Whisky
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Amrut Peated Port 2015 8y
250
Amrut Peated Port 2015 8y
In stock
Amrut Peated Port 2015 8y is an Indian single malt with a very direct identity: peated, port matured and bottled at cask strength. Distilled in June 2015 and bottled in July 2023, it carries an 8 year age statement and comes in at a full 60% ABV.
Its single cask nature is central to the appeal. With 486 bottles drawn from one cask, this is not a broad house-style release, but a focused snapshot of one maturation. The port cask element supports the fruit-driven side, while peat and spice give the whisky its more forceful edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy single malt with impact and definition. It is powerful, limited in scope, and built around the tension between smoke, fruit and spice rather (…)Amrut Port Pipe 2014 8y Tube Incl.
284
Amrut Port Pipe 2014 8y Tube Incl.
In stock
Amrut Port Pipe 2014 8y is an Indian single malt drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength. With only 528 bottles filled, it belongs to that more focused side of whisky where one cask, one maturation path and one bottling moment define the entire release.
Distilled in November 2014 and bottled in July 2023, this 8-year-old Amrut takes its shape from Port Pipe maturation. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they show a whisky without the broader blending approach of a regular release: direct, specific and carrying the natural strength of 60% alcohol.
As these are the last bottles, the release has a sense of finality around it. For drinkers interested in Amrut through single cask bottlings, this is a concentrated look at (…)Belgrove 2016 #170216 (Berry Bros)
LAST PIECES195
Belgrove 2016 #170216 (Berry Bros)
On request only
Belgrove 2016 #170216 is the kind of rye whisky that immediately gives you something to talk about. This Tasmanian single cask bottling was selected for Collective#1 by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the British independent bottler bringing together spirits from around the world with a shared willingness to challenge convention and reduce their impact on natural resources.
The story at Belgrove Distillery is especially hands-on. Pete Bignell grows his own rye, built his own stills and fires them with used cooking oil. According to the supplied information, the distillery operates almost as a closed loop, with bio-oil as the only outside input and whisky as the only output. That gives this rye a very distinctive identity before you even pour a glass.
Cask #170216 was (…)Ben Nevis 2002 12y Port Matured
COLLECTOR354360° view available
Ben Nevis 2002 12y Port Matured
Only 2 left in stock!
Ben Nevis 2002 12y Port Matured is a Highland single malt with a very clearly defined identity. Distilled on 9 December 2002 and bottled in February 2015, it comes from a single cask, so it represents one particular cask-driven interpretation of Ben Nevis rather than a broad house-style release.
The port maturation gives this 12-year-old bottling its own place in the range. At 56.3% ABV, it was bottled at cask strength, keeping the whisky close to the intensity of the cask. With only 684 bottles produced, and with the final bottles now available, it has the kind of limited character that naturally attracts attention from collectors of distinctive single cask Scotch whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who appreciate (…)Ben Nevis 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
LAST PIECES95
Ben Nevis 2014 11y (Signatory - Cask Collection)
On request only
Ben Nevis 2014 11y is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity: a single cask release from Signatory's Cask Collection, matured in port cask and bottled at cask strength. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this bottling is about one specific cask and the way it has developed over time.
Distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2026 at 11 years old, it carries a natural strength of 59.6%. That makes it a direct, full-powered presentation, with no reduction to a more conventional drinking strength indicated in the supplied details.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they show a more individual side of a distillery. The 'last bottles' indication adds to that sense of scarcity: once this single cask bottling is gone, (…)Benriach 2009 12y Lmdw
LAST PIECES129360° view available
Benriach 2009 12y Lmdw
On request only
Benriach 2009 12y LMDW is a Speyside single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Distilled in 2009 and bottled in 2021 at 12 years old, it presents a more specific snapshot of Benriach than a regular core-range release.
The port maturation and cask strength bottling at 59.8% give this whisky a firm presence. Its profile points towards clearly expressed spice and peat, with lighter fruity, floral and woody elements around them rather than dominating the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they show whisky in a more focused form: one cask, one limited outturn, one particular interpretation. With 762 bottles produced and the last bottles available, this Benriach has the appeal of a defined and increasingly (…)Bowmore 1989 23y Port
COLLECTOR350
Bowmore 1989 23y Port
Very last one in stock!
Bowmore 1989 23y Port is a Scottish Islay single malt built around a very precise set of elements: 23 years of age, port cask maturation and a natural cask strength of 50.8%. It is the kind of Bowmore where the cask story and the age statement immediately set the tone.
The supplied flavour profile points towards fruit and spice as the main accents, with wood and peat playing a more restrained supporting role. That makes the style particularly interesting within the Islay context: the peat is present, but it is not the dominant feature. The port maturation gives the whisky its fruit-driven and spiced direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are approached as special releases rather than everyday single malts. With its last-bottles indication and (…)Bushmills Steamship Port
LAST PIECES36360° view available
Bushmills Steamship Port
On request only
Bushmills Steamship Port is an Irish single malt whiskey shaped by port maturation. Rather than leaning on an age statement, this release is about cask influence and style: fruit comes to the fore, with lighter touches of wood and spice in support.
The Steamship Port name points to a more specific side of Bushmills, one where the port-matured character gives the whiskey a fruit-led direction without moving into smoky territory. It is a useful choice when you want an Irish single malt with a different cask accent while staying close to the approachable Bushmills style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a worthwhile discovery for customers who know Bushmills and want to explore a port-influenced expression. With only the last bottles remaining in our (…)Dalmore Port Wood Incl. Box
50360° view available
Dalmore Port Wood Incl. Box
In stock
Dalmore Port Wood shows a fruit-led side of Highland single malt, shaped by a carefully layered cask journey. It starts life in ex-bourbon casks made from American white oak, then moves into American oak and Tawny Port pipes from W & J Graham's vineyard in Portugal. Those elements are brought back together before bottling, giving the whisky time to settle into a more harmonious whole.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Dalmore for drinkers who enjoy the depth that Port maturation can bring to single malt: ripe fruit, gentle oak and a light touch of spice rather than smoke. Bottled at 46.5%, it has enough strength to carry that richness while keeping the focus firmly on the fruit and cask influence.
Additional information about the brand can be (…)Glen Elgin 2009 17y (The Whisky Agency & The Nectar)
LAST PIECES132
Glen Elgin 2009 17y (The Whisky Agency & The Nectar)
On request only
Glen Elgin is presented here as one of Speyside's more discreet names, the kind of malt that rewards a closer look rather than shouting for attention. The supplied information describes it as long valued by blenders for its richness and honeyed style, and this 17-year-old release leans clearly into that generous side.
Distilled in 2009 and bottled at 49.4%, this single malt matured in a Ruby Port Barrique. That cask influence brings a wine-like elegance around the distillery's beeswax and orchard-fruit notes. As a single cask bottled at cask strength, it feels less like a broad house expression and more like a focused glimpse of one individual maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the sort of Speyside bottling we like to place in front of customers (…)Highland Park Fire 15y
COLLECTOR24
Highland Park Fire 15y
On request only
Highland Park Fire 15y is a Scottish single malt from Orkney with a very distinct identity within the Highland Park range. The name gives it immediate presence, yet the real point of interest is the combination of 15 years of maturation and a port matured cask style.
With 28,000 bottles released, this is a defined edition rather than an everyday bottling, and the available stock is now down to the last bottles. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as one of those Highland Park releases that carries extra interest because it is both limited in scope and identified in the product data as a collector's item.
The flavour profile points towards a restrained mix of fruit, spice, wood and gentle peat, each present without one element taking over completely. That (…)Kavalan 2010 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
LAST PIECES299
Kavalan 2010 10y Artist (La Maison Du Whisky - Artist Collection)
Very last one in stock!
Kavalan 2010 10y Artist is a Taiwanese single malt drawn from a single cask, distilled on 28 April 2010 and bottled in 2020 at 10 years of age. With only 179 bottles released, this Artist Collection bottling by La Maison du Whisky is very much about a particular cask rather than a regular house style.
The port maturation places fruit at the centre of the whisky's identity, with wood and spice giving it structure. Bottled at cask strength at 57.8%, it keeps the intensity of the cask intact, making it a more direct and concentrated presentation of Kavalan.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for the way they combine origin, limited scale and a clear single cask identity. The indication that only the last bottles remain adds to the sense that (…)Kavalan 2010 11y Port Nectar
LAST PIECES208360° view available
Kavalan 2010 11y Port Nectar
On request only
Kavalan 2010 11y Port Nectar is a very focused Taiwanese single malt: one cask, port matured, bottled at cask strength and limited to just 156 bottles. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the personality of a single cask distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2022.
The Port Nectar name is well matched to the profile provided. Fruit is the main thread, supported by clear wood influence and lighter touches of spice and floral character. At 55.6%, the whisky keeps a firm, concentrated presence, giving the port maturation room to speak without turning the release into something generic.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are interesting because they show whisky in a more individual form. With the last bottles now indicated, this Kavalan (…)Kavalan 2014 8y Port Single Cask Incl. Box
LAST PIECES218360° view available
Kavalan 2014 8y Port Single Cask Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Kavalan 2014 8y Port Single Cask is a Taiwanese single malt built around precision and scarcity. Distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2022, it comes from one individual cask, so it presents a very specific snapshot of Kavalan rather than a broader house-style vatting.
The port-matured cask defines the release, while the cask strength bottling at 59.4% keeps the whisky close to its original power. Only 191 bottles were drawn, and with the last bottles indicated, this is the kind of limited single cask that naturally stands out in the Drankenshop Broekmans selection.
The available flavour profile points towards clear fruit and wood, with a lighter spicy accent in support. That gives this Kavalan a focused, concentrated identity, shaped by its single cask origin and (…)Kavalan Port Solist Incl. Box
201360° view available
Kavalan Port Solist Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Kavalan Port Solist is a Taiwanese single malt shaped by the defining idea behind the Solist range: cask strength whisky from one individual cask. Rather than presenting a broad house recipe, it captures the character of a single selected cask at the moment Kavalan considered it ready for bottling.
This edition was matured in a port cask. Kavalan's master distiller follows each cask separately, deciding case by case when the whisky has reached the right point. That makes every Solist release slightly different in nature, with its own individual expression rather than a standardised profile.
Bottled at 58.6%, it keeps the direct strength of the cask. The outturn of 186 bottles, bottled on 14 November 2016, adds to the sense of a precise and limited release. At (…)Kilchoman Port Matured 2018 Incl. Box
LAST PIECES360° view available
Kilchoman Port Matured 2018 Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Kilchoman Port Matured 2018 is a distinctive Islay single malt because the port influence is at the heart of the whisky rather than added at the end. This release was fully matured in ruby port hogsheads, giving it a different feel from a whisky that has simply received a short port finish.
It follows the first Port Cask Matured release from 2014, a bottling that remained one of the most discussed Kilchoman expressions in the distillery's 13-year history at the time. The 2018 edition was created from 30 ruby port hogsheads from 2014 and bottled at 50% ABV, bringing layers of red fruit, creamy vanilla and floral sweetness into Kilchoman's peated Islay style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who already (…)Kilkerran 8y Cask Strength Port
LAST PIECES360° view available
Kilkerran 8y Cask Strength Port
On request only
Kilkerran 8y Cask Strength Port is a Campbeltown single malt with a very clear direction: eight years of maturation, port cask influence and bottling at a full 57.9%. It keeps the whisky close to its natural strength, giving it a firm, direct presence rather than a softened drinking profile.
The port maturation points the character towards fruit and spice. Wood, peat smoke and salty notes are not the elements that define this release; the focus is more on the interplay between youthful strength and the fruit-led cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of someone looking for a compact but powerful Scottish single malt with a clear cask strength identity. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has the feel (…)Old Pulteney Coastal Series Port Matured
39360° view available
Old Pulteney Coastal Series Port Matured
On request only
Old Pulteney Coastal Series Port Matured is a Scottish Highland single malt bottled at 46%, with port cask maturation at the heart of the release. The name is important here: this is part of the Coastal Series, and the cask choice is clearly one of the defining features.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as an Old Pulteney for drinkers who enjoy exploring how maturation can shape a familiar single malt. The Port Matured character gives the whisky a distinct angle, while the 46% strength keeps it firmly in serious single malt territory.
It is a bottle for taking Old Pulteney in a slightly different direction: rooted in Scottish Highland whisky, but with a maturation style that adds another layer to the conversation.
No detailed tasting notes (…)Paul John Port Select Port Incl. Box
94360° view available
Paul John Port Select Port Incl. Box
In stock
Paul John Port Select Port gives a clear sense of how Indian single malt can develop its own voice. Paul John works in Goa, where the warm microclimate accelerates maturation in cask. The whisky is made from six-row barley grown at the foothills of the Himalayas, a grain the producer links to a fuller, richer distillate.
For this Select Cask release, the whisky is shaped by port cask maturation or finishing. That brings a darker, spicier fruit dimension to the spirit while keeping the focus on Paul John's single malt style. Bottled at 48% and released in limited quantity, it has more presence than a standard everyday pour.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to introduce when someone wants to move beyond the familiar whisky regions. (…)Roe & Co 13y Sm Cask Strength 2020
37360° view available
Roe & Co 13y Sm Cask Strength 2020
On request only
Roe & Co 13y Sm Cask Strength 2020 is an Irish single malt whiskey built around maturity, strength and port maturation. At 13 years old and bottled at 58%, it keeps a firm connection to the cask rather than presenting itself as a softer, reduced style.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling stands out because it brings together Irish single malt character with the depth of port maturation. The supplied profile points clearly towards fruit and spice, with wood playing a supporting role and a lighter floral touch in the background.
For drinkers exploring Irish whiskey with more weight and concentration, this Roe & Co release has a more assertive presence. The cask strength gives it intensity, while the port maturation helps define (…)Wolfburn Small Batch 416 Incl. Box
96
Wolfburn Small Batch 416 Incl. Box
In stock
Wolfburn Small Batch 416 is a Highland single malt from Scotland with a clear ruby port influence at its heart. Released as a limited batch of 3,900 bottles, it spent a little over 10 years maturing in first-fill ruby port pipes from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal.
The appeal here lies in the way that port maturation adds depth and roundness while keeping the smooth, elegant side described for Wolfburn. It is non chill filtered and bottled at natural colour, so the presentation remains close to the whisky as it came from the cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place with releases that have a distinct maturation story and a naturally limited character. With the last bottles now in circulation, Small Batch 416 carries a sense of (…)
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about whisky
What is whisky?
Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains (such as barley, corn, rye or wheat) and then aged in wooden casks, usually oak. The result is a complex drink with aromas that can range from fruity and floral to smoky, spicy or woody.
Generally speaking, a drink must meet the following basic requirements to be called whisky:
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Made from grains
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Fermented with yeast
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Distilled to a maximum of ±94.8% alcohol (so that flavour is retained)
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Matured in wooden casks
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Bottled with a minimum of 40% alcohol
Which whisky is tasty?
Which whisky is good? Which whisky is good? The answer to these questions is so specific and so personal that we cannot possibly answer them for everyone. In our range of whisky you will find more than 3,000 bottlings, each with their own taste and profile, to objectively identify a universal "good whisky" is impossible.
You can look for the whisky you like in different ways. Either you start from whisky with a fairly flat and neutral flavour profile and expand and explore from there, but other enthusiasts prefer to start at the extremes to quickly discover what they absolutely do not like. We would not recommend that second approach, as whisky with a distinct character is often an "aqcuired taste", something you gradually work towards and often learn to develop an appreciation for as you build your palate.
Are you looking for a whisky for someone else and have no idea what they drink and what they like? If so, limit yourself to whisky with a light and balanced flavour profile. With most of our whisky, you will find a flavour profile where the whisky is rated from 0 to 3 on six basic pillars: peaty, spicy, salty, woody, floral and fruity. If you blindly buy a whisky for someone else, limit yourself to whisky where none of the six pillars slip through. If you do know what kind of whisky the lucky person drinks, then with a bit of luck, you can also find that whisky in our range and from there you can look for other whiskies that have a similar flavour profile.
Is whisky Scotch or Irish?
Both Scotland and Ireland claim the origins of whisky, and both countries have a rich history of distilling it. The earliest written mention of whisky comes from Ireland, from the 12th century. But Scotland has brought the art of whisky making to perfection and today is famous worldwide for its whiskies. Ultimately, whisky is both Scottish and Irish, each with its own unique traditions and flavours.
What is Scotch whisky?
In addition to the basic rules to speak of whisky, there are a number of additional conditions for Scotch whisky.
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Must be wholly produced and matured in Scotland
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Aged for at least 3 years in oak casks
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Only water and caramel colour (E150a) may be added
Which Scottish regions are famous for their whisky?
Scotland is divided into a number of regions, each of which makes its own signature whisky. Exactly how many there are depends on how accurately you want to describe them.
On the Scottish mainland, we talk about
- Highland (Ben Nevis, Ardnamurchan, Edradour, ...)
- Lowland (Johnny Cree, Lochlea, Auchentoshan, ...)
- Campbeltown (Springbank, Kilkerran, Longrow, ...)
- Speyside (Benriach, Tomintoul, Glenglassaugh, ...)
As the first island, Islay is always mentioned separately. From Islay come mainly peated whiskies such as Bowmore, Port Ellen, Bruichladdich and Ardbeg.
You will also find a number of islands around Scotland, called the "Islands". Within that group, another distinction is often made between
- Isle of Arran
- Isle of Harris
- Jura
- Mull (Ledaig, Tobermory, ...)
- Orkney (Highland Park, Scapa, ...)
- Skye (Talisker, ...)
What is Irish whiskey?
To speak of Irish whiskey, the drink must meet a number of additional conditions.
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Produced and matured in Ireland
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Aged for at least 3 years in wooden casks
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Often triple-distilled, but this is not compulsory
What is American whiskey?
American whiskey is also again subject to a number of specific rules, in addition to the basic guidelines to speak of whiskey.
For bourbon whiskey:
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At least 51% corn in the grain mix
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Matured in new charred oak barrels
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Distilled to a maximum of 80% alcohol
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In the barrel a maximum of 62.5% alcohol
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No additives allowed (except water)
For rye whiskey, at least 51% rye must be used.
Tennessee whiskey follows the same guidelines as bourbon, but must be filtered through charcoal.
What is the difference between "whisky" and "whiskey"
The difference in terminology is related to the country of origin. In principle, "whiskey" is always referred to, except when spirits from the United States or Ireland are involved. In those countries, the term "whiskey" is consistently used.
What is the difference between single malt, blended and grain whisky?
Single malt whisky comes from a single distillery and is made exclusively from malted barley. These whiskies often have a distinct and characterful flavour profile. Blended whisky is a mix of different whiskies (both malt and grain) and tends to be softer and more approachable. Grain whisky is made from other grains such as corn or wheat and is often used in blends, but also exists as a separate bottling with a lighter style.
What is a "no age statement" whisky?
If a whisky is marked "NAS" or "No Age Statement", it means that no age is stated on the bottle.
When an age is mentioned on the bottle, it must, according to the rules, always be the youngest whisky in the blend and not the age that is most represented percentage-wise in the blend. A producer will therefore deliberately choose not to state an age on his bottle in two cases: when an old whisky is blended with a small proportion of younger whisky, or when young whisky is blended with a proportion of older whisky. In the first case, he does not want to put a young age on his bottle if his blend contains mainly older whisky, and in the second case, marketing-wise it is more interesting to go out with that particle of older whisky.
What is a "single cask" whisky?
A single cask means that the whisky in the bottle comes from only one cask and was not blended with another whisky from another cask. Because the content comes from a single cask, the number of bottles depends on the size of the cask and the evaporation of the product (the so-called Angel's Share), the number of bottles is limited (and often numbered) and no new bottles of this specific reference come onto the market. A single cask is thus always unique in flavour and profile, and never quite comparable to similar bottles that do not come from the same cask.
What is a whisky at "cask strength" ?
A cask strength whisky is not diluted with water before bottling, but goes straight from the cask into the bottle and therefore retains the alcohol percentage during/after cask maturation. One of the advantages of cask strength whisky is that as a drinker you can decide how strong you like your whisky by diluting or not diluting it with a little water yourself according to your preference, rather than the producer having already done this for you. Cask Strength whisky has a higher alcohol content and this can sometimes suppress the subtlety of the whisky.
What does the term non-chill filtered mean?
The term non-chill filtered, or well-known variations of it such as "unchilled filtered" or "not cold filtered", indicates that the spirit was not cold filtered before bottling. During cold filtration ("chill filtration"), the whisky is cooled to around freezing point and then filtered. This process removes certain substances from the spirit such as fatty acids, proteins and esters.
Whisky that does not undergo that specific filtering process has a number of specific properties: they often have more character, the mouthfeel is fuller and oilier and more flavour compounds are retained. Because they have more body, they often feel creamier on the palate and the aromas are more intense. The disadvantage of skipping cold filtering is that the whisky can be cloudier.
Most whisky on the market is chill filtered because it produces a clear and consistent spirit in the bottle and in the glass, even with the addition of ice or water. That consistency leads to better presentation and less chance of consumer complaints. Unchill filtered whisky is especially popular with aficionados and purists for the same reason, because they know and understand why their whisky is the way it is. For this reason, "chill filtered" is usually not explicitly stated, but "unchill filtered" is.
What is a peated whisky?
The term "peat", often also described as "smoky", "smoked" or "peated" is part of the flavour profile that is very typical and recognisable in whisky.
Peated whisky evokes scents of a seaside campfire, a smoky charcoal grill, and sometimes even medicinal, salty notes reminiscent of the Scottish coast. These whiskies have a depth and character that either enchant or terrify aficionados.
Peat is an organic material made up of compressed plant remains, formed over centuries in boggy areas. In Scotland, where peated whisky originated, peat has traditionally been used as a fuel. This later became an integral part of the whisky-making process and resulted in the unique smoky flavour these whiskies are known for.
The distinctive flavour of peated whisky is created in the malt phase of whisky production. Barley is first soaked in water and then spread out to germinate. During this process, the barley begins to develop sugars that are later needed for fermentation. Once the barley starts germinating, drying is interrupted by a fire of burning peat. The smoke soaks into the barley and impregnates it with phenols - the chemical compounds responsible for the smoky flavour.
Which whisky suits my taste (sweet, smoky, fruity...)?
Whisky can be roughly categorised by flavour profiles. Do you like sweet? Then go for whiskies with notes of vanilla, caramel or honey (often matured in bourbon casks). Prefer fruity? Choose Speyside or Irish whiskies with fresh apple and citrus aromas. If you are a fan of powerful, smoky flavours, then Islay whiskies are a good choice. Those who like spicy or woody notes may look more towards whiskies with sherry barrel maturation.
Which whisky is good for beginners?
For beginners, accessible, smooth whiskies without too much smoke or complexity are ideal. Think fruity and slightly sweet styles, such as many Irish whiskies or soft Scottish Speyside whiskies. These often have notes of apple, honey and vanilla and are easy to drink. Avoid strongly smoky (peated) whiskies at first, as that flavour is too intense for some. From there, you can gradually discover which styles suit you best.
Which whisky makes a good gift?
A good gift whisky is usually a safe, accessible choice that will appeal to many people. For example, choose a well-known single malt with a smooth and balanced profile, or a nice bottle in a gift box.
Do you know the recipient's tastes? Then you can choose more specifically: a smoky whisky for lovers of powerful flavours, or a fruity and mellow variant for beginners. In doubt? Then you will always be right with a classic, non-smoky whisky.
What does the designation PPM mean in a whisky?
The abbreviation PPM is used to describe the intensity of the peat flavour in a peated whisky. The abbreviation PPM stands for Phenol Parts Per Million, and the higher the number the more intense the peat flavour is. A whisky with 10 PPM has a subtle smoky character while a whisky with 50 PPM or higher can be a real smoke bomb.
How strong is whisky?
When people talk about the "strength" of liquor, they usually mean its alcohol content (ABV).
Whisky is a regulated product, meaning that a number of conditions must be met before the final product can be called "whisky". One of the rules is the minimum alcohol content: in the EU (including Scotch and Irish whiskey), the US and Canada, whisky must contain a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume to be called whisky.
Many standard bottlings are around 40-43%, some quality or "non-chill filtered" releases choose 46% ABV. In the US, bourbon and rye are also common at 45-50% ABV (e.g. Bottled-in-Bond at 50%). In Japan, 40-43% is common. "Cask strength" or "barrel proof" whiskies are bottled undiluted and are therefore higher in strength: usually between about 50% and 65%. Regional exceptions exist, such as India where many whiskies are bottled around 42.8% ABV,
For average commercial whiskies, 40-46% is the normal range, and you will find most whiskies within that range.
What does the designation "proof" mean in whisky?
You may also have seen "proof" written on bottles, for example "100 proof". It is an alternative way of indicating the strength of whisky and is only used in the US today. The formula is thankfully simple; the "proof" value is actually double the alcohol content (ABV). In other words, a bottle of "100 proof" corresponds to 50% alcohol.
What is meant by "small batch"?
"Small batch" is a term indicating that the whisky was produced in relatively small quantities per batch (production run). Instead of huge volumes being mixed continuously, the distiller selected only a limited number of casks or ingredients to bring together. The idea behind it is to have more control over quality, flavour and consistency, for example by blending a few carefully chosen casks to achieve a specific flavour profile.
Small Batch often suggests craftsmanship and attention to detail, but it is not a strictly regulated term. So there is no set definition of exactly how much "small" is, and it can vary greatly from producer to producer.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive whisky?
The price difference is often in factors such as ageing time, casks used, production method and rarity. More expensive whiskies have usually matured for longer or come from special casks, providing more complexity and depth. However, this does not mean that a more expensive whisky is always "tastier". Taste remains personal, and there are also affordable whiskies of excellent quality that perfectly suit your preference.
What does the age on a whisky bottle mean?
The age on a whisky bottle indicates the minimum time the whisky has been aged in cask. In blends, this means that the youngest whisky in the blend is that age.
During that maturation, the whisky develops its flavour, colour and aromas. The longer the ageing, the more influence the cask has on the final result.
Which whisky is suitable as an investment?
If you are looking for a bottle as an investment, the references we refer to as "Collector" are often a good choice. However, it is no guarantee of success, some bottles rise in values, others do not and in a few cases a sudden hype drives the price up suddenly. For this reason, always keep Jan Broekmans' own advice in mind: don't buy whisky as an investment that you would never want to drink yourself. If the price doesn't go up, at least you'll still have the pleasure of drinking them yourself.
Is older whisky always better?
Not necessary. Older whisky can be more complex and softer, but sometimes loses fresh or fruity characteristics. Quality depends on many factors, such as the cask and the conditions in which the whisky matures.
Ultimately, "better" is a matter of taste. Some younger whiskies can be surprisingly lively and full of character, perfectly matching what you are looking for.
Does whisky mature further in the bottle?
No, whisky matures only in cask. Once the whisky is bottled, the maturation process stops completely.
In principle, the flavour remains stable, although an opened bottle can change slightly after a long time due to contact with oxygen. This is why it is best to store whisky tightly sealed and out of direct sunlight.
Is whisky going bad?
Whisky is a strong drink with a high alcohol content, which means it has a virtually unlimited shelf life. If you have a bottle of whisky that is properly sealed, you can keep it for years, even decades, without its taste or quality deteriorating. However, the flavour can change if the whisky is exposed to light, air or temperature fluctuations. If there is too much air in the bottle relative to liquid then "oxidation" can also occur, directly affecting its flavour and intensity.
So an open bottle of whisky will often lose some of its aromas over time, but it will not "go bad".
Make sure you store your bottle in a cool, dark place and seal it well after each use, and that the bottle is always at least a quarter full (the less air there is in the bottle, the less oxidation can occur). Leftovers are best poured into smaller sample bottles that can be sealed well from the outside air (apothecary bottles are ideal, glass decanters are not), or you can artificially fill the original bottle with, say, marbles to reduce the volume of air in the bottle.
What is an independent bottler?
Independent bottlers are entrepreneurs who buy whisky from existing distilleries and then bottle or blend it themselves. They are not involved in the actual production process, but they take care of the further development of the whisky. This means they select the casks themselves and decide how long the whisky matures, in order to create a unique final product.
Some whiskies are sold exclusively to independent bottlers and are not used for the original distillery's range. Examples of such bottlers include Signatory, Douglas Laing, and Cadenhead's.
There are also 'secret bottlings', where the bottler does not reveal which distillery the casks come from.
Independent bottlings are usually single casks. They are often not coloured, are usually non-chill filtered and very limited in availability, which only makes the product more unique. This constitutes a delightful change from regular whiskies, you could say.
In which glass do you pour whisky?
The classic glass in which whisky is very often poured is called a tumbler. This is a low, straight and wide glass. Some people prefer to drink their whisky from these glasses because of the tradition and the feel it gives. This glass has a wide, cylindrical shape and a thick bottom, making it perfect to use when mixing whisky with other drinks like cola or water, for example, or when you want to add ice to your whisky. It is most often used with bourbon and blended whisky.
However, connoisseurs prefer to opt for a tulip-shaped glass, as it bundles the aromas better in the nose. Snifters and copita glasses, for example, have such a shape, but are still more commonly associated with cognac and sherry. The general consensus therefore seems to be that the Glencairn glass is still usually the best choice to maximise the better whisky. The advantage of all three is that you can hold the glass in such a way that your body heat will not warm up the spirit in your glass.
Do you drink whisky with ice?
The most loaded question is whether you should drink whisky at room temperature or "on the rocks". We take no position on right or wrong and advise everyone to enjoy it in the way that suits them best. If you like a particular whisky better on ice rather than at room temperature, who are we to deprive you of that pleasure?
That said, there are some differences: a room-temperature whisky evaporates more easily, making the nose more intense as with a chilled whisky. In turn, using ice dilutes the whisky, so the flavour and intensity can diminish once that ice starts to melt in your glass. Whisky stones can be a good alternative if you don't like a whisky at room temperature but at the same time don't want your spirit to be diluted by the melting ice in your glass either.
Should you add water to whisky?
Adding water to whisky is not a must, but it can help release aromas better. Especially with whiskies with a higher alcohol content, a few drops of water can make the flavour more accessible.
Most important is personal preference: drink whisky the way you like it best, pure, with water or possibly with ice.
What is a "dram"?
A "dram" usually refers to one serving of whisky. The quantity of a dram is around 3cl, some serve 2.5cl and others go up to 3.5cl. From a 5cl sample or mini-bottle, you basically get just 2 drams, enough to discover a spirit for two.
Handy to remember if you ever want to organise a tasting yourself: from a standard 70cl bottle with a standard filling level you get:
- 35 drams of 2cl (tip: the bottle pilot on our webshop doses exactly 2cl)
- 28 drams of 2.5cl
- 23 drams of 3cl
- 20 drams of 3.5cl
However, do not count too strictly when organising a tasting, and always keep a few drams in reserve in case there is a spillage when pouring or the bottle does not contain exactly 70cl spirit (with older bottlings, the filling level can decrease slightly over time due to natural processes). And don't forget to include the host of your tasting, of course!
What does "angel's share" mean?
The term "angel's share" refers to the part of a whisky (or other matured spirit) that slowly evaporates in the barrel during the maturation process. As the spirit is aged in wooden barrels for years, a small amount of alcohol and water escapes through the pores of the wood each time. This loss can amount to about 2% per year, depending on factors such as climate, storage location and barrel type. The name is meant poetically: it is said that this part is "for the angels".
Although technically a loss for the distiller, the angel's share plays a crucial role in the development of flavour and aroma. The evaporation concentrates the residual flavours, and the contact with the wood provides complexity such as vanilla, spice and fruity notes. In warmer climates (such as rum), the angel's share tends to be greater, resulting in faster maturation than, for example, in cooler whisky regions such as Scotland.
How do I get started on Scotch whisky?
Many people assume that a more expensive bottle of Scotch whisky is automatically better. It sounds logical: the higher the price, the better the quality. But in reality, the difference between a bottle of a few tens and one of thousands of euros is rarely purely in the taste. What you pay has much more to do with age, scarcity, marketing and reputation than with what you actually taste in your glass.
To understand this properly, it helps to look at Scotch in different "levels". Each level tells you something about what you are drinking and, more importantly, what you are paying for, but not every epicurean goes through all these levels.
You can read all about it in our blog post Why an expensive Scotch doesn't necessarily taste better - the different levels of Scotch.
How do I get started on Irish whiskey?
At one time, Irish whiskey dominated the world. In the late 19th century, more than 70% of all whiskey came from Ireland. But wars, trade conflicts and prohibition in the US caused a dramatic decline. By 1980, barely two distilleries remained. Today, that picture has been completely reversed. Ireland once again has dozens of distilleries and the range of offerings ranges from simple entry-level bottles to rare collector's items costing thousands of euros.
But as always, more expensive does not automatically mean better. What do you actually get for your money? And from what point do you mainly pay for prestige? You can read more about it in our blog post Irish whiskey explained: from pub classics to million-dollar bottles.
How do I get started with Japanese whisky?
In 1918, a young Japanese student Masataka Taketsuru left for Scotland with one clear goal: to learn how to make whisky. He studied in Glasgow, apprenticed at several distilleries and obsessively noted down every detail of the process. Those notes would later form the basis of the Japanese whisky industry.
Today, Japanese whisky is a phenomenon. Bottles go under the hammer for tens of thousands of euros, distilleries can barely keep up with demand and the number of producers has exploded. But at the same time, that also makes it confusing: where do you start if you just want to drink it?
You'll discover all about it in our blog post Japanese whisky explained: from entry-level to untraceable.
Where can I buy whisky?
Basic whisky and no-name whisky can be found in any shop or supermarket, but you undoubtedly want something more. Then you're in the right place at Drankenshop Broekmans, because our range of almost 3,000 whiskies covers all brands, all distilleries, all bottlers, all flavour profiles and all price ranges.
