cl
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Jack Daniels Familypack 25cl
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Jack Daniels Familypack 25cl offers Tennessee whiskey in a smaller gift format. It is a practical choice when you want something recognisable and neatly presented, without moving to a full-size bottle. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of pack works well for customers looking for a compact whiskey gift with a familiar American identity.
This whiskey comes from the United States and is linked to American oak maturation, reflected in the clearly present wood-driven side of its profile. There is no age statement here, so the focus stays on the Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey style rather than on a specific maturation age.
At 39% alcohol and in a 25 cl format, it is a modestly sized bottle for gifting, sampling or adding a smaller Jack Daniels option to the (…)Jack Daniel's N°7 Mclaren 3rd Edition 2025 Incl. Box
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Jack Daniel's N°7 Mclaren 3rd Edition 2025 Incl. Box
| 1 review
In stockJack Daniel's N°7 Mclaren 3rd Edition 2025 is a Tennessee whiskey release built around a specific 2025 McLaren edition. In the Drankenshop Broekmans range, it stands out less as a technical curiosity and more as a bottle with a clear edition-driven identity, tied to the familiar Jack Daniels name.
Made in the United States and bottled at 43%, it comes without an age statement and is linked to American Oak maturation. The profile places wood and spice in the foreground, with lighter fruity and floral accents behind them. As only the last bottles remain, this edition is particularly relevant for those who follow the special releases within the Jack Daniel's line.
The flavour profile is led by wood and spice, both clearly present and central to the whiskey's (…)Scapa 10y Incl. Box
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Scapa 10y Incl. Box
In stock
Scapa 10y is a Scottish single malt from Orkney, matured in American Oak and bottled at 48%. Rather than leaning on peat smoke or pronounced coastal saltiness, it presents a more restrained profile built around light floral, fruity, woody and spicy tones.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle has a clear role for anyone exploring Orkney whisky beyond the more heavily peated associations of Scottish island malts. The American Oak maturation gives it a defined cask foundation, while the overall flavour profile remains gentle and evenly spread.
With its 10-year age statement and slightly higher bottling strength, Scapa 10y offers a straightforward way to experience the distillery's style without one dominant flavour taking over.
Scapa 10y shows a (…)Aberlour 16y Double Charred Selection Tube Incl.
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Aberlour 16y Double Charred Selection Tube Incl.
In stock
Aberlour 16y Double Charred Selection is a Speyside single malt with maturity and oak influence at the heart of its personality. The 16-year age statement gives it a grown-up presence, while the name and American Oak cask reference point towards a whisky shaped by charred oak character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as an Aberlour for drinkers who appreciate a clear wood-driven side to Speyside whisky. It is not built around peat or salinity; instead, the focus sits on oak structure, supported by gentle spice, fruit and floral touches.
Bottled at 43%, it keeps a composed strength without making the alcohol the main event. The interest here lies in the interaction between Speyside single malt and American Oak maturation, with the Double Charred (…)Aberlour 2014 10y White Oak
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Aberlour 2014 10y White Oak
Only 3 left in stock!
Aberlour 2014 10y White Oak is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky with its story shaped by American Oak. Distilled in 2014 and aged for 10 years, it presents a clearly defined side of Aberlour: cask-influenced, but not built around heavy intensity.
The appeal here lies in its restrained composition. The available flavour profile points to light touches of fruit, floral notes, wood and spice, without peat or saline character taking part. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Speyside malt that suits customers looking for clarity and moderation rather than weight or smoke.
Bottled at 40%, it keeps a classic and approachable presentation. The White Oak name gives the wood influence a central place, while the overall impression remains calm and (…)Akashi Meisei 50cl Incl. Box
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Akashi Meisei 50cl Incl. Box
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Akashi Meisei is a Japanese blended whisky with a distinctly fruit-led profile. Bottled at 40% and presented in a 50cl format, it carries no age statement, putting the focus on style and composition rather than on a specific maturation age.
American Oak gives the whisky a gentle woody frame, with light spice sitting behind the fruit. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Akashi as a good example of a Japanese blend where the appeal lies in clarity rather than heaviness.
There is no emphasis here on peat or coastal salinity. Meisei is more about fruit, subtle oak and a restrained spicy accent, giving it a clean and approachable whisky character without making it feel overloaded.
Akashi Meisei's flavour profile is led by fruit. Oak and spice are (…)Amrut Rye Malt
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Amrut Rye Malt
In stock
Amrut Rye Malt is an Indian rye whisky built around malted rye, bottled at a confident 50% alcohol and matured in American oak. There is no age statement here, so the focus shifts naturally to the style itself: rye malt, Indian origin and cask maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to whisky drinkers who enjoy seeing a familiar category from a different angle. It does not rely on a long list of claims; its interest lies in the combination of Amrut, India and rye whisky.
The American oak maturation gives the whisky its cask foundation, while the 50% strength brings extra presence in the glass. It is a bottle for slow discovery, especially for those who are curious about how rye malt expresses itself outside the (…)Amrut Triparva
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Amrut Triparva
In stock
Amrut Triparva is an Indian single malt with a clear focus on fruit and spice. At 50% ABV it carries a confident strength, while the available profile does not point towards peat smoke or salty coastal notes. The emphasis is therefore on a more direct interplay of fruit, spice and gentle wood influence.
Maturation in American Oak gives the whisky its framework, but the character does not appear to rely on wood alone. The fruit and spice are the main voices, with lighter floral and woody accents adding shape around them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this help show how wide the world of single malt has become beyond the traditional whisky regions. With 5400 bottles produced, Amrut Triparva is also a clearly defined release rather than a standard (…)Arbikie 2017 #69 (Berry Bros)
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Arbikie 2017 #69 (Berry Bros)
On request only
Arbikie 2017 #69 is a Highland Scotch whisky with a story that reaches beyond the cask. It was selected by Berry Bros. & Rudd for the Collective#1 series, a range built around distinctive, like-minded spirits from around the world, all with a focus on challenging convention and reducing their impact on the planet's natural resources.
That theme fits Arbikie particularly well. From the start, sustainability was a priority for the three Stirling brothers, with the supplied information pointing to the use of hydrogen as fuel, carbon-positive crops and other measures that place Arbikie firmly in the conversation around greener distilling. At Drankenshop Broekmans, that makes this bottle stand out as much for its philosophy as for its flavour.
Cask #69 was (…)Arbikie Highland Rye 1794
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Arbikie Highland Rye 1794
In stock
Arbikie Highland Rye 1794 is a Scottish grain whisky from the Highlands, with rye clearly placed at the heart of its identity. The name already suggests a different route into Scotch whisky: less about a classic malt profile, more about grain-driven structure and spice.
Maturation in American Oak gives a restrained woody support rather than taking over the whisky. The profile points towards floral, fruity and spiced impressions, with the 48% strength adding firmness and presence in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we value for drinkers who enjoy exploring the broader world of Scottish whisky beyond peat and coastal salinity. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that is becoming more limited on our (…)Arbikie Highland Rye Batch 2022
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Arbikie Highland Rye Batch 2022
In stock
Arbikie Highland Rye Batch 2022 is a Scottish rye whisky from the Highlands with a very distinctive point of view. Arbikie describes itself as a maker of Highland rye single grain Scotch whisky, and in this batch the rye character sits at the heart of the whisky, supported by wheat and malted barley.
Recharred American oak is central to its make-up. Rather than moving the whisky into a different cask for an additional finish, Arbikie allowed the fresh, active oak influence to shape the spirit directly, adding colour, depth and spice around the grain-driven core. According to Arbikie, this combination had not been made in Scotland before, giving Batch 2022 a noteworthy place among contemporary Scotch whisky releases.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a (…)Ardmore 12y Macb (Elixir Distillers - Macbeth Series)
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Ardmore 12y Macb (Elixir Distillers - Macbeth Series)
On request only
Ardmore 12y Macb belongs to Elixir Distillers' Macbeth Collection, a set of 42 Scottish whiskies named after characters from William Shakespeare's Macbeth. This Ardmore is presented as Seyton and appears in Act One, where the collection begins to unfold its theatrical cast of malts.
The whisky itself is a 12-year-old Highland single malt bottled at 52.5% cask strength. Its maturation in a mix of American and European oak casks that previously held Laphroaig whisky gives it a distinctly smoky, savoury and spicy direction. The peat is part of the personality here, supported by spice, a touch of fruit and a subtle wood influence.
Only 3200 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now remaining, this is the kind of limited Scotch whisky that naturally (…)Auchentoshan American Oak
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Auchentoshan American Oak
In stock
Auchentoshan American Oak is a Scottish single malt from the Lowland region, bottled at 40% ABV. The name tells you where the focus lies: maturation in American Oak, presented here without an age statement.
Its character leans towards floral and fruity notes, with oak and spice playing a gentler supporting role. There is no peated emphasis or salty profile in the supplied flavour indication, so the impression is more about brightness and approachability than smoke or coastal weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a clear and straightforward Lowland single malt for anyone looking to explore Auchentoshan through the lens of American Oak maturation, with a style that stays on the lighter, more fragrant side of Scotch whisky.
Additional (…)Auchentoshan American Oak 1l Incl. Box
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Auchentoshan American Oak 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Auchentoshan American Oak 1l is a Scottish single malt from the Lowland region, bottled at 40% and shaped by American Oak casks. With no age statement, the emphasis is on a clear, approachable style rather than on a fixed maturation age.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a useful bottle for customers looking for a Scotch single malt without a smoky or coastal edge. Its profile stays light in several directions at once: gentle floral notes, a touch of fruit, mild wood influence and soft spice, with peat and salt not playing a defining role.
The one-litre format adds to its appeal as a familiar bottle to keep on hand for regular serving moments, especially when a calmer Lowland-style single malt is preferred. More information about the brand can be found (…)Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Batch 2
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Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Batch 2
In stock
Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Batch 2 is a Lowland single malt from Scotland with oak placed firmly in the foreground. The name says a great deal already: Virgin Oak, supported by the American Oak cask reference, points to a whisky where the wood influence is part of the main conversation rather than a quiet background note.
There is no age statement here, so the identity of the whisky rests more on cask choice, batch character and style. At 46% ABV it has enough presence to carry its fruit-led and wood-driven profile, while the available information does not point towards peat or salty coastal notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Auchentoshan we would place in front of someone curious about a more oak-accented side of the Lowland single malt style. (…)Basil Hayden Bourbon 10y
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Basil Hayden Bourbon 10y
In stock
Basil Hayden Bourbon 10y shows the more mature side of American bourbon. The 10-year age statement gives it a clear sense of development, while the 40% strength keeps the presentation composed rather than forceful.
American Oak plays an important part in the story here. The character is built around wood, spice and fruit, with a lighter floral accent adding some lift. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bourbon for customers who want the oak influence and the extra age to be part of the experience, not just details on the label.
It is a good bottle to explore when you are looking for an American bourbon with a more seasoned profile and a clear connection to its cask maturation.
The flavour profile is led by wood, spice and fruit. These (…)Ben Nevis Coire Leis Incl. Box
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Ben Nevis Coire Leis Incl. Box
In stock
Ben Nevis Coire Leis is a Highland single malt that puts the focus on style rather than age. With no age statement and a strength of 46%, it presents Ben Nevis in a straightforward, characterful way, built around floral notes and a clear touch of spice.
American oak maturation adds a gentle woody layer without making the whisky feel heavy. Fruit plays a supporting role, while the floral and spiced sides give Coire Leis its main direction. There is no peat-driven profile here, so the attention stays on the malt's Highland character and its measured cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to place in front of someone who wants to explore Ben Nevis through a clean, expressive single malt rather than through an age statement (…)Benriach Malting Season 3 Tube Incl.
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Benriach Malting Season 3 Tube Incl.
In stock
Benriach Malting Season 3 is built around one of the distillery's most tangible traditions: the historic malting floors at the heart of Benriach. These floors have been in production for more than 120 years and trace back to the original distillery built by founder John Duff. Each year, during the Maltings Season, Benriach malts barley in the traditional way, and that work forms the foundation of this Speyside single malt.
For the third edition, Concerto barley was hand-malted during the 2012 and 2013 malting seasons. The whisky then matured slowly in bourbon and virgin oak casks in dunnage warehouses. Although Benriach Malting Season 3 carries no official age statement, its average age is around 10 years, combining stocks of roughly 9.5 and 10.5 years. That makes it more (…)
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.
