Whisky
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Drankenshopper Kaartspel
30
Drankenshopper Kaartspel
In stock
Drankenshopper is not a bottle, but a card game built around the atmosphere of a drinks auction. Players bid, negotiate, trade and bluff in the hope of taking home the most impressive collections, while opponents may be quietly working on plans of their own.
One of its strengths is the way the game can be scaled to the group. In the simplest version, you play only with the bottle and money cards, turning it into an easy-going buying and trading game with minimal rules. For a fuller game, the role and chance cards add extra tension and strategy, especially with 4 to 5 players.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits nicely alongside the drinks themselves: a game for adults who enjoy both tabletop play and the world of spirits. The 40 playing cards combine clear (…)Kilchoman Rockside 11y Incl. Box
28
Kilchoman Rockside 11y Incl. Box
In stock
Kilchoman Rockside 11y is an Islay single malt with a very specific sense of place. The barley is grown exclusively on Rockside farm on Islay, and the full production journey, from cultivation to bottling, takes place on site. That gives this whisky its Single Farm Single Malt identity.
Eleven years in bourbon and sherry casks bring together gentle peat smoke, fruit, citrus freshness and spice. With a light peat level of 20 PPM, the smoke stays refined rather than dominant, while bottling at 46%, without chill filtration and without added colouring, keeps the whisky close to its natural character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Kilchoman with a particularly clear story: unmistakably Islay, yet shaped by one farm, one production chain and a (…)Nikka Frontier 50cl Incl. Box
36
Nikka Frontier 50cl Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka Frontier 50cl was created for a meaningful occasion: the 90th anniversary of Nikka. It also pays tribute to founder Masataka Taketsuru, described in the supplied information as the figure behind the Japanese whisky tradition.
The blend is built with a strong malt component, with malt whiskies making up more than 51% of the recipe. Peated malts from the historic Yoichi distillery on Hokkaido play an important role, while grain whiskies from Miyagikyo's Coffey stills bring softness and balance to the composition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Japanese blend we would introduce to someone looking for a whisky with fruit, roundness and a gentle smoky edge. Bottling at 48% alc. and without chill filtration helps preserve the fuller texture and (…)Old Ballantruan 10y Tube Incl.
33
Old Ballantruan 10y Tube Incl.
In stock
Old Ballantruan 10y is a Speyside single malt with a distinctly peated side. It keeps a creamy, malty sweetness at its centre, while the peat smoke adds depth and a firmer edge to the whisky.
Matured for 10 years in carefully selected bourbon casks, it is bottled at 50% vol. and without chill filtration. That gives the whisky enough weight to carry its smoky character without losing the softer malt-driven core. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out when someone wants a Scottish single malt with clear smoke, but still with roundness and sweetness underneath.
The appeal of Old Ballantruan 10y lies in that contrast: creamy malt, gentle spice and a deep, lingering peat note.
The nose is gently spiced, with clear (…)Kentucky Vintage
56
Kentucky Vintage
In stock
Kentucky Vintage is a small batch bourbon from the United States with a firmly classic character. It is built around familiar bourbon notes: caramel, vanilla, oak and a rounded, harmonious palate rather than an overly heavy or exaggerated style.
Maturation in new oak gives it a clear Kentucky-style wood influence, while brown sugar and gentle spice keep the flavour warm and approachable. At 45% ABV, it has enough presence to carry those flavours without losing its balanced feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Kentucky Vintage fits neatly among bourbons for drinkers looking for a traditional small batch style with warmth, structure and a measured oak-driven finish.
The aroma brings forward caramel, vanilla and oak. On the palate it is round and (…)Scapegrace Fortuna VI Incl. Box
64
Scapegrace Fortuna VI Incl. Box
In stock
Scapegrace Fortuna VI is a New Zealand single malt whisky from Scapegrace's second limited release. It is 3 years old and made with New Zealand Laureate grain, giving this bottling a clear link to its origin rather than feeling like a generic young single malt.
Its maturation in small 100-litre French virgin oak casks gives Fortuna VI a distinct direction. Spice is the leading thread, with a measured touch of wood around it. Scapegrace also points out that this release differs noticeably from Fortitude, even though the age and cask choice are broadly comparable.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for curious whisky drinkers who enjoy exploring newer whisky regions without moving into a peated style. With a limited outturn of just over ten (…)Reki Helios
27
Reki Helios
In stock
Reki Helios is a Japanese blended whisky with a profile that clearly leans towards fruit rather than weight or smoke. With no age statement, the focus is less on a specific number of years and more on the style of the blend itself: composed, fruit-led and straightforward to understand in the glass.
American oak adds a gentle wood influence, supported by a light spiced edge. It does not come across from the supplied profile as a heavy or peated whisky; its appeal lies in the cleaner fruity direction, with oak playing a supporting role. At 43% alcohol, it carries a little more presence than the most basic whisky strength while staying approachable in feel.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Reki Helios sits neatly within the Japanese whisky selection for customers (…)Famous Grouse Ruby Port Finish 1l
LAST PIECES2360° view available
Famous Grouse Ruby Port Finish 1l
Very last one in stock!
Famous Grouse Ruby Port Finish 1l takes the familiar Scottish blended whisky style of Famous Grouse and gives it an extra layer through a port cask finish. The Ruby Port Finish points the whisky towards a gently fruit-led direction rather than a heavily woody or spicy one.
There is no age statement here, so the focus sits on the blend itself and on the influence of the finishing cask. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone who already knows Famous Grouse but wants to explore a softer, fruit-accented variation within the same family.
The one-litre format gives it a generous feel, while the fact that these are the last bottles adds a more temporary character to its place on the shelf. It is a variation that will not (…)Aberlour 2008 10y 50cl (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
LAST PIECES71360° view available
Aberlour 2008 10y 50cl (Douglas Laing Old Particular)
On request only
Aberlour 2008 10 Year Old 50cl presents a more individual side of this Speyside single malt. Bottled by Douglas Laing for the Old Particular range, it comes from a single refill hogshead, distilled in December 2008 and bottled in April 2019 after 10 years of maturation.
The attraction here is the very specific nature of the release. A single cask yielded 476 bottles, and with the final bottles now indicated, this is a whisky tied to one particular cask rather than an ongoing expression. At 48.4% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps a direct link to the way the whisky stood in the cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of Aberlour that suits drinkers who enjoy discovering a familiar Speyside name through an independent bottler's selection. (…)Adnams Single Malt N°1
LAST PIECES4
Adnams Single Malt N°1
On request only
Adnams Single Malt N°1 is a British single malt with a distinctly craft-minded identity. It is made entirely from East-Anglian malted barley and matured for more than three years in new French oak casks. Rather than leaning on smoke or heaviness, it places fruit, floral notes and gentle spice at the centre of the experience.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Adnams stands out as a limited artisanal release with a clear sense of place and style. The French oak adds a restrained woody accent, supporting the whisky without taking over. Bottled at 43%, it has enough structure to carry its aromatic side with poise.
With only the last bottles remaining, Single Malt N°1 is especially appealing for anyone looking to explore a less familiar side of British single (…)Amahagan N°1
LAST PIECES93
Amahagan N°1
In stock
Amahagan N°1 is a Japanese blended malt whisky with a deliberately straightforward presentation: no age statement, but a clear focus on style and composition. Bottled at 47%, it has more presence than many everyday-strength whiskies, while the available profile does not point towards peat or heavy wood dominance.
The oak cask element provides the maturation setting, yet the flavour indications lean towards a light interplay of fruit, floral notes and spice. That gives the whisky a more restrained, composed identity rather than a forceful one.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Amahagan N°1 stands out as a Japanese blended malt that has attracted steady interest. With the final bottles now in stock, it is also a release with a naturally limited availability.
Amahagan Yamazakura Wood Finish
91
Amahagan Yamazakura Wood Finish
In stock
Amahagan Yamazakura Wood Finish is a Japanese blended malt built around its wood finishing rather than an age statement. The Yamazakura finish gives this whisky its main direction, placing wood and spice at the heart of the experience.
At 47% ABV, it has enough presence to carry that style clearly. The supplied profile points to a whisky where wood and spice are the most noticeable elements, with lighter fruity and floral accents in support, and no peated direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Japanese whisky that draws interest from customers looking for something with a more distinctive cask influence. With only the last bottles remaining, this particular Amahagan release has become a more limited find in the range.
The (…)An Orkney 2012 8y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
LAST PIECES95
An Orkney 2012 8y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
An Orkney 2012 8y is a Scottish single malt from an undisclosed distillery. Rather than leaning on a famous distillery name, this release puts the focus on one individual cask and the specific character it captured.
Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2021, it was released by Campbeltown Whisky Company under the Watt Whisky label. The whisky comes from a single hogshead and was bottled at cask strength, 57.1% ABV. With 392 bottles produced and the last bottles now remaining, it has a naturally limited place in the Drankenshop Broekmans whisky selection.
The flavour profile is led by spice, supported by lighter notes of fruit, wood, floral character, salinity and gentle peat. It is a whisky for drinkers who enjoy exploring cask-specific single malts, especially (…)Ardbeg Monsters Of Smoke 10 Years, An Oa, Wee Beastie 3x20cl
LAST PIECES69360° view available
Ardbeg Monsters Of Smoke 10 Years, An Oa, Wee Beastie 3x20cl
On request only
Ardbeg Monsters of Smoke brings together three Islay single malts in a 3 x 20 cl giftpack: Ardbeg 10 Years, An Oa and Wee Beastie. The title says a lot. This is a compact way to explore the smoky side of Ardbeg, with three different releases placed side by side.
The appeal lies in the comparison. Peat smoke and a salty Islay character form the main thread, while gentle spice, light fruit and a modest touch of wood add some supporting detail. It is not a broad, neutral whisky selection; it is a focused introduction to a clearly smoky Ardbeg style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this kind of set is especially interesting for customers who enjoy tasting with a purpose, sharing a few drams, or giving a whisky gift with a strong identity. As these are the last bottles, (…)Ardlair 2010 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
LAST PIECES116360° view available
Ardlair 2010 11y Tb (Thompson Brothers)
On request only
Ardlair 2010 11y Tb is built around a very clear idea: a Highland single malt drawn from one refill barrel, bottled after 11 years, with only 287 bottles released. Distilled on 13 October 2010 and bottled on 1 July 2022, it captures a specific cask rather than a broad house style.
At 50% and bottled at cask strength, it keeps a direct, small-batch feel. The refill barrel points to a whisky where the cask supports rather than dominates, with the supplied profile placing fruit and spice at the centre and lighter touches of wood and floral character around them.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that adds depth to a specialist whisky selection: limited, cask-specific and now down to the last bottles. It is particularly interesting for (…)Ardmore 2008 10y (Asta Morris)
LAST PIECES32
Ardmore 2008 10y (Asta Morris)
In stock
Ardmore 2008 10y is a Highland single malt with a very focused identity: one cask, one vintage, and a small outturn. Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2019, it spent 10 years maturing in a bourbon barrel.
As a single cask release, it represents a specific selection rather than a broader house blend. Only 272 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, that limited nature becomes part of the appeal.
At 54%, this is bottled at cask strength, keeping the whisky close to its original form from the barrel. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Ardmore as a whisky for those who appreciate a more direct Highland single malt, with fruit and peat forming the main line of character, while wood and spice stay in a supporting role.
The (…)Ardmore 2008 9y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
LAST PIECES85360° view available
Ardmore 2008 9y (Berry Bros - Berry's Own Selection)
On request only
Ardmore 2008 9y is a Highland single malt with a very clear sense of origin. Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2018, it comes from a single refill barrel and was released by Berry Bros as part of Berry's Own Selection. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this bottling focuses on the personality of one individual cask.
Its cask strength of 54.6% gives the whisky a direct, concentrated feel. At the same time, the refill barrel suggests a restrained wood influence, allowing the peated Highland character and lighter supporting notes to remain at the centre.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of independent Scottish single malt we like for its clear cask identity and unpolished presentation. With only the last bottles remaining, it has become a more (…)Ardmore 2009 10y Nectar (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland For The Nectar)
LAST PIECES88360° view available
Ardmore 2009 10y Nectar (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Single Malts Of Scotland For The Nectar)
On request only
Ardmore 2009 10y Nectar is a Highland single malt with a clear independent bottling identity. Distilled in December 2009 and bottled in October 2020 by The Single Malts of Scotland for The Nectar, it captures Ardmore through one focused release rather than a broad house expression.
Its appeal lies in the combination of a single cask, cask strength bottling and a small outturn of 230 bottles. That makes it a very specific snapshot: one cask, ten years of maturation, and a whisky presented with its strength intact at 57.8%.
The Peated Cask brings peat into the foreground, supported by a notably spicy profile. Wood, fruit, floral notes and a light saline edge sit more quietly around that core. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like for its (…)Ardmore 2010 10y Sv Nectar (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES93
Ardmore 2010 10y Sv Nectar (Signatory - Cask Collection) Tube Incl.
On request only
Ardmore 2010 10y SV Nectar is a Highland single malt built around the individuality of one cask. Distilled on 6 May 2010 and bottled on 14 September 2020, it spent 10 years in a bourbon barrel before being released by Signatory as part of the Cask Collection. Rather than presenting a broad house style, this bottle captures one specific cask at one specific point in time.
Only 217 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now in circulation, its limited nature is very clear. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are especially interesting because they show how direct and characterful an independent single cask whisky can be when bottled at cask strength.
At 59.2%, this Ardmore has real presence. The profile leans clearly towards fruit and spice, (…)Ardmore 2014 6y Dlpr
LAST PIECES48360° view available
Ardmore 2014 6y Dlpr
On request only
Ardmore 2014 6y Dlpr is a Scotch whisky from the Highland region, presented in a very specific way: Ardmore, distilled in 2014, aged for six years and bottled at 46%. It is the kind of whisky where the interest lies in the clarity of the selection rather than in a long marketing story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are appreciated for their straightforward identity. The name already gives the whisky a clear frame: a defined vintage, a stated age and a bottling strength that places it above the most basic drinking format.
Availability is now down to the last bottles, and it has drawn noticeable interest from customers. That makes this release feel quite focused: a Highland Ardmore with a concise age statement and a precise bottling (…)Armorik 10y
LAST PIECES59
Armorik 10y
On request only
Armorik 10y is a French single malt with a genuine anniversary background. Armorik released its first single malt in 1999, and this 10-year-old edition was created to mark twenty years of experience, placing the distillery's know-how at the centre of the release.
Its maturation gives the whisky much of its shape. Time in bourbon casks is followed by an oloroso sherry cask finish, bringing extra roundness to a fruit-led style with gentle spice and a light floral accent. There is no peat-driven or heavily woody direction here; the focus sits more naturally on fruit, pastry-like warmth and liveliness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Armorik stands out as a limited release of 2000 bottles, now down to its final bottles. It is a popular French single malt with a (…)Armorik 10y Dervenn 2022
LAST PIECES83360° view available
Armorik 10y Dervenn 2022
On request only
Armorik 10y Dervenn 2022 is a French single malt whisky with ten years of maturation behind it. In the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a bottling that speaks with its own accent rather than leaning on the usual reference points of single malt.
The character is built around wood, spice and floral notes, with fruit playing a quieter supporting role. At 46% alcohol, it has enough presence to carry that structure, while the ten-year age statement gives the whisky a more settled feel.
Interest in this release has been steady, and with the last bottles now remaining, it has become a particularly engaging choice for anyone wanting to explore a specific Armorik edition. It is a French single malt with a clear identity and a sense of (…)Armorik 2013 Single Cask Nectar
LAST PIECES63
Armorik 2013 Single Cask Nectar
On request only
Armorik 2013 Single Cask Nectar is a French single malt with a noticeably fresh identity. The producer's own description points to the sea, wind and rain as part of the whisky's character, giving this release a vivid, brisk style rather than a smoky one.
This was a special selection for The Nectar, drawn from a single cask that previously held American bourbon. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are interesting because they capture one very specific parcel of whisky: distilled in 2013, bottled in 2016, released at cask strength at 48.4%, and limited to 360 bottles.
The bourbon barrel gives structure, while the whisky keeps its fresh and fruit-driven side clearly in view. With only the last bottles remaining, this Armorik feels like a small, clearly (…)Armorik Breizh
LAST PIECES2360° view available
Armorik Breizh
Not available for shipping
Armorik Breizh is a French blended whisky with a clear Breton identity. Warenghem brings together an equal share of grain and malt, then distils it twice in copper stills before maturation in traditional oak casks.
Its character is shaped by Brittany as much as by the recipe. The whisky does not lean into peat or heavy oak; instead, it stays on a gentler path, with cereal notes, soft vanilla, light spice and a subtle touch from the cask.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Armorik Breizh sits comfortably among the French whiskies that offer something different without becoming difficult to approach. Bottled at 42%, and with only the last bottles still available, it is a fine way to discover the Breton side of whisky through a blend that remains calm, fragrant and (…)
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.
