Whisky
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Arran Amarone Finish Tube Incl.
67
Arran Amarone Finish Tube Incl.
| 1 review
In stockArran Amarone Finish is a Scottish single malt from the Isle of Arran with a clear focus on cask influence. It first matures in traditional oak casks before being finished in carefully selected Amarone wine casks, giving the whisky a more expressive, fruit-led and oak-framed personality.
Bottled at 50%, it has real presence in the glass. The whisky is presented without chill filtration and without artificial colouring, keeping the style close to its natural form.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Arran we like to introduce when someone is looking for a single malt where the wine cask finish genuinely shapes the experience. The Amarone casks add depth around the malt rather than simply acting as a finishing touch.
Additional (…)Starward Nova Incl. Box
74
Starward Nova Incl. Box
| 1 review
In stockStarward Nova is an Australian single malt with a distinctly contemporary point of view. Rather than leaning on a heavily traditional whisky framework, it draws much of its identity from wine maturation, giving it a different angle within the single malt category.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Nova as a good example of how Australian whisky can bring its own voice to the shelf. Its profile is led by spice, supported by gentler fruity, floral and woody notes. Peat smoke is not part of the indicated profile, so the focus stays firmly on the spiced and wine-matured side of the whisky.
Bottled at 41%, Starward Nova remains approachable in strength while still offering a clear sense of style and origin. Additional information can be found at (…)Maredsous Pure Malt 50cl
47360° view available
Maredsous Pure Malt 50cl
In stock
Maredsous Pure Malt is a Belgian whisky with a clear wine-finished signature. That wine influence brings a fresh, gently sweet edge to the malt, sitting alongside vanilla, raisins and the natural sweetness of malted barley.
At 47% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry its flavours with clarity, while staying away from smoke-driven intensity. The profile points more towards floral notes, soft spice, modest oak and a touch of fruit, with the wine finish adding a distinctive layer.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Belgian whisky we like to introduce to customers who are curious about malt whisky with a vinous accent. Liquorice, tobacco, nutmeg, honey and a delicate white-wine sweetness give it a character that feels different from a more (…)Talisker The Wild Blue 2025
34
Talisker The Wild Blue 2025
Only 3 left in stock!
Talisker The Wild Blue 2025 is built around the sea-soaked identity of Skye, but it adds a distinctive wine-cask dimension to that familiar coastal style. Talisker has stood by the edge of the sea for almost 200 years, shaped by the elements, and this release leans fully into that maritime inspiration.
The key detail is the maturation. The Wild Blue is described as the first Talisker to be matured in old wine casks from the Atlantic coast, with the whisky makers selecting casks from coastal regions of South Africa for an additional 16 months of ageing. That brings deep red-fruit tones into the whisky's smoky, maritime character, giving it the atmosphere of a campfire on a wild shoreline.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Talisker we would (…)Green Spot Leovillle Barton Tube Incl.
6360° view available
Green Spot Leovillle Barton Tube Incl.
Only 3 left in stock!
Green Spot Leovillle Barton is an Irish single pot still whiskey shaped by a wine cask finish, while still keeping its Irish identity at the centre. It first matures in Oloroso sherry casks and bourbon casks, before spending a further 12 to 24 months in French oak casks that previously held wine from Château Léoville-Barton.
That extra maturation gives this Green Spot a more layered feel, with wood, spice and fruit playing an important role. The Barton connection also adds a thoughtful link to the story: Anthony Barton was born in Ireland in 1930, so this whiskey brings together Irish pot still tradition and a French wine influence in a very natural way.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Green Spot for those who want to explore the (…)Whisky Ardent
47
Whisky Ardent
In stock
Whisky Ardent is a Belgian single malt with a calm, straightforward personality. There is no age statement here; the focus is on the whisky's own character and the influence of maturation in a wine cask.
That wine cask element gives Ardent its point of interest, while the overall style remains gentle rather than forceful. The flavour profile points to light touches of fruit, flowers, spice and wood, with no peat smoke shaping the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits well among Belgian whiskies for customers who want to explore a non-peated single malt with a modest cask influence and an approachable 40% strength.
Whisky Ardent shows a light flavour profile, with gentle fruity, floral, spicy and woody accents rather than one dominant (…)Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Incl. Box
21
Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Ledaig Sinclair Series Rioja is a Scottish single malt from Mull with Ledaig's peated side clearly at the centre. The Sinclair Series name and the Rioja wine finish give this release its own angle, placing a wine-influenced layer around the distillery's smoky style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for drinkers who enjoy peat, but also appreciate the smaller details around it. The profile is not driven by oak; instead, the smoke is supported by lighter fruity, spicy, floral and coastal touches.
Bottled at 46.3%, it has enough strength to carry its island character and Rioja finish with clarity. Rather than leaning on an age statement, this Ledaig draws attention to the combination of Mull, peat and wine cask influence.
The (…)Jura Red Wine Finish Tube Incl.
18360° view available
Jura Red Wine Finish Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Jura Red Wine Finish is a Scottish single malt from Jura built around the influence of a wine cask finish. Rather than presenting itself through an age statement, it draws attention to the red wine finish named on the bottle and the way that choice shapes its style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Jura for drinkers who want to explore a wine-finished malt without moving into a peat-led, salty or heavily woody profile. The supplied flavour profile points more clearly toward spice, with lighter fruity and floral touches in support.
At 40% alcohol, it remains straightforward in presentation while keeping the wine finish at the heart of its identity. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.jurawhisky.com/
The (…)Aberfeldy 15y Cadillac Tube Incl.
78
Aberfeldy 15y Cadillac Tube Incl.
In stock
Aberfeldy 15y Cadillac is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky shaped by age and a wine finish. Its 15 years of maturation give it a mature foundation, while the Cadillac finish adds a distinctive angle within the Aberfeldy range.
The character leans clearly towards spice, with fruit, floral notes and wood playing a more supporting role. It is not built around peat or salinity; the focus stays on the interaction between single malt structure and the added layer of the wine finish.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a thoughtful choice for drinkers looking for a Highland single malt with an extra dimension from cask finishing, while remaining grounded in the style of a classic single malt.
The flavour profile is led by spice, with lighter (…)Aberfeldy 18y Napa Valley Tube Incl.
115360° view available
Aberfeldy 18y Napa Valley Tube Incl.
In stock
Aberfeldy 18y Napa Valley is a Highland single malt where age and cask choice shape the conversation. It carries an 18-year age statement and a Wine Finish, with Napa Valley highlighted in the name as the defining influence behind this release.
Rather than moving into a peated or coastal style, the emphasis here sits on spice, supported by lighter touches of fruit, floral notes and gentle wood influence. The wine finish gives the whisky an added layer without turning it into something overly unusual or detached from its Highland single malt identity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a fitting choice for customers looking for a mature Scottish single malt with a clear cask story and a slightly different angle from a more traditional maturation.
Aberfeldy 18y Sangiovese Finish
115360° view available
Aberfeldy 18y Sangiovese Finish
On request only
Aberfeldy 18y Sangiovese Finish brings together mature Highland single malt character and the influence of a wine cask finish. The 18 years of age give it a well-developed base, while the Sangiovese finish adds a distinctive angle to this Aberfeldy release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for drinkers who enjoy Scotch single malt with a clear fruit-and-spice direction rather than smoke. The profile is shaped mainly by fruity and spiced elements, with lighter touches of wood and floral nuance in support.
Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character with confidence. The interest here lies in the meeting of Highland malt maturity and a wine finish, presented in a style where peat does not take the lead.
The (…)Aberfeldy 21y Argentinian Malbec Finish Incl. Box
248360° view available
Aberfeldy 21y Argentinian Malbec Finish Incl. Box
In stock
Aberfeldy 21y Argentinian Malbec Finish is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky aged for 21 years and finished in wine casks. The appeal here lies in the way maturity and cask influence come together: the long ageing brings a clear woody and spicy presence, while the Malbec finish adds a more delicate fruit-led accent.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Aberfeldy we would introduce to someone looking for an older Highland malt with depth rather than smoke. Peat is not the focus here; the profile is built around oak, spice, gentle fruit and a light floral edge. Bottled at 46%, it has enough structure to carry that character without feeling overstated.
For drinkers who enjoy mature single malt with a wine cask dimension, this 21-year-old Argentinian (…)Amahagan N°2 Red Wine Finish
95
Amahagan N°2 Red Wine Finish
In stock
Amahagan N°2 Red Wine Finish is a Japanese blended malt with the red wine finish placed at the centre of its identity. Rather than leaning on an age statement, it presents itself through cask influence, style and the way the malt whisky interacts with that wine-led finish.
Bottled at 47%, it has enough strength to carry its more pronounced spicy side, while fruit, floral notes and wood sit in a lighter supporting role according to the supplied profile. Peat and salinity are not part of the picture here, so the focus stays firmly on spice and the red wine cask direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone exploring Japanese blended malt through a cask-finished lens. With the last bottles indicated, it is also (…)Auchentoshan 13y 48,4 (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
LAST PIECES103
Auchentoshan 13y 48,4 (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
Very last one in stock!
Auchentoshan 13 Year Old from Douglas Laing's Old Particular Wine Cask Collection is a single cask Lowland single malt shaped by a carefully selected wine cask finish. Distilled in 2013 and bottled in 2026 at 48.4%, it sits in a series built around the meeting point between Scotch whisky tradition and the extra dimension that wine casks can bring.
The appeal here is very much in the individuality of the release. This is not a broad, ongoing expression, but whisky from one specific cask, with only 266 bottles drawn from it. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are always interesting to talk about because they give a clear sense of place, time and cask influence in one bottle.
The tasting profile points towards ripe red fruit, soft confectionery notes, (…)Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc Incl. Box
LAST PIECES39360° view available
Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Auchentoshan Sauvignon Blanc is a Scottish Lowland single malt shaped by a wine finish, with the Sauvignon Blanc reference giving the whisky its main point of interest. Rather than focusing on an age statement, this release is presented through its finishing style and the aromatic direction that comes with it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this bottling among single malts where the floral side of the profile matters most. The supplied flavour profile points clearly towards flowers, with lighter touches of wood, spice and fruit sitting behind it. Peat and salt are not part of the stated profile, so the focus stays on a gentler, wine-influenced expression of single malt.
Bottled at 47%, it has a little extra strength compared with many standard (…)Balvenie 21y The 2nd Red Rose
LAST PIECES150
Balvenie 21y The 2nd Red Rose
Only 3 left in stock!
Balvenie 21y The 2nd Red Rose is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky with 21 years of maturation and a wine-matured character at the centre of its identity. Even before tasting it, the name sets it apart from a standard age-stated release: this is a Balvenie with its own particular place in the range.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for those moments when you want maturity, fruit and spice to speak more clearly than smoke or maritime notes. The wine maturation adds an extra angle to the Speyside character, while the lighter wood and floral elements remain in a supporting role.
Bottled at 48.1%, it has enough strength to carry its profile with confidence. With its 21-year age statement and the fact that only the last bottles remain, it is (…)Ben Nevis 2011 13y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
LAST PIECES120
Ben Nevis 2011 13y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
On request only
Ben Nevis 2011 13y is a Highland single malt shaped by Alistair Walker's taste for less conventional maturation. In his Infrequent Flyers series, Walker selects rare casks and experiments with bold finishes, and this release follows that approach closely. The cask influence comes from Recioto, an Italian dessert wine, described in the supplied information as one of the house specialities.
The finish lasted four years, so the wine cask has had real time to leave its mark. Rather than presenting a simple layer of sweetness, the whisky leans into a strong wood presence, supported by spice and a more restrained fruitiness. That combination gives this Ben Nevis a firm, mature feel while keeping the wine character clearly part of the conversation.
At Drankenshop (…)Ben Nevis 2012 10y Incl. Box
298
Ben Nevis 2012 10y Incl. Box
In stock
Ben Nevis 2012 10y is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity. Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2023, it spent 10 years in a single wine cask before being released in a small outturn of 268 bottles. Rather than a broad house style, this is a snapshot of one individual cask.
Bottled at cask strength, 59.3%, it keeps a direct and powerful presentation. The wine cask gives the whisky an extra point of interest, while the flavour profile points towards floral notes, wood influence and spice, with fruit playing a lighter supporting role. There is no peated character indicated here, so the emphasis stays on cask, structure and Highland malt rather than smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits naturally among the more limited single malt selections: (…)Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw (Signatory - Unchill Filtered) Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES109
Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw (Signatory - Unchill Filtered) Tube Incl.
On request only
Ben Nevis 2016 5y Sv Lmdw is a young Highland single malt with a very specific identity: distilled on 7 June 2016, bottled on 1 September 2021, and released by Signatory as part of the Unchill Filtered range.
The whisky comes from a single wine-matured cask, giving this 5-year-old Ben Nevis a focused cask-led story rather than the feel of a broad standard release. With only 391 bottles produced, it captures one particular parcel of spirit at one particular point in its development.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that rewards curiosity: a limited single cask Highland malt at 46%, with the added interest that these are now the last bottles available.
Based on the supplied flavour profile, this Ben Nevis places the (…)Benriach 1992 30y #7312 Incl. Box
350
Benriach 1992 30y #7312 Incl. Box
In stock
Benriach 1992 30y #7312 is a Speyside single malt where the individual cask really carries the story. Distilled on 19 June 1992 and bottled in January 2023 after 30 years of maturation, it comes from one single cask: cask #7312, an ex-Burgundy barrel that produced just 226 bottles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out because of the way age, single cask character and cask strength come together. Bottled at 51.9%, it keeps the voice of that particular cask intact rather than presenting a more standardised version of Benriach.
With the last bottles now in view, the limited nature of this whisky becomes part of its appeal. It is a precise snapshot of three decades in one wine barrel, with fruit, oak and spice forming the core of its character.
Benrinnes 11y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
LAST PIECES103
Benrinnes 11y (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
Very last one in stock!
Benrinnes 11y is a Speyside single malt bottled by Douglas Laing as part of the Old Particular Wine Cask Collection. The series focuses on single cask Scotch whiskies lifted by the influence of carefully selected wine casks, and this release captures one particular cask at 11 years of age.
Only 361 bottles were drawn from this cask, giving the whisky a clearly limited character. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are interesting because they do not try to represent a broad house style; they show a defined moment where Benrinnes spirit, maturation and cask influence meet.
Bottled at 48.4%, it has enough strength to carry its fruit, sweetness and gentle spice without feeling driven by alcohol alone. For drinkers exploring limited Speyside single (…)Benrinnes 2011 15y (Berry Bros For Kirsch And The Nectar)
LAST PIECES114
Benrinnes 2011 15y (Berry Bros For Kirsch And The Nectar)
On request only
Benrinnes is one of those Speyside names that does not appear as a single malt all that often, and that already gives this 2011 release a certain pull. The product information also points to the distillery's partial triple distillation, described here as giving the whisky unusual weight and richness.
At 15 years old, this bottling was finished in a Pomerol Hogshead and bottled at cask strength, 54.6%. The wine influence is not just a background detail; it helps shape the darker fruit, the structure and the depth that define the whisky's personality.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that adds real interest to a selection of Scottish single malts: a single cask release of only 256 bottles, bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd together with The (…)Big Peat Winter Edition 2026 (Douglas Laing)
NEW80
Big Peat Winter Edition 2026 (Douglas Laing)
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 01/11/2026Big Peat Winter Edition 2026 shows this well-known Islay blended malt in a richer, more winter-minded style. The familiar Big Peat signature is still there: maritime smoke, peat and soft malt remain at the centre of the whisky.
After 10 years of maturation, this edition spent a further 16 months in carefully selected French red wine casks. That finish adds depth, warmth and maturity, bringing darker fruit and a more indulgent edge without taking away the coastal Islay smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Big Peat we would point out to someone who enjoys the classic smoky style but wants a fuller interpretation. Bottled at 48%, it carries its peat smoke well, while the wine cask influence brings forest berries, black cherry, ripe plum, vanilla, (…)Blair Athol 2008 13y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
LAST PIECES105360° view available
Blair Athol 2008 13y Ww (Campbeltown Whisky Company)
Very last one in stock!
Blair Athol 2008 13y Ww is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity: drawn from a single cask, bottled at cask strength and given a wine cask finish. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the development of one particular cask.
Distilled in 2008 and bottled in August 2022, it spent 13 years maturing before being released at 56.7% ABV. That strength keeps the whisky close to its cask character, with a firm and direct presentation. The wine finish adds an extra layer to the maturation story, although no specific wine-derived aromas are listed in the available information.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we place this bottling among the more distinctive single cask releases: a Blair Athol with a clearly spiced profile, supported by lighter (…)
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.
