Whisky
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Sailor's Home Journey
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Sailor's Home Journey
Only 3 left in stock!
Sailor's Home Journey is the entry point in the Sailor's Home range and sits in the Explorer Series alongside Stormchaser. It is an Irish blended whiskey with an approachable style, but the cask work gives it more depth than a simple everyday pour.
The whiskey is triple distilled and first matured in Virgin American oak before moving into American bourbon barrels. It is then combined with Irish malt whiskey matured in American bourbon and finished in Jamaican rum casks. That final rum influence brings in the tropical fruit character and darker, molasses-led tone that shape Journey's identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fine choice for anyone looking for an Irish whiskey with a fruit-forward character, gentle wood and spice, and a rum finish (…)Smokehead Rum Rebel (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
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Smokehead Rum Rebel (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
In stock
Smokehead Rum Rebel is an Islay single malt with a clear sense of attitude: peated Scotch whisky given an extra twist through a rum cask finish. The name captures the idea well. It stays close to Smokehead's smoky identity, while the cask choice gives this release its own direction within the range.
There is no age statement here, so the focus sits firmly on style rather than years in cask. The profile is built around a clear peated core, with lighter touches of fruit, spice, wood, saltiness and floral notes adding shape around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Rum Rebel sits well among Islay whiskies for drinkers who enjoy smoke but also appreciate a less conventional finish. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character without turning the (…)Sailor's Home Horizon 10y Tube Incl.
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Sailor's Home Horizon 10y Tube Incl.
In stock
Sailor's Home Horizon 10y is the opening release in the Islands Series, built around the feeling of looking just beyond the horizon. It is an Irish blend of malt and grain whiskeys, matured for at least 10 years, then given a finish that brings a clear Caribbean accent into the glass.
American bourbon casks form the foundation, while selected rum casks from Barbados add a more generous, polished layer. The result is not a heavy or smoky style, but a refined Irish whiskey with fruit, gentle spice, vanilla and a floral lift running through it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Sailor's Home stands out for the way it connects Irish smoothness with the rounder, warmer influence of a Barbados rum finish. It is a whiskey with a familiar base, but with enough tropical (…)Sailor's Home Journey + Glas
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Sailor's Home Journey + Glas
In stock
Sailor's Home Journey + Glas is the entry point into the Sailor's Home range and sits in the Explorer Series alongside Stormchaser. The name Journey feels well chosen: this is an Irish blended whiskey built as an everyday favourite, yet shaped by cask choices that give it a more adventurous edge.
It is triple distilled and first matured in Virgin American oak before moving into American bourbon casks. The blend also includes Irish malt whiskey matured in American bourbon casks and finished in Jamaican rum casks. That final influence brings in tropical fruit and a deeper rum-toned warmth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like this release as a modern Irish whiskey with a friendly core and a distinctive finishing touch. Presented with a glass, it also works nicely (…)Teeling Small Batch Rum Finish + 2 Glasses
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Teeling Small Batch Rum Finish + 2 Glasses
In stock
Teeling Small Batch Rum Finish is an Irish blended whiskey with a warm and distinctive twist. The rum cask finish adds a soft, gently sweet dimension, while the whiskey keeps the lively and approachable character expected from this style.
There is more substance here than the word blend might suggest. The supplied information highlights a high proportion of whiskey from fresh bourbon casks, along with a higher malt-to-grain ratio than average for the category. Bottling at 46% without chill filtration helps retain texture and aromatic depth.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this gift pack with two glasses is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for an Irish whiskey with charm, but also a little extra personality. The rum finish, fruit-led profile (…)Teeling Small Batch Santa Teresa Finish Incl. Box
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Teeling Small Batch Santa Teresa Finish Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Teeling Small Batch Santa Teresa Finish brings together Irish whiskey and Venezuelan rum in a very natural way. This limited edition comes from a collaboration between Teeling Whiskey and Santa Teresa, the historic Venezuelan rum producer. The Small Batch whiskey receives an additional maturation in Solera casks that previously held Santa Teresa 1796 rum.
That rum cask finish adds a warmer, fruit-led layer to the whiskey while keeping the Teeling character intact. The style leans towards honeyed sweetness, vanilla, orchard and dried fruit, with gentle spice and a touch of wood giving it structure.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of release we like to present to customers who enjoy seeing how a well-chosen finish can shift the personality of an (…)Bushmills Caribbean Rum Finish
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Bushmills Caribbean Rum Finish
In stock
Bushmills Caribbean Rum Finish takes an Irish blended whiskey and gives it a rum-finished direction. The emphasis is clearly on that Caribbean Rum Finish: a fruit-led style rather than a heavily wooded or smoky interpretation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits well among Irish whiskeys for customers looking for a softer, more fruit-driven variation within the blend category. At 40% alcohol, it keeps the focus on approachability, with the profile pointing more clearly towards fruit, supported by lighter floral and spiced notes.
There is no peated side to the character here, so the whiskey remains centred on its fruitier rum-finished identity. It is a straightforward way to discover Bushmills through a slightly sunnier lens, without moving into a heavy (…)Ardmore 2018 7y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
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Ardmore 2018 7y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
In stock
Ardmore 2018 7y Rum Cask Finish is the kind of Highland single malt that explains the appeal of independent bottling in a very direct way. Douglas Laing, a respected Scottish family bottler since 1948, selected a single Ardmore cask and gave it room to show its own personality rather than smoothing it into a house style.
This release belongs to the Paradise In Smoke Collection, a series built around the meeting point between peated Scotch whisky and Caribbean rum casks. For this Ardmore, the finish took place in a Jamaican rum cask. That adds a more tropical, ripe-fruited layer to the earthy and elegantly smoky style described for the distillery in the supplied information.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they feel specific (…)Balvenie 12y Golden Cask Tube Incl.
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Balvenie 12y Golden Cask Tube Incl.
In stock
Balvenie 12y Golden Cask is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky with its story centred on maturation. The name points toward the Golden Cask idea, while the stated rum finish gives this 12-year-old Balvenie a different angle from a more straightforward Speyside release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would introduce this bottle to someone looking for Balvenie with an added cask influence. It remains a 12-year-old Scottish single malt, but the rum finish gives the whisky a more distinctive position within the Speyside style.
Bottled at 43%, it keeps a moderate strength while allowing the cask finish to remain part of the conversation. It is a fitting choice when you know Balvenie and want to explore a version where the finishing cask plays a clear role.
Balvenie 14y Caribbean Cask Tube Incl.
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Balvenie 14y Caribbean Cask Tube Incl.
In stock
Balvenie 14y Caribbean Cask is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky shaped by 14 years of maturation and a rum cask finish. That finishing choice gives this Balvenie a warmer, more spice-led personality than a straightforward Speyside profile might suggest.
The supplied flavour profile points clearly towards spice as the main feature, supported by noticeable fruit and wood influence. A light floral touch sits in the background, while peat and salinity are not part of its character. It is therefore a whisky built around maturation, cask influence and rounded depth rather than smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good bottle for customers who enjoy single malt whisky with extra warmth and cask character, but who do not want a peated style. Bottled (…)Big Peat Feis Isle (Douglas Laing Regional Malts)
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Big Peat Feis Isle (Douglas Laing Regional Malts)
On request only
Big Peat Feis Isle is a special Islay release from Douglas Laing's Regional Malts range. That series is built around blended malts that capture the character of Scotland's whisky regions, often with a playful sense of presentation. This edition is tied to Feis Ile, the annual Islay festival that has become an important moment in the calendar for many whisky drinkers.
For this limited Big Peat bottling, Douglas Laing chose a rum cask finish. It brings a sweeter, richer and more fruit-led side to the familiar peated Islay style, while keeping the smoky island identity firmly in place. Peat, ripe fruit, gentle spice and a touch of salt all sit within the same glass.
Only 5,688 bottles were released worldwide, and with the last bottles now indicated, it has a (…)Campbeltown 2014 9y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Campbeltown 2014 9y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Campbeltown 2014 9y is a Scottish blended malt from Campbeltown with its exact origin kept undisclosed. That makes the bottle feel less like a label-driven choice and more like a whisky selected for the character of the cask itself.
Distilled in 2014 and bottled in 2023 at 9 years of age, it comes from a single cask and was bottled at natural cask strength, 56.8%. A rum finish gives this release an extra point of interest, while the outturn of only 272 bottles keeps it firmly in small-batch territory. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this have a natural place among whiskies for drinkers who enjoy exploring independent releases with a clear identity.
The profile is shaped by peat and spice, with lighter fruity, floral and salty accents around it. Wood (…)Caol Ila 2017 9y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
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Caol Ila 2017 9y Rum Cask Finish (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
On request only
Caol Ila 2017 9y Rum Cask Finish shows the idea behind Douglas Laing's Paradise In Smoke Collection very clearly: take the coastal smoke of Islay and place it beside a warmer, less expected influence. The whisky still speaks unmistakably of Caol Ila, with maritime character, refined peat smoke and a salty coastal edge.
The finish in a single Barbados rum cask adds layers of tropical fruit and gentle sweetness without pushing the distillery style into the background. That is what makes this release engaging: the rum cask influence brings warmth and fruit, while the Islay side keeps its shape.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Douglas Laing Old Particular stands out for drinkers who enjoy Caol Ila but are curious to see it from a slightly different angle. Drawn (…)Cardhu 16y Sr 2022
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Cardhu 16y Sr 2022
In stock
Cardhu 16y Sr 2022 shows this Speyside single malt in a more powerful and mature setting. Its 16 years of age, rum finish and cask strength presentation at 58% give the whisky a more direct presence than a standard-strength release.
The appeal here lies in the way several details come together: an established Scottish single malt, extra maturation character from the rum finish, and a bottling strength that keeps the whisky closer to its cask-driven form. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Cardhu release we like to point out to customers who want to explore the distillery from a bolder angle.
With the last bottles now in circulation, the SR 2022 edition also carries the quiet attraction of a release that will not remain widely available forever. Its (…)Chivas Extra 13y Rum Cask 1l Incl. Box
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Chivas Extra 13y Rum Cask 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Chivas Extra 13y Rum Cask 1l is a Scottish blended whisky that brings the familiar Chivas Regal name together with a rum cask finish. The 13-year age statement gives the bottling a clear point of maturity, while the finish adds a different angle compared with a more straightforward blend.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would present this as a Chivas for drinkers who enjoy blended Scotch with a gentle twist rather than peat, salt or heavy oak. The flavour direction points towards light fruit, a floral touch and mild spice, keeping the emphasis on an approachable blended style with an added cask influence.
The one-litre bottle also gives it a generous presence. It suits those moments when a recognisable Scottish blend is wanted, but with an extra detail in its (…)Cotswolds Hearts Rum Cask Tube Incl.
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Cotswolds Hearts Rum Cask Tube Incl.
In stock
Cotswolds Hearts Rum Cask is a British single malt whisky with a very clear point of focus: the rum cask finish. The name already sets the direction, placing the cask influence at the centre of the conversation rather than surrounding the whisky with unnecessary detail.
At 55.6% alcohol, this is a firmly presented whisky. It is the kind of bottle to take time with, allowing the strength and the rum-finished maturation to define the experience in the glass.
Within the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, Cotswolds Hearts Rum Cask stands out for that straightforward combination of British single malt character, rum cask finishing and a high bottling strength. It is a focused release, built around cask choice and intensity.
No detailed (…)Glen Moray 2006 Depaz
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Glen Moray 2006 Depaz
On request only
Glen Moray 2006 Depaz is a 15-year-old Speyside single malt, distilled on 27 November 2006 and finished in rum casks. That rum finish gives this Glen Moray a distinct angle, while the whisky remains rooted in its Scottish Speyside origin.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottling stands out because it brings together age, a clear cask direction and a limited run of 1788 bottles. The appeal is not just in the number of bottles, but in the way the whisky's profile is shaped around wood and spice, with lighter floral and fruity accents in support.
Bottled at 46.3%, it has enough strength to present its character clearly. It is the kind of Glen Moray that draws attention from drinkers who enjoy Speyside single malt but are curious about a version with a different (…)Glenfiddich 12y Rum Cask 1l Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 12y Rum Cask 1l Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich 12y Rum Cask 1l takes a Speyside single malt with a 12-year age statement and frames it through a rum cask finish. That cask detail is the point of distinction here, giving this edition a different angle from a more classic expression of the style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottle in front of someone who knows Glenfiddich but wants to explore a variation built around cask influence. It remains a Scottish single malt from Speyside, yet the Rum Cask name clearly signals the feature that sets it apart.
The 43% strength and one-litre format give it a generous, approachable presentation, while the rum finish adds a specific identity that makes it worth considering alongside other Speyside whiskies.
The tasting (…)Glenfiddich 21y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 21y Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Glenfiddich 21y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland built around maturity and a rum cask finish. The 21-year age statement gives it a composed, developed feel, while the rum finish adds an extra layer to the whisky's identity without moving it away from its single malt foundation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for drinkers who appreciate a polished Speyside style with a clear spicy accent, supported by lighter touches of wood, fruit and floral character. It is not a peated whisky; its appeal sits more in refinement, ageing and a rounded style.
Bottled at 40%, it remains moderate in strength, yet the combination of long maturation and rum finishing gives it a distinctive place among Speyside single malts. Additional information (…)Glenfiddich Fire & Cane Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Fire & Cane Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich Fire & Cane is a Speyside single malt built around contrast. The name points towards that meeting of a gentle smoky element and a rum cask finish, rather than a whisky driven by heavy peat or pronounced oak. Bottled at 43% and without an age statement, it places clear emphasis on fruit and spice, with lighter wood, saline and peated touches in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glenfiddich we would introduce to someone curious to see a different side of the distillery's single malt style. The rum finish gives it a distinctive direction, while the subtle smoky and savoury accents add extra definition without taking over the whisky.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.glenfiddich.com/
Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
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Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
In stock
Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky shaped by a rum cask finish. That finishing choice gives this Glenlivet a different angle: still within a gentle single malt setting, but with a softer, lightly spiced and fruit-led direction rather than smoke or coastal saltiness.
There is no age statement driving the story here. The focus is on the style of maturation and the way the rum finish frames the whisky. At 40% alcohol, it stays approachable in strength, with floral, fruity, woody and spicy notes all present in a restrained way.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone interested in Speyside single malt with a warmer cask influence, without moving (…)Invergordon 1988 35y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Invergordon 1988 35y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
On request only
Invergordon 1988 35y is a Highland single grain Scotch whisky with real maturity behind it. Distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2023 by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers range, it presents grain whisky in a calm, well-developed form shaped by 35 years of ageing.
The limited nature of the bottling is part of its appeal. This is a single cask release finished in rum cask, with only 273 bottles drawn from that cask. As these are the last bottles, it feels less like a regular whisky and more like a specific glimpse into one individual cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that gives grain whisky a strong voice of its own. The rum finish brings out vanilla, light toffee, coconut, dark rum notes and ripe fruit, while the underlying (…)Irish Single Malt 2017 8y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Irish Single Malt 2017 8y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
On request only
Daily Dram Irish Single Malt 2017 8y is a compact, characterful Irish whiskey release selected by The Nectar. It comes from a single cask, received a finish in a Martinique rum cask and was bottled at cask strength, 53.1%. That combination gives the whiskey a more intense voice while keeping the focus firmly on fruit, sweetness and spice.
The rum cask influence is central to its identity. Rather than sitting quietly in the background, it brings out a tropical side with ripe banana, vanilla and richer sweet notes, supported by a lightly spicy edge. At eight years old, it still feels lively and fruit-led, but with enough depth to make the cask choice matter.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this sit in the more discovery-driven corner of the whiskey (…)Jura Rum Finish Tube Incl.
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Jura Rum Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Jura Rum Finish shows a fruit-led side of Scottish single malt from the island of Jura. The rum cask finish gives it a distinct direction, placing the emphasis on a more fruity style rather than peat, smoke or coastal salinity.
With no age statement, the focus is less on maturation age and more on the way the cask finish shapes the whisky's personality. The supplied flavour profile points to clear fruitiness, supported by lighter floral, woody and spicy touches.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a useful Jura expression for customers looking for an unpeated single malt with a rum-finished twist and a gentle, approachable flavour structure.
More information about Jura can be found at https://www.jurawhisky.com/
Fruit is the (…)
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.
