Whisky
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Auchroisk 2007 15y (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
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Auchroisk 2007 15y (Douglas Laing Old Particular) Tube Incl.
Only 3 left in stock!
Auchroisk 2007 15y is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, one period of maturation, and a small outturn. Distilled in March 2007 and bottled in June 2022, it was selected by Douglas Laing for the Old Particular range, giving a clear snapshot of this whisky after 15 years in cask.
Maturation took place in a refill hogshead, bringing a wood influence that is present without taking over the whisky's own voice. At 48.4% ABV it has enough strength to carry its flavour, while the age gives it a composed, mature feel.
With only 320 bottles released, this is a naturally limited bottling rather than a standard expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a fine choice for those who enjoy Speyside single cask whisky with a clearly (…)Aultmore 2007 14y Spe (The Whisky Agency)
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Aultmore 2007 14y Spe (The Whisky Agency)
In stock
Aultmore 2007 14y Spe is a Speyside single malt with a very specific identity. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022 after 14 years of maturation, it comes from a single cask rather than a broad, blended-together batch.
The Fino Sherry cask is an important part of its personality, and the whisky has been bottled at cask strength, 52.7%. That keeps the presentation close to the cask itself, with less smoothing-out than a standard-strength release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who enjoy discovering a more individual side of Scotch single malt. With the final bottles now remaining, it also has the appeal of a release that will not simply keep coming back in the same form.
The flavour (…)Blended Malt 8y (The Whisky Agency)
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Blended Malt 8y (The Whisky Agency)
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Unbd Blended Malt 8y is a Scottish blended malt with a very specific identity. It was distilled in 2007, bottled in 2015 and drawn from a single refill sherry cask, then released at cask strength at 50.7%.
Only 264 bottles were filled, so this is not a whisky built around broad availability or a permanent house style. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are especially interesting because they show a compact, clearly defined snapshot of maturation rather than a standard ongoing bottling.
The refill sherry cask gives the maturation its setting, while the available profile points to a relatively even spread of light floral, fruity, spicy and woody accents. Peat and salinity are not presented as defining features here, keeping the focus on a more (…)Braeckman Single Grain 2007 Oloroso 13y 50cl
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Braeckman Single Grain 2007 Oloroso 13y 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Single Grain 2007 Oloroso 13y is a Belgian grain whisky with a clearly defined origin: distilled in 2007, matured for 13 years and bottled in 2021 from a single cask. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one particular cask at one particular point in time.
The Oloroso finish is the key element in its maturation story. The supplied flavour profile points to a whisky where spice has the main voice, supported by lighter fruity, floral and woody tones. Bottled at cask strength, 60.2%, it keeps close to the intensity of the cask.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this Braeckman is a fine example of how Belgian single grain whisky can be presented with focus and individuality. With 796 bottles released and only the last bottles remaining, it (…)Bruichladdich 2007 13y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Bruichladdich 2007 13y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Bruichladdich 2007 13y is the kind of Islay single malt where the details matter because they all point to one specific cask. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2021, it spent 13 years in a bourbon barrel before being released as a single cask bottling.
Watt Whisky, bottled by Campbeltown Whisky Company, presented it at cask strength: 57.1%. With only 254 bottles drawn from that one barrel, this is not a broad house-style release, but a focused snapshot of one maturation.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for their directness. The Islay origin, pronounced peat influence, salty profile and limited outturn give this Bruichladdich a clear identity among independent single malt releases.
The supplied flavour profile points (…)Craigellachie 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Craigellachie 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Craigellachie 2007 15y Tb is a Speyside single malt built around a very specific idea: one cask, fifteen years of maturation and bottling at cask strength. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023, it captures the character of a single refill hogshead rather than presenting a broad, standardised house style.
Only 213 bottles were drawn from the cask, so the appeal lies partly in its scale. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are interesting because they let whisky drinkers explore a more individual side of a distillery, with the natural strength of 51.6% left intact.
The refill hogshead maturation points towards a whisky where wood influence is clearly present, supported by lighter spicy, fruity and floral accents according to the supplied profile. (…)Craigellachie 2007 18y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Craigellachie 2007 18y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Craigellachie 2007 18y is a Speyside single malt with a clear identity of its own. Craigellachie is known for a powerful, lightly sulphury style, and that firmness matters here: it gives the whisky the structure to carry a long and expressive cask finish.
Distilled on 23 October 2007, this single cask spent six years finishing in a Premier Cru Bordeaux barrique. That is far more than a brief finishing touch; it is a defining part of the whisky's character. The red fruit and elegant wine influence in the tasting notes sit naturally with that Bordeaux maturation, while the Craigellachie character remains present underneath.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent bottling we like to point out to customers who enjoy a whisky with a real cask (…)Dailuaine 2007 15y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Dailuaine 2007 15y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Dailuaine 2007 15y is a Speyside single malt with a very focused identity: distilled in 2007, matured for 15 years and bottled in 2022 from a single hogshead. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this release captures one individual cask and the character it developed over time.
It was bottled by Campbeltown Whisky Company as part of the Watt Whisky range, at a cask strength of 56.2%. That gives the whisky a more direct and concentrated presentation, with no reduction to a softer standard strength. Only 279 bottles were drawn, and the remaining availability is now down to the last bottles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued because they let customers explore Speyside through a more individual lens. The appeal lies in the (…)English Whisky Chapter 6
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English Whisky Chapter 6
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English Whisky Chapter 6 is a single malt from Great Britain, bottled at 46% and drawn from a single bourbon cask. Distilled in February 2007 and bottled in February 2010, it shows the whisky at three years of age: clear in style, compact in scope, and not presented as a heavily wood-driven maturation.
The appeal here lies in the precision of the bottling. One cask gives a very specific view of The English Whisky Co., rather than the broader character of a larger vatting. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see bottles like this as interesting references for drinkers who enjoy discovering a whisky through a clearly defined release.
With the last bottles now indicated, this Chapter 6 has become a finite snapshot. Once this single cask is gone, the same composition (…)English Whisky Chapter 6 20cl
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English Whisky Chapter 6 20cl
In stock
English Whisky Chapter 6 is a young single malt from The English Whisky Co., bottled at 46% and drawn from a single bourbon cask. Distilled in February 2007 and bottled in February 2010, it captures a clearly defined three-year stage in this English whisky's development.
The 20cl format makes it a particularly inviting bottle for discovery, while the single cask origin gives it a more specific identity than a broader vatting. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are interesting because they let you explore one particular cask rather than a general house style.
With only the last bottles remaining, Chapter 6 also has the feel of a release that belongs to a specific moment. Its flavour direction is light and measured, with gentle floral, fruity and (…)Fettercairn 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Fettercairn 2007 14y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Fettercairn 2007 14y Tb is a Highland single malt from Scotland with a very specific point of view. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022 after 14 years of maturation, it comes from a single cask, so the focus is not on a broad house style but on one particular cask and the way it developed over time.
Bottled at cask strength, at 55.1%, it keeps a direct and undiluted presence. In the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy seeing a single malt without the smoothing effect of a standard bottling strength.
The fact that only the last bottles remain adds to its appeal in a very straightforward way. A single cask is finite by nature: once these bottles are gone, this exact version of Fettercairn (…)Flavours Smoky 11y (The Whisky Agency - The Whisky Agency Flavours)
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Flavours Smoky 11y (The Whisky Agency - The Whisky Agency Flavours)
In stock
Flavours Smoky 11y is a Scottish single malt from The Whisky Agency's Flavours series, built around a clearly smoky personality. The name is quite direct: this is a whisky where peat smoke takes the lead, while lighter touches of fruit, spice, wood and salinity remain in the background.
Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2018, it spent 11 years maturing in a hogshead. As a single cask release bottled at cask strength at 48%, it presents one particular cask rather than a blended house style, giving the whisky a more individual feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits naturally among the more characterful independent bottlings for drinkers who enjoy smoky single malt with a limited-release edge. With the last bottles remaining, it is very much a specific (…)Glen Elgin 2007 15y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
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Glen Elgin 2007 15y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers)
On request only
Glen Elgin 2007 15y Awwif is a Speyside single malt bottled by Alistair Walker under the Infrequent Flyers label. That name says a lot about the thinking behind the series: Walker looks for casks that do not appear all the time, often from less familiar distilleries, and selects them for their quality rather than their fame.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that gives a good reason to talk about Glen Elgin in more detail. The distillery is relatively small compared with some of its Speyside neighbours, and it is among the few still using worm tubs with copper pipes to cool the alcohol vapours after distillation. That production detail adds real identity to the distillery's story.
This release was distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2022 at 15 (…)Glen Elgin 2007 18y #3800321 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Glen Elgin 2007 18y #3800321 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Glen Elgin is presented here as one of Speyside's quieter names, the kind of distillery many drinkers do not encounter as a standalone single malt very often. The supplied background notes that its whisky is usually destined for blends, so this release gives the distillate a much clearer stage of its own.
Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2025, this 18-year-old Glen Elgin was selected by Berry Bros for Berry's Exceptional Casks. It comes from a single cask, bottled at cask strength at 57.4%, with only 162 bottles released. The Moscatel finish brings the sweet Spanish wine influence into the picture, with the product information pointing to apricot jam and orange blossom rather than an overdone sweetness.
Berry Bros. & Rudd is described in the background (…)Glen Moray 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
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Glen Moray 2007 15y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Glen Moray 2007 15y Tb is a Speyside single malt built around the personality of one individual cask. It was distilled on 23 November 2007 and bottled in January 2023 after 15 years of maturation in a bourbon barrel.
As a single cask release, it presents a narrow, specific snapshot rather than a broad house-style composition. Bottled at cask strength at 50.7%, and drawn from an outturn of just 213 bottles, it has the appeal of a whisky that can only exist in this particular form.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are valued for that sense of precision: one distillery, one cask, one limited batch. With the last bottles now in view, the scarcity becomes part of the story, but the main interest remains the chance to taste Glen Moray through a very (…)Glenallachie 2007 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
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Glenallachie 2007 14y (Wemyss Single Cask)
In stock
Glenallachie 2007 14y is a Speyside single malt with a very clear sense of origin: distilled in 2007, matured for 14 years and bottled in 2022 by Wemyss as part of the Wemyss Single Cask range. Rather than being a composition of several casks, it comes from one refill bourbon cask, yielding 745 bottles. With the last bottles now available, its appeal is also tied to that limited single-cask nature.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we place in front of people who enjoy a more focused cask selection. The refill bourbon maturation and the flavour profile suggest a whisky where fruit and spice take the lead, while oak and floral notes remain in a lighter supporting role. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character without moving into a (…)Glengoyne 2007 16y (Asta Morris)
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Glengoyne 2007 16y (Asta Morris)
On request only
Glengoyne 2007 16y is a Highland single malt shaped by one individual sherry-matured cask. Distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023, it spent 16 years maturing before being released in a run of just 249 bottles. That gives it the feel of a precise cask selection rather than a broad, repeatable house expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they give whisky drinkers something very specific to explore: a defined vintage, a clear age, sherry maturation and a firm 52.5% strength. The interest lies in that direct cask-driven character, where the whisky is tied closely to the individual vessel from which it came.
With only the last bottles remaining, the limited nature of this release becomes part of its appeal. Once a single cask (…)Glenlossie 2007 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Glenlossie 2007 12y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Glenlossie 2007 12y is a Speyside single malt with a very precise identity: distilled on 6 December 2007, matured for 12 years in a bourbon hogshead and bottled on 2 October 2020. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures the character of one individual cask.
The Nectar selected this whisky for its Daily Dram range and bottled it at cask strength, 55%. That choice keeps the presentation closer to the cask, with less dilution than a standard-strength release. Only 272 bottles were drawn, so this is a small-batch whisky in the most literal sense.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Glenlossie sits well among independent Scotch selections for drinkers who enjoy exploring single cask Speyside whisky. The interest here lies in its focus: one bourbon (…)Highland Park Gallia Belgica
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Highland Park Gallia Belgica
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Highland Park Gallia Belgica is a Scottish single malt from Orkney, distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2020 at 12 years of age. As a single cask release bottled at cask strength, 63.5%, it presents Highland Park through the lens of one individual cask rather than a wider house-style expression.
Within the selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out because its appeal lies in precision and scarcity: 621 bottles were released, and these are now the last bottles. It has the feel of a defined, limited chapter for those who enjoy whisky with a clear sense of origin and bottling identity.
The flavour profile places wood, spice and fruit at the centre, supported by lighter salty and peated notes. That gives Gallia Belgica a firm, concentrated presence (…)Inchgower 2007 17y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Inchgower 2007 17y Awwif (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
In stock
Inchgower is one of those Speyside distilleries that tends to sit slightly away from the spotlight, yet it can be very rewarding when an independent bottler captures it from a distinctive angle. This Inchgower 2007 17 Year Old Awwif was distilled on 12 July 2007 and bottled on 1 November 2024 by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series.
The key detail here is the Marsala hogshead finish, lasting 4 years and 7 months within its 17 years of maturation. It gives the whisky an extra sense of sweetness and depth while keeping the elegant, fruity side associated with Inchgower firmly in view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are the kind of independent bottlings we enjoy explaining: one cask, one specific maturation story, and no dilution down (…)Irish Single Malt 2017 8y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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Irish Single Malt 2017 8y (The Nectar - Daily Dram)
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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 (…)Islay 2007 16y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Islay 2007 16y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
This Islay 2007 16 Year Old from Alistair Walker's Infrequent Flyers range is deliberately discreet about its distillery, but far from vague in character. The name points to the essentials: a single malt from Islay, distilled in 2007 and bottled in 2023 after 16 years of maturation, with peat, salt and coastal intensity at its core.
Drawn from a single cask and bottled at cask strength, 54.4%, it represents one very specific slice of maturation rather than a broad house style. Only 305 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now available, it has the feel of a release that is quietly slipping away. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is exactly the kind of bottling we like to place in front of curious whisky drinkers: recognisably Islay, yet not defined by a distillery (…)Islay 2007 18y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
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Islay 2007 18y (Alistair Walker - Infrequent Flyers) Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
Islay 2007 18y comes with a deliberate sense of mystery: the distillery is undisclosed, yet the Islay identity is unmistakably part of the story. This 18-year-old single malt was bottled by Alistair Walker for the Infrequent Flyers series, a setting that suits a whisky built around individuality rather than broad house style.
More than five years of finishing in an Oloroso puncheon gives the whisky a darker, richer frame around its peated Islay core. The smoke remains central, but it is joined by dark fruit, spice and sherried depth. At 53.7% cask strength, it keeps a firm, direct presence in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottling we like to highlight for customers who enjoy the detail behind an independent release. One single cask, (…)Islay 2007 18y #10004 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Islay 2007 18y #10004 (Berry Bros - Berry's Exceptional Casks)
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Islay 2007 18y #10004 is a single malt with a clear island signature: smoke, peat, salt and a lightly medicinal edge that immediately points towards Islay. With the distillery left undisclosed, the focus shifts to the whisky itself and to the influence of the cask.
Berry Bros. & Rudd bottled this as a single cask at cask strength after 18 years of maturation, with 673 bottles released. The Pedro Ximénez cask adds a darker, sweeter layer to the robust Islay core, bringing dates and chocolate alongside maritime smoke and peat. It does not turn the whisky into something overly sweet; instead, the PX element gives weight and contrast to the smoky, salty character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to present when someone is (…)
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.
