Whisky
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
John Crabbie Single Malt
29
John Crabbie Single Malt
In stock
John Crabbie Single Malt carries forward John Crabbie's whisky legacy with a Scotch single malt from the Bonnington distillery in Leith, in the Lowland region. Bottled at 40%, it comes without an age statement, placing the focus firmly on its style and cask influence.
The defining feature here is maturation in 100% virgin oak casks. That gives the whisky a clear wood-led personality, with spice and tannic grip playing an important role. It is not presented as a smoky malt; its identity sits more in sweet oak, structure and a firm spicy edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Lowland single malt for drinkers who want a straightforward Scotch with visible cask character and a confident oak presence, without moving into peated territory.
John Crabbie Single Malt (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
DAMAGED29
John Crabbie Single Malt (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
In stock
John Crabbie Single Malt carries forward John Crabbie's whisky legacy with a Scotch single malt from the Bonnington distillery in Leith, in the Lowland region. Bottled at 40%, it comes without an age statement, placing the focus firmly on its style and cask influence.
The defining feature here is maturation in 100% virgin oak casks. That gives the whisky a clear wood-led personality, with spice and tannic grip playing an important role. It is not presented as a smoky malt; its identity sits more in sweet oak, structure and a firm spicy edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Lowland single malt for drinkers who want a straightforward Scotch with visible cask character and a confident oak presence, without moving into peated territory.
Your benefit: € 3,90 / 15%
Scapegrace Fortuna VI Incl. Box
64
Scapegrace Fortuna VI Incl. Box
In stock
Scapegrace Fortuna VI is a New Zealand single malt whisky from Scapegrace's second limited release. It is 3 years old and made with New Zealand Laureate grain, giving this bottling a clear link to its origin rather than feeling like a generic young single malt.
Its maturation in small 100-litre French virgin oak casks gives Fortuna VI a distinct direction. Spice is the leading thread, with a measured touch of wood around it. Scapegrace also points out that this release differs noticeably from Fortitude, even though the age and cask choice are broadly comparable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for curious whisky drinkers who enjoy exploring newer whisky regions without moving into a peated style. With a limited outturn of just over ten (…)Amrut 2016 8y Virgin Oak Incl. Box
LAST PIECES189360° view available
Amrut 2016 8y Virgin Oak Incl. Box
In stock
Amrut 2016 8y Virgin Oak is an Indian single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, eight years of maturation and bottled at cask strength. Distilled in April 2016 and bottled in July 2024, it carries its strength naturally at 60% ABV.
The Virgin Oak cask gives the whisky a clear wood-driven presence, supported by pronounced spice and fruit. A lighter floral side sits in the background, adding a little lift without taking away from the firm, direct nature of the single cask style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Amrut release we see as a precise snapshot rather than a broad house style. Only 102 bottles came from this cask, and with the last bottles now indicated, it is especially relevant for drinkers who enjoy exploring the individual (…)Balvenie 12y Sweet Toast Of American Oak Tube Incl.
69
Balvenie 12y Sweet Toast Of American Oak Tube Incl.
In stock
Balvenie 12y Sweet Toast Of American Oak is a Speyside single malt that places the influence of wood firmly at the centre. Aged for 12 years and bottled at 43%, it carries its direction in the name: American oak, with a sweet toasted emphasis.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Balvenie for drinkers who enjoy exploring how oak shapes a whisky's personality. The virgin oak detail supports that idea, with wood and spice taking the lead while fruit and floral notes play a lighter supporting role.
There is no peat-driven or coastal angle here. The focus is on a Scottish single malt with a clear oak-led Speyside character, making it especially interesting for anyone wanting to discover this American oak side of Balvenie.
Additional (…)Bankhall Cigar Malt
35360° view available
Bankhall Cigar Malt
In stock
Bankhall Cigar Malt is a British single malt built around a very clear purpose: to sit confidently alongside a cigar. Maturation in 100% Virgin American Oak gives it a rich, sweet foundation, while the robust nature of the new oak brings enough weight to stand up to heavier tobacco notes.
What makes this Bankhall particularly interesting is the way it combines that oak-driven strength with a softer side. Buttery, sweet and creamy tones help cut through the earthy impression of cigar smoke, while the 43% ABV keeps the whisky composed and approachable in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of single malt we would point out to someone looking specifically for a cigar malt with spice, oak and a rounded sweetness. With the last bottles now (…)Benriach 1997 23y Batch 17
LAST PIECES350
Benriach 1997 23y Batch 17
In stock
Benriach 1997 23y Batch 17 is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity. Distilled on 7 July 1997 and bottled in 2021 at 23 years of age, it comes from a single cask and is presented at cask strength, 51.6% ABV.
Virgin oak plays an important role here, bringing a clear wood and spice dimension, while the flavour profile points strongly towards fruit. It is a more individual view of Benriach rather than a broad house-style expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this stand out because they capture one specific cask at one specific point in its maturation. With only the last bottles remaining, Batch 17 has become an increasingly scarce example of mature Benriach from Speyside.
Additional information about Benriach can be (…)Benriach 1997 24y Batch 18
LAST PIECES350360° view available
Benriach 1997 24y Batch 18
In stock
Benriach 1997 24y Batch 18 is a Speyside single malt with a very precise identity: distilled on 7 July 1997, matured for 24 years and bottled in 2022 at a natural cask strength of 53.2%.
The appeal here lies in its narrow focus. This is a single cask release from Virgin Oak, limited to 244 bottles, so it represents one individual cask rather than a broad house style. That gives the whisky a more specific, almost snapshot-like quality: one cask, one maturation path, one limited batch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Benriach that speaks to drinkers looking for mature Speyside with clear wood influence, spice and fruit, while peat smoke stays out of the foreground. With the last bottles now remaining, Batch 18 has become an increasingly (…)Benromach Air Dried Incl. Box
65360° view available
Benromach Air Dried Incl. Box
In stock
Benromach Air Dried is a Speyside single malt with a clear focus on virgin oak. That cask choice gives the whisky a more direct wood-and-spice driven personality than a malt shaped only by previously used casks, while still keeping its Scottish Speyside identity at the centre.
Distilled in 2012 and bottled at 46%, it carries no age statement. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Benromach where the cask is not just background information, but an important part of the whisky's voice. Spice is the leading theme, supported by gentle wood, fruit, floral touches and a light peated note.
Air Dried is not presented as a heavily smoky malt or a purely sweet Speyside whisky. Its appeal lies in the way virgin oak, measured peat and Benromach's single malt (…)Benromach Virgin Oak Incl. Box
65360° view available
Benromach Virgin Oak Incl. Box
In stock
Benromach Virgin Oak is a Speyside single malt with a clear focus on oak influence and spice. The name sets the tone: virgin oak gives this 10-year-old whisky a more pronounced wood-driven side, supported by a firm spicy character.
What makes it engaging is the way those stronger elements are joined by lighter fruity and floral notes. There is also a gentle peated touch, but it sits in the background rather than defining the whisky. The result is a Benromach that feels structured and characterful without being all about smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who wants to explore Speyside through a more oak-led, spiced style. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry that character with clarity.
Bowmore 1997 24y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
LAST PIECES350
Bowmore 1997 24y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
Only 2 left in stock!
Bowmore 1997 24y is the kind of Islay single malt where the details really matter. Distilled on 6 June 1997 and bottled on 1 September 2021, it was released by Alistair Walker as part of the Infrequent Flyers series.
Its appeal lies in the fact that it comes from a single cask and was bottled at cask strength, at 48.4%. Rather than presenting a broad house-style batch, this is one particular view of Bowmore after 24 years of maturation, with virgin oak forming an important part of the identity of the release.
Only 252 bottles were filled. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued because they show a familiar distillery from a more individual angle. With the last bottles now available, it remains a limited chance to discover this specific (…)Braeckman Virgin Oak 2022
LAST PIECES60360° view available
Braeckman Virgin Oak 2022
On request only
Braeckman Virgin Oak 2022 presents a clear and focused side of Belgian whisky: a four-year-old grain whisky matured in Virgin Oak. The new oak is at the heart of its identity, bringing a pronounced woody and spicy profile, with lighter fruity and floral touches in support.
Distilled in 2018 and bottled at 46%, it keeps a firm character without moving into cask strength territory. With 2,360 bottles released, this is a defined small-scale bottling, and as these are the last bottles, it holds a notable place in the Drankenshop Broekmans range for customers interested in Belgian whisky releases.
What makes this Braeckman interesting is its straightforward style. There is no peat and no saline edge here; instead, the whisky puts its Virgin Oak maturation clearly (…)Chichibu 2013 Virgin
COLLECTOR350360° view available
Chichibu 2013 Virgin
In stock
Chichibu 2013 Virgin is a Japanese single malt with a very defined sense of place and cask. Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2020, it comes from a single Virgin Oak cask and was released at cask strength, carrying its natural intensity at 50.9% ABV.
The appeal here lies in its focus. This is not a broad vatting designed for consistency across many casks; it is one individual cask, captured in a limited run of 212 bottles. The Virgin Oak element gives the wood an important role in the story, supported by a profile where wood, spice and fruit all stand clearly forward.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for those who follow rare Japanese single malts with a clear cask identity. With only the last bottles remaining and its status as a collector's (…)Glasgow Dis 2016 10y (Adelphi)
114
Glasgow Dis 2016 10y (Adelphi)
In stock
Glasgow Distillery is one of Scotland's younger distilleries, founded in 2014 and already recognised for its modern outlook and strong quality focus. This 10-year-old single malt captures that contemporary spirit in a bold, clearly defined style.
Selected by Adelphi, this release is among the very first independent 10-year-old Glasgow whiskies. At Drankenshop Broekmans, that makes it stand out: a single cask bottling, drawn at cask strength from a Virgin Oak Hogshead. The cask brings depth, spice and a pronounced wood influence, while the distillery character remains elegant and distinct.
Bottled at 58.1%, it is a powerful Lowland single malt rather than a gentle one. With only the last bottles remaining, this is a particularly interesting way to taste an (…)Invergordon 1988 34y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
LAST PIECES202
Invergordon 1988 34y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
On request only
Invergordon 1988 34y is a whisky where the dates already say a great deal. Distilled in February 1988 and bottled in August 2022, this Highland single grain spent 34 years maturing before being released as an individual cask selection.
It was bottled by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series, drawn from a single virgin oak cask and limited to just 255 bottles. Rather than a broad house style, this is about one particular cask and one specific long maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Invergordon stands out for customers who appreciate older independent Scotch whisky with a clearly defined provenance. With only the last bottles remaining, it has the quiet appeal of a release that will not simply be replaced by the next batch.
No (…)Kujira 10y
57360° view available
Kujira 10y
In stock
Kujira 10y is a Japanese grain whisky shaped around maturation and cask influence. After ten years of ageing, the use of virgin oak gives this whisky a clear spicy direction, supported by a gentle touch of wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as an interesting way to approach Japanese whisky from a grain whisky perspective. It is not built around peat smoke, but around spice, restrained oak influence and subtle fruity and floral accents.
Bottled at 43%, Kujira 10y keeps a measured drinking strength while still showing its own identity. The focus is on a composed, spice-led style where the virgin oak maturation helps define the character.
The flavour profile of Kujira 10y is led mainly by spice. Oak is present in a restrained way, with (…)Kujira 5y
36360° view available
Kujira 5y
Temporarily sold out
Kujira 5y is a Japanese grain whisky with a clear and focused identity: five years of maturation, 43% alcohol and ageing in virgin oak. That gives it a defined point of interest without suggesting an overly heavy wood-driven style, as the available profile points to restraint rather than intensity.
Its character sits in a quieter register, with light floral notes, a gentle touch of oak and a modest spiced edge. Fruit, peat and salty accents are not part of the highlighted profile, so the attention stays on the interplay between grain whisky, new oak and subtle seasoning.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Kujira 5y fits the conversation when someone is looking for a Japanese grain whisky with a precise, uncluttered style. It is a bottle to approach calmly, especially (…)Mars 2020 4y Tsunuki Incl. Box
245360° view available
Mars 2020 4y Tsunuki Incl. Box
In stock
Mars 2020 4y Tsunuki is a Japanese single malt with a very focused presentation: one individual cask, bottled at cask strength, rather than shaped into a larger batch. Distilled on 19 May 2020 and bottled on 20 May 2024, it captures a precise four-year period of maturation.
The virgin oak cask gives the whisky a firm framework, yet the available profile points beyond wood alone. Fruit and spice appear as the clearest flavour directions, with lighter floral and woody touches in support. There is no peated or salty side indicated, so the emphasis stays on the vitality of the malt and the direct impact of the cask.
At 60.3% ABV, this Mars Maltage bottling is presented with real strength and immediacy. Only 283 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now (…)Scapegrace Fortitude V
73
Scapegrace Fortitude V
On request only
Scapegrace Fortitude V is a New Zealand single malt with a very deliberate sense of identity. It belongs to Scapegrace's second limited release and focuses on young whisky shaped by distinctive grain and active oak, rather than relying on age as the main story.
The whisky is 3 years old and comes from 100-litre French virgin oak casks. That combination gives the maturation a clear voice, while the flavour profile points more strongly towards fruit and spice than heavy wood. The listed grain type, Manuka Smoked Laureate, adds another point of interest and helps set Fortitude V apart within the single malt category.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place among the more exploratory whiskies in the range. Limited to 8843 bottles and (…)Teeling Single Cask Ppsvirgin Oak
NEW99
Teeling Single Cask Ppsvirgin Oak
Only 2 left in stock!
Teeling Single Cask Ppsvirgin Oak is an Irish pure pot still whiskey built around a very focused idea: one cask, bottled at cask strength, with no attempt to soften its individuality into a standard release. It is a whiskey with a clear sense of place in the bottle, shaped by a single virgin oak cask.
The oak is part of the story, but it does not dominate everything. The profile points to fruit, spice and floral notes as key elements, with the wood sitting more as a supporting influence. At 63.3%, this is a powerful bottling, yet the interest lies just as much in the detail of that individual cask as in the strength itself.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this Teeling stands out as a small-batch release in the truest sense: only 258 bottles (…)Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr 4 Carpathian Virgin Oak Incl. Box
86
Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr 4 Carpathian Virgin Oak Incl. Box
In stock
Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr 4 Carpathian Virgin Oak is an Irish Pure Pot Still whiskey built around the influence of wood. For the fourth release in the Wonders of Wood series, Teeling focuses on virgin oak from the Carpathians, described in the supplied information as a rare oak with a fine grain structure and rich tannins.
The whiskey follows the traditional Single Pot Still style, made from 50% malted barley and 50% unmalted barley, and is triple distilled in Dublin. Full maturation in Virgin Carpathian Oak casks gives this release its own voice within the series: fruit-forward, spicy and gently woody, while keeping the creamy pot still character in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Teeling for drinkers who enjoy discovering how a cask (…)Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr3 Virgin Swedish Oak Incl. Box
95360° view available
Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr3 Virgin Swedish Oak Incl. Box
Only 2 left in stock!
Teeling Wonders Of Wood Series Nr3 Virgin Swedish Oak is an Irish whiskey built around the central idea of the Wonders of Wood range: showing how much character wood can bring when it is treated as more than just a vessel for maturation. The series explores new flavour directions while also supporting replanting, with each release contributing to the planting of one hectare of native Irish trees in Ireland.
For this third edition, Teeling starts with its own Single Pot Still Whiskey, made from 50% malted barley and 50% unmalted barley, triple distilled and fully matured in Virgin Oak casks made from Swedish oak. This rare oak variety, sourced from the Noride region, is described as denser and more robust than other types of oak. In the glass, that wood influence is linked (…)
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:
-
Made from grains
-
Fermented with yeast
-
Distilled to a maximum of ±94.8% alcohol (so that flavour is retained)
-
Matured in wooden casks
-
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.
-
Must be wholly produced and matured in Scotland
-
Aged for at least 3 years in oak casks
-
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.
-
Produced and matured in Ireland
-
Aged for at least 3 years in wooden casks
-
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:
-
At least 51% corn in the grain mix
-
Matured in new charred oak barrels
-
Distilled to a maximum of 80% alcohol
-
In the barrel a maximum of 62.5% alcohol
-
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.
