Highland whisky
Please note: stock and availability in our store may vary! More info
Glengoyne White Oak
62
Glengoyne White Oak
In stock
Glengoyne White Oak shows a North American side of Glengoyne's Highland single malt style. The inspiration comes from North America, described as the summer home of the geese that grace the valley each winter, and that idea is reflected in maturation in White Oak bourbon and virgin oak casks.
The whisky is built around fruit, creamy sweetness and a bright citrus lift, with oak shaping the background rather than weighing it down. Notes of key lime pie, honeycomb, toffee apple and delicate citrus give it a lively, flavourful profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Glengoyne that speaks to customers looking for a fruit-driven Highland single malt without peat smoke, yet with enough presence from its 48% bottling strength.
The aroma (…)Glengoyne 10y Incl. Box
19360° view available
Glengoyne 10y Incl. Box
In stock
Glengoyne 10y is a Highland single malt built around clarity rather than weight. It shows a bright golden character, with fresh green apple, toffee and a gentle nutty note giving it an immediate, easy-to-read charm.
Maturation in sherry and bourbon casks adds a rounded sweetness while keeping the whisky clean and malt-driven. The soft touch of oak stays in the background, supporting the fruit and malt rather than taking over.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is one of those approachable Scottish single malts we like to introduce when someone wants freshness, gentle sweetness and a tidy, mellow finish in the glass.
On the nose, Glengoyne 10y starts sweet, with aromas of coffee and popcorn alongside a lightly nutty impression. Fresh green apple (…)Wolfburn Langskip
25360° view available
Wolfburn Langskip
In stock
Wolfburn Langskip is a Highland single malt built around strength without harshness. Bottled at a firm 58%, it has the power one would expect from a higher-strength whisky, yet the supplied product information points to a softer, sweeter and very approachable style rather than an overpowering one.
The whisky is fully matured in bourbon barrels, giving Langskip a clear and focused identity within the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans. It carries no age statement, so the interest here is not in a number on the label, but in the way fruit, sweetness, cask depth and intensity come together in the glass.
Its character is fruit-led, with wood and spice playing a supporting role. That makes it a good bottle to consider when looking for a powerful Wolfburn (…)Glengoyne 12y Incl. Box
22
Glengoyne 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Glengoyne 12y is a Highland single malt with a clear sense of style. It is built around a fine balance between richer depth and bright citrus freshness, rather than smoke or heavy wood influence.
Twelve years in oak casks give it a soft foundation, while the flavour direction remains very recognisable: caramelised apple, ginger, shortbread and a delicate touch of spice. It feels warm and inviting, but with enough freshness to keep the whisky lively.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a dependable choice for anyone looking for a Scottish single malt with character, clarity and an approachable rhythm. The 43% alcohol strength gives it structure without making it feel forceful.
The aroma opens with coconut oil, honey, lemon peel and dried (…)Maclean's Nose
39
Maclean's Nose
In stock
Maclean's Nose is a blended Scotch whisky with a clear west coast Scottish identity. Its make-up gives it real substance: 70% malt whisky, supported by a generous proportion of casks that previously held sherry. It does not come across as a neutral blend, but as a whisky with weight, colour and a distinct point of view.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Maclean's Nose as the kind of blend that deserves a proper introduction. It is bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered and presented at natural colour, choices that help preserve the whisky's original depth and texture.
There is also thought behind the presentation. This limited edition consists of 25,000 bottles, and the label is made from ground barley paper, a by-product of whisky production. It is a small (…)Ardnamurchan The Midgie 2026
62
Ardnamurchan The Midgie 2026
| 1 review
In stockArdnamurchan The Midgie 2026 is the third edition of an annual release that quickly became one of the distillery's most sought-after expressions. Its name refers to the infamous little Scottish midge that accompanies every Highland summer, and that playful reference suits the whisky well: this is a fruitier, slightly sweeter and more light-hearted take on classic Ardnamurchan Single Malt.
For this edition, the port influence has been further refined. Peated and unpeated whisky matured in Ruby and Tawny Port casks is combined with unpeated spirit from bourbon casks. That combination brings red fruit to the front, while smoke and spice remain part of the Ardnamurchan signature without making the whisky feel heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a (…)Glencadam 10y
24360° view available
Glencadam 10y
In stock
Glencadam 10y shows a delicate side of East Highland single malt, built around freshness, fruit and a clean, lively style. It spends 10 years in American bourbon casks and is bottled at 46% without chill filtration, giving it a natural feel without pushing the wood influence too far.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we like to place in front of someone looking for an unpeated Highland malt with clarity rather than weight. Tropical fruit, citrus and soft vanilla shape the character, while gentle spice and a light woody note add quiet structure.
It is not a whisky that relies on smoke or heaviness. Glencadam 10y is more about precision, brightness and approachable fruit, making it a rewarding dram for drinkers who enjoy a clean and elegant (…)Ballechin 10 Years Tube Incl.
26
Ballechin 10 Years Tube Incl.
In stock
Ballechin 10 Years shows a distinctly peated side of Highland single malt. Peat from Speyside and the Highlands can often make a whisky very dry, even slightly bitter, yet here the Edradour distillate carries the smoke remarkably well.
At 50 ppm phenols, this is not a timid peated whisky. The smoke is clear and pronounced, but it is supported by the richer style associated with Edradour and a sweeter malt impression that recalls Islay malt character. It keeps that smoky drive without becoming only about peat.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Ballechin 10 Years is the kind of bottle we like to point out to peat drinkers who want to look beyond the most obvious smoky regions. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to hold its shape, with ripe fruit, peppered mint and (…)Edradour 12y Caledonia Tube Incl.
68360° view available
Edradour 12y Caledonia Tube Incl.
In stock
Edradour 12y Caledonia is a Highland single malt with a clearly defined sherry-matured personality. Aged for 12 years and bottled at 46%, it draws much of its depth from first fill sherry casks, giving it a darker, richer side while still keeping a fresh lift in the glass.
Caledonia also gives this bottle a little extra story. The release is signed by Dougie MacLean, a renowned Scottish singer, adding a distinctly Scottish cultural note to an already characterful Edradour.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for drinkers who enjoy sherry-matured single malt with fruit, wood, chocolate-like depth and gentle spice, rather than peat or coastal saltiness. It is the kind of whisky that rewards a slow glass and a bit of attention.
Glencadam Reserva Tawny Port Finish Tube Incl.
57
Glencadam Reserva Tawny Port Finish Tube Incl.
In stock
Glencadam Reserva Tawny Port Finish is a Highland single malt given an additional finish in tawny port casks. That final maturation brings a darker, fruit-led tone to the whisky, with rich dark fruit and gentle wood notes forming the heart of its character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glencadam for drinkers who enjoy a Scotch single malt with ripe fruit, soft spice and a warmer dessert-like edge, rather than peat or coastal salinity. Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence to carry those flavours without losing its rounded feel.
It is a no-age-statement release where the emphasis is clearly on the tawny port finish and the richer side it brings to the distillery's Highland malt.
The aroma opens with dark fruits, candied clove, (…)Ardnamurchan Madeira
74
Ardnamurchan Madeira
In stock
Ardnamurchan Madeira is a Highland single malt shaped by a clear maturation idea. It first matured in bourbon casks before receiving a Madeira cask finish, giving extra room to the fruit and spice while keeping the peated side firmly present.
The spirit make-up is part of what makes this release worth taking time over: 43% peated spirit and 57% unpeated spirit. That gives the whisky more than straightforward smoke. Spice, fruit, a light salty edge and peat all have a role, carried by a confident strength of 52% ABV.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out to customers who enjoy detail in a release. It is limited to 19,598 bottles, non-chill filtered and presented at natural colour. Ardnamurchan also underlines its modern (…)Edradour 10y New Edition Tube Incl.
68360° view available
Edradour 10y New Edition Tube Incl.
In stock
Edradour 10y New Edition is a Highland single malt from Scotland shaped by Oloroso Sherry casks. At 10 years old, it sits in a style where fruit and spice are the main points of interest, rather than peat smoke.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would place in front of someone looking for a Scottish single malt with clear cask influence, but without a smoky direction. The wood influence is present without dominating, with a light floral touch in the background and a more pronounced fruity, spiced side at the centre.
Bottled at 46%, this Edradour has a confident presentation while remaining easy to understand in terms of style: a 10-year-old Highland single malt, built around Oloroso Sherry cask character and an unpeated profile.
Glengoyne 12y + 1 Glass Incl. Box
63360° view available
Glengoyne 12y + 1 Glass Incl. Box
| 1 review
In stockGlengoyne 12y + 1 Glas brings the 12-year-old Highland single malt in a gift pack with a glass. Its character is built around a pleasing contrast: rich, rounded notes of caramelised apple and shortbread on one side, citrus freshness and ginger on the other.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of presentation that makes sense when someone is looking for a well-made single malt with an accessible story and a proper gift feel. The whisky itself remains the focus: 12 years old, bottled at 43%, with fruit clearly at the centre and soft oak and spice giving it structure.
The included glass adds to the appeal of the pack, while the whisky offers a calm Highland style shaped by apple, orange, lemon zest, gentle spice and a smooth oak finish.
The (…)Wolfburn Aurora Sherry Incl. Box
48360° view available
Wolfburn Aurora Sherry Incl. Box
In stock
Wolfburn Aurora Sherry shows the softer, fruit-led side of this Highland single malt. The spirit was matured in a combination of bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry casks, giving the whisky roundness, gentle spice and a clear fruity presence.
Its character is closely tied to the way it is made: long fermentation, slow distillation and maturation in the newly built warehouses. Those details matter here, because they help explain the calm, polished feel of the dram.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Wolfburn Aurora Sherry as a fine choice for customers looking for a Scottish single malt with sherry influence, floral touches and a warm, soft finish, without moving into a heavy or woody style. It is a modern Highland whisky with a character that has been drawing (…)Glendronach Ode Embers Incl. Box
34
Glendronach Ode Embers Incl. Box
In stock
Glendronach Ode Embers presents a rarer, peated side of this Highland single malt. It is described as a tribute to older traditions, while still keeping the sherry-matured identity at the centre of the whisky.
The maturation is mainly in Oloroso sherry casks, with added depth from Pedro Ximénez casks. That gives the whisky a darker, spiced and sweetly roasted foundation, with peat smoke woven through rather than pushed to the front. At 48.4% alcohol, it has enough weight to carry those flavours with confidence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Glendronach as a particularly interesting bottle for drinkers who enjoy sherry-matured single malt but want a gentle smoky layer in the glass. It is warm, spiced and subtly peated rather than dominated by (…)Ardnamurchan Tokaji Finish
75
Ardnamurchan Tokaji Finish
In stock
Ardnamurchan Tokaji Finish shows a more aromatic and playful side of Highland single malt. For this limited release, 28 unpeated bourbon casks originally filled in 2018 were moved into Tokaji casks from Hungary. The whisky is bottled as an 8-year-old, keeping the unpeated spirit at the centre while adding an extra layer of fruit, spice and brightness from the finish.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Ardnamurchan release we enjoy talking about because it does not lean on peat or heaviness. Bottled at 52%, it has the strength to carry its floral sandalwood notes, sweet pear, almond and white pepper with real presence, while still feeling lively rather than weighty.
Fewer than 9,000 bottles were released worldwide, so it remains a fairly limited (…)Old Pulteney 10y 1l Incl. Box
22360° view available
Old Pulteney 10y 1l Incl. Box
In stock
Old Pulteney 10y 1l is a Scottish Highland single malt with a clear sense of place and style. Aged for ten years and matured in American oak, it stays on the gentler side of the spectrum, with light fruit, floral touches and a mild spiced note shaping the overall impression.
The small salty accent is what gives this whisky its extra point of interest. It does not turn the whisky heavy or smoky; peat is not part of the profile here. Instead, it adds a subtle edge to an otherwise approachable Highland malt. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a useful bottle for anyone looking for a Scotch single malt with freshness, softness and just enough distinction to keep it engaging.
The one-litre format also makes it a practical choice for those who like to keep a (…)Ben Nevis 2013 9y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Old Reserve Cask)
80360° view available
Ben Nevis 2013 9y (The Single Malts Of Scotland - Old Reserve Cask)
In stock
Ben Nevis 2013 9y is a Highland single malt bottled by The Single Malts of Scotland, and its appeal lies in its precision: one cask, 9 years of maturation and bottled at 48%. It is the kind of whisky where the identity of the cask matters, rather than a broad batch designed to taste the same every time.
The refill butt gives the whisky room to show its darker fruit and chocolate-led side, with spice present without taking over. There is no peaty or salty direction here; the emphasis sits more naturally around dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and a warming touch of spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy exploring individual cask selections from respected independent bottlers. As a single cask release with the last bottles (…)Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered (Signatory) Tube Incl.
LAST PIECES64360° view available
Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered (Signatory) Tube Incl.
Very last one in stock!
Teaninich 2016 10y Unchill Filtered is a Highland single malt bottled by Signatory and finished in sherry casks. At 46%, and presented within the Unchill Filtered range, it sits in that appealing space where the whisky remains approachable while still carrying the identity of an independent bottling.
Distilled in 2016 and matured for 10 years, this release brings together the Highland origin, Signatory's selection and the extra dimension of a sherry finish. The available profile points away from peat or coastal saltiness and more towards a measured combination of fruit, gentle spice, light wood and a floral touch.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to show to customers who enjoy discovering a distillery through an independent (…)Dalwhinnie 15y Incl. Box
4360° view available
Dalwhinnie 15y Incl. Box
In stock
Dalwhinnie 15y is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky bottled at 43% ABV. With 15 years of ageing in oak casks, it has the maturity one looks for in an age-stated malt, while keeping the emphasis away from heavy wood influence.
Its profile is led by fruit, with gentle floral and spicy touches adding detail around it. Peat smoke and salty notes are not part of the main impression, so the whisky reads more as a clean, composed Highland malt than as a bold or smoky style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Dalwhinnie 15y sits naturally among single malts for customers who appreciate a well-aged Scotch with a clear fruity direction and a calm, refined structure.
The flavour profile is mainly fruit-driven, supported by light floral notes and a gentle touch (…)Ardnamurchan Sherry
72
Ardnamurchan Sherry
In stock
Ardnamurchan Sherry is a Highland single malt shaped by full sherry cask maturation, with Oloroso playing the main role and Pedro Ximénez adding a smaller part. It is not presented as a simple sweet sherry-led whisky, though. The vatting brings together peated and unpeated spirit, giving the whisky more tension, depth and savoury detail.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this release stands out because the choices behind it all point in the same direction: a limited edition of 21,000 bottles, bottled at 50%, non-chill filtered and left at natural colour. That gives the whisky a more direct feel, allowing the sherry influence, spice, fruit, light peat and coastal saltiness to remain firmly in view.
There is also a modern side to the presentation. The bottle is (…)Glendronach 12y New Incl. Box
23360° view available
Glendronach 12y New Incl. Box
In stock
Glendronach 12y New is a Highland single malt with sherry maturation at the heart of its identity. This is not a whisky where sherry is just a finishing touch; it has been fully matured in sherry casks, giving the 12-year-old whisky its depth, darker fruit tones, spice and rounded sweetness.
The cask story is built on Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez. Oloroso brings the drier fruit and spice, while Pedro Ximénez adds grape-like sweetness and a richer impression. Together they shape a clear sherried style, described in the product information as reviving a Highland grand cru tradition in this Billy Walker version.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Scotch single malt we like to present when someone is looking for a whisky where the cask (…)Old Pulteney 12y Incl. Box
3360° view available
Old Pulteney 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Old Pulteney 12y is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky matured in bourbon casks for 12 years. The age statement gives it a clear sense of maturity, while the cask influence stays on the measured side, supporting the whisky rather than dominating it.
The main impression here is spice, with lighter touches of fruit, gentle wood and a subtle salty note adding definition. It is not a peated style; the character comes more from its spice-led profile and its restrained cask influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a dependable introduction to Old Pulteney for customers looking for a 12-year-old Highland single malt with bourbon cask maturation and a flavour profile that has more spice than sweetness.
Additional information about the (…)Oban 14y Tube Incl.
31360° view available
Oban 14y Tube Incl.
In stock
Oban 14y is a Scottish Highland single malt matured for fourteen years in oak casks and bottled at 43%. Its character is built around a clear fruit-led profile, with oak and spice playing a more restrained supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Highland whisky for customers who want single malt depth without a smoky emphasis. The age statement gives the whisky a sense of maturity, while the flavour profile keeps the focus away from heavy wood influence.
What makes Oban 14y interesting is its measured style. It does not rely on cask strength or peat to make an impression; instead, it presents a classic Highland malt shape with fruit at the centre and gentle structure around it.
More information about Oban can be found at (…)
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.
