Islay whisky
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Kilchoman Rockside 11y Incl. Box
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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 (…)Smokehead Unfiltered Incl. Box
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Smokehead Unfiltered Incl. Box
In stock
Smokehead Unfiltered puts the rugged side of Islay single malt firmly in the foreground. The unfiltered style matters here, helping the whisky keep its aromatic weight, peat intensity and fuller mouthfeel.
At 46%, it has a lively, assertive presence without feeling polished into something tame. Smoke, peat and a salty edge form the backbone of the whisky. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we bring into the conversation when someone is looking for an Islay malt with real drive and a more uncompromising feel.
The name Unfiltered suits it well. This is a rawer, more direct take on Smokehead, built around medicinal peat, persistent smoke and gentle spice rather than softness or restraint.
The aroma opens with an immediate surge (…)Caol Ila 2018 8y Douglas Laing Single Minded Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 2018 8y Douglas Laing Single Minded Incl. Box
In stock
Douglas Laing's Single Minded range is built around the idea of letting the distillery speak clearly. The whiskies are bottled without chill filtration and without added colouring, keeping the natural character of the spirit at the centre. In this Caol Ila, that means Islay peat presented with finesse rather than force.
Distilled in 2018, matured for 8 years in a bourbon barrel and bottled at 46%, it shows a fresh and precise side of Caol Ila. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is exactly the kind of Islay release we like to point out when someone wants peat, but also clarity: citrus brightness, soft malt, refined smoke and a maritime lift.
As the first Caol Ila expression in the new Single Minded series, it carries a sense of discovery. This small batch keeps (…)Port Askaig 8y New
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Port Askaig 8y New
In stock
Port Askaig 8 Year Old is named after a place rather than a distillery. Port Askaig sits on Islay's north-eastern coast, where the ferry leaves for Jura and where Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila are found nearby. That sense of place matters here: this is an Islay single malt shaped by peat, sea air and a clearly coastal identity.
Its maturation is built in two stages. The whisky first spends three years in traditional American oak, then continues for another five years in a mix of ex-bourbon casks, toasted American oak, PX sherry casks and refill hogsheads. The result is not just about smoke; the peat is clear, but it is supported by gentle wood influence, spice, fruit and a salty edge.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Islay whisky we like to introduce (…)Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
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Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
In stock
Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast is an Islay single malt with a very direct sense of style. The name says a great deal already: Smokehead brings its smoky island character together with a sherry cask finish, bottled at a confident 48% ABV.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky that stands out for its clear personality rather than for a long list of technical details. There is no age statement here; the focus is on impact, with peat, saltiness and spice taking the lead, while fruit and wood play a supporting role.
Bottled by Ian Macleod under the Smokehead label, it presents a modern, assertive take on Islay single malt. It is not a quiet whisky: the emphasis is on smoke, maritime tension and the extra depth brought by the sherry finish.
Big Peat Winter Edition Cask Strength 2025 (Douglas Laing Regional Malts) Incl. Box
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Big Peat Winter Edition Cask Strength 2025 (Douglas Laing Regional Malts) Incl. Box
In stock
Big Peat Winter Edition Cask Strength 2025 brings together two very different island moods. The familiar Big Peat side is all Islay: windswept, maritime and heavily peated. The other side comes from a final maturation in Madeira wine casks, adding a warmer, more exotic sweetness to this limited winter release.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of seasonal bottling that stands out because it keeps its character intact. It is bottled at natural cask strength, 53.6% ABV, without colouring and without chill filtration. That gives the whisky a firm, direct presence, with peat smoke at the centre and the Madeira finish adding richness around it.
The premium carton with foil detail suits the winter edition presentation, but the real interest lies in the (…)Smokehead Tequila Cask Terminado (Ian Macleod) Incl. Box
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Smokehead Tequila Cask Terminado (Ian Macleod) Incl. Box
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Smokehead Tequila Cask Terminado is a Scottish Islay single malt with a distinctly Smokehead attitude. The core is unmistakably peat-driven, with spice, a light salty edge and a touch of wood, but the tequila cask finish gives this release its particular angle. It takes the bold Islay style in a less conventional direction without losing the smoky identity behind the name.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy peated whisky but also like a cask finish that brings something different to the conversation. There is no age statement here; the focus is on style, cask influence and the contrast between smoke and spice.
Bottled at 43%, Terminado keeps the presentation clear and direct: a Smokehead single malt with an adventurous (…)Smokehead High Voltage (Ian Macleod) Incl. Box
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Smokehead High Voltage (Ian Macleod) Incl. Box
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Smokehead High Voltage is an Islay single malt with no intention of sounding restrained. Bottled at 58% and presented at cask strength, it puts power and peat smoke firmly at the centre of the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we would point out to someone looking for a more forceful Islay style. The profile is clearly smoky, with a salty edge and lighter touches of spice and fruit sitting behind it. With no age statement given, the focus is very much on the direct Smokehead identity rather than on a stated maturation age.
Bottled by Ian Macleod under the Smokehead name, High Voltage feels deliberately bold: a single malt built around intensity, peat and a high-strength presentation.
The flavour is forceful and (…)Smokehead Rum Rebel (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
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Smokehead Rum Rebel (Ian Macleod) Tube Incl.
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Smokehead Rum Rebel is an Islay single malt with a clear sense of attitude: peated Scotch whisky given an extra twist through a rum cask finish. The name captures the idea well. It stays close to Smokehead's smoky identity, while the cask choice gives this release its own direction within the range.
There is no age statement here, so the focus sits firmly on style rather than years in cask. The profile is built around a clear peated core, with lighter touches of fruit, spice, wood, saltiness and floral notes adding shape around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Rum Rebel sits well among Islay whiskies for drinkers who enjoy smoke but also appreciate a less conventional finish. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character without turning the (…)Big Peat 12y (Douglas Laing) Tube Incl.
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Big Peat 12y (Douglas Laing) Tube Incl.
In stock
Big Peat 12y takes the familiar Big Peat story into a more mature register. This Islay blended malt is bottled by Douglas Laing as part of the Regional Malts range, a series built around clear, classic expressions of Scotland's whisky regions.
With Big Peat, that regional identity is unmistakably Islay: peat, maritime salinity, smoke, charred oak and darker ashy tones. The 12 years of age give the whisky more depth and cohesion, while keeping the bold coastal character that defines the name.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a natural step for anyone who enjoys the original Big Peat and wants to taste what extra maturation brings to that same robust style. Bottled at 46%, without added colouring and without chill filtration, it keeps its presentation (…)Laphroaig 10y Incl. Box
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Laphroaig 10y Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Laphroaig 10y is a Scottish single malt from Islay with a very clear sense of identity. Its character is built around pronounced peat smoke and a strong salty impression, giving it the kind of profile that stands apart from softer whisky styles.
Ten years of maturation in oak casks add a firm woody backbone, while the peat and salinity remain at the centre of the experience. A light touch of spice gives the whisky some extra definition without taking attention away from its smoky Islay core.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Laphroaig 10y as a whisky for drinkers who deliberately look for a bold Islay single malt: smoky, saline and unmistakably direct in character.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Sea Shepherd Islay Single Malt
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Sea Shepherd Islay Single Malt
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Sea Shepherd Islay Single Malt presents Islay in a direct and recognisable way, while keeping the precise distillery identity undisclosed. The focus is therefore less on a famous name and more on the island style itself: peat, coastal salinity and a distinctly maritime edge.
Maturation in bourbon casks gives the whisky a familiar framework, but the supplied profile points clearly towards smoke and salt as the main elements. Gentle fruity, spicy and floral touches sit in the background. Wood influence is not the point here; the emphasis remains on the Islay character rather than on heavy cask weight.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle fits well for customers looking for a Scottish Islay single malt with clear peat and a coastal feel, without an age (…)Lagavulin 8y
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Lagavulin 8y
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Lagavulin 8y is an Islay single malt that puts peat firmly at the centre of the glass. Its 8-year age statement gives it a direct, pronounced style, while the refill cask maturation keeps wood influence firmly in the background.
That leaves room for the smoky side of Lagavulin to speak clearly, supported by lighter touches of spice, fruit and coastal saltiness. At 48% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry that profile with confidence, without turning the whisky into a wood-led expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Lagavulin for drinkers who want the Islay character in a clear, peat-driven form: focused, smoky and stripped of unnecessary decoration.
The flavour profile is led by peat and smoke. Spice, fruit and saltiness (…)Laphroaig Select Incl. Box
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Laphroaig Select Incl. Box
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Laphroaig Select is a Scotch single malt from Islay with peat smoke and saltiness at the heart of its character. Its New Oak Finish adds a modest touch of wood, giving the whisky a little extra structure while leaving the smoky, coastal-style profile firmly in front.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a clear introduction to the more assertive side of Islay single malt. The emphasis is on peat and saline depth, supported by light spice and oak rather than fruitiness or floral notes. Bottled at 40%, it presents that character in a straightforward, approachable way.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.laphroaig.com/
The flavour profile is led by peat and pronounced saltiness. Smoke is a defining feature here, (…)Caol Ila 12y Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 12y Incl. Box
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Caol Ila 12y is a Scottish single malt from Islay with a clearly peated identity. Matured for 12 years in oak casks and bottled at 43%, it sits firmly in the world of smoky island whisky.
Its character is built around peat, supported by a lighter salty edge and a modest fruity note. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a whisky for drinkers who want the Islay signature to be present and recognisable, without turning the description into unnecessary embellishment.
The 12-year age statement gives the whisky a clear sense of place and maturity. What matters here is the straightforward combination of single malt structure, Islay origin and a smoke-led profile.
The flavour profile is led clearly by peat. Lighter fruity and salty accents sit in (…)Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5y
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Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5y
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Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5y is the youngest whisky from Ardbeg, and that youthful edge is very much part of its identity. This Islay single malt is built around raw smoky power, with a bold, direct style that does not try to soften its personality.
Matured for five years in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, it brings together peat smoke, salinity, cracked black pepper, tar and a savoury meaty note. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Wee Beastie as a particularly vivid way to discover Ardbeg's more untamed side: compact in age, but far from shy in character.
It can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water or over a few large ice cubes. The producer also suggests using it in a Bramble Bite cocktail with fresh lemon juice, vanilla syrup, blackberry liqueur and mint, (…)Ardbeg 10y Incl. Box
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Ardbeg 10y Incl. Box
In stock
Ardbeg 10y is an Islay single malt with peat smoke at its core. Ardbeg Ten Years Old is known worldwide for its powerful peaty style, yet the appeal here is not only intensity. The natural softness of the malt remains part of the whisky, giving the smoke a sweeter, more rounded side rather than letting it dominate in a one-dimensional way.
It spends 10 years in old first-fill and second-fill American oak bourbon casks and is bottled at 46% without chill filtration, helping to preserve body and depth. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we point to when someone wants a clearly smoky Islay malt with real presence and a maritime edge.
The fact that it was named World Whisky of the Year in 2008 sits naturally alongside its broad international (…)Ileach Incl. Box
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Ileach Incl. Box
In stock
Ileach is a Scottish single malt from Islay, built around a clear and unfussy island style. Bottled at 40% and matured in oak casks, it points towards gentle peat, a light salty edge and a touch of spice rather than a broad fruit-driven or floral profile.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would describe Ileach as an Islay malt with a straightforward character. The interest lies in its restrained combination of peat smoke, salinity and mild spice, giving the whisky a recognisable sense of place without relying on an elaborate backstory.
Ileach's flavour profile is led by light peat, a subtle salty note and a modest touch of spice. Fruit, floral tones and pronounced oak are not presented as key elements here, keeping the whisky focused on a direct Islay-style (…)Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
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Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie is an Islay single malt Scotch with a profile that does not revolve around peat smoke. The emphasis sits more clearly on spice, with lighter floral, fruity, woody and salty elements supporting the overall style.
At 50% alcohol, it has a firm presentation, while maturation in oak casks gives it a traditional whisky foundation. The Classic Laddie name feels fitting here: a straightforward Bruichladdich single malt, shaped more by clarity and spice than by heavy smoke or dominant wood.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Islay whisky we would place in front of someone curious about the region but looking for a less peated direction. Its popularity is easy to understand from that perspective: it offers a recognisable (…)Finlaggan Eilean Mor Incl. Box
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Finlaggan Eilean Mor Incl. Box
Only 3 left in stock!
Finlaggan Eilean Mor is a Scottish single malt from Islay, built around a clearly peated style. Bottled at 46%, it carries a little more weight than many lower-strength malts, while keeping the focus away from age statement detail and firmly on character.
The bourbon cask maturation frames a profile where peat is the main feature, supported by lighter notes of fruit, spice and salinity. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a straightforward Islay choice for drinkers who want smoke to be present and recognisable, with a few surrounding nuances rather than an overly technical presentation.
Its appeal lies in that direct combination: Islay single malt, bourbon cask influence, 46% alcohol and a peat-led personality.
The provided flavour profile (…)Caol Ila Moch
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Caol Ila Moch
In stock
Caol Ila Moch is a Scottish single malt from Islay, shaped first and foremost by a clear peated character. Rather than presenting itself as a heavily wood-driven whisky, it puts the emphasis on smoke, with lighter salty, spicy and fruity accents around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Caol Ila for those moments when the Islay identity should be easy to recognise without becoming one-dimensional. The oak cask background does not take the lead in the profile; the maritime, smoky side of the malt remains the central feature.
Bottled at 43%, Caol Ila Moch stays within a classic drinking strength. Its appeal lies in the way peat, a saline edge and subtle fruit and spice come together in a direct Islay single malt style.
The flavour (…)*Vintage* Ardbeg 1967 32y Omc (Douglas Laing - Old Malt Cask) Incl. Box
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*Vintage* Ardbeg 1967 32y Omc (Douglas Laing - Old Malt Cask) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Ardbeg 1967 32 Year Old from Douglas Laing's Old Malt Cask range is a whisky with a very clear identity. Distilled in 1967 and bottled in 2000, it comes from a single oak cask and was released in an outturn of just 309 bottles. That makes it less a regular bottling and more a precisely captured piece of Islay single malt history.
At 32 years old, this Ardbeg has had long maturation time to develop beyond youthful intensity. Bottled at cask strength at 49%, it keeps the individual voice of the cask intact rather than being shaped into a broader house-style presentation.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands apart in a specialist whisky selection: old, limited, clearly traceable and tied to a respected independent bottler. The (…)*Vintage* Ardbeg 1972 28y Omc (Douglas Laing - Old Malt Cask) Incl. Box
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*Vintage* Ardbeg 1972 28y Omc (Douglas Laing - Old Malt Cask) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
Vintage Ardbeg 1972 28y Old Malt Cask is the kind of Islay single malt that immediately invites a slower look. Distilled in February 1972 and bottled in April 2000, it spent 28 years maturing before Douglas Laing released it as part of the Old Malt Cask range.
Its appeal lies in the concentration of very specific details. This is a single cask whisky from an oak cask, bottled at cask strength at 49.5%. With only 492 bottles drawn from that cask, the release captures one individual maturation rather than a broader house-style composition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this sits firmly among the more collectable Scotch whiskies in the selection. The collectors item indication and the fact that these are last bottles say a lot about the scarcity surrounding this (…)*Vintage* Ardbeg 1972 28y Omc For Alambic Classique Germany (Douglas Laing - Old Malt Cask) Incl. Box
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*Vintage* Ardbeg 1972 28y Omc For Alambic Classique Germany (Douglas Laing - Old Malt Cask) Incl. Box
Very last one in stock!
An Ardbeg distilled in 1972 immediately feels like a serious conversation piece. This 28 year old single malt was distilled on 1 November 1972 and bottled on 1 November 2000 by Douglas Laing as part of the Old Malt Cask range. It was bottled for Alambic Classique Germany from a single oak cask, at cask strength, with an alcoholic strength of 50.1%.
Its appeal lies in the way the details come together. Islay, Ardbeg, 28 years of maturation, one individual cask and an outturn of only 234 bottles: together they describe a very specific snapshot rather than a standard release. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this stand out because they show a distillery through the lens of one carefully selected cask.
With only the last bottles remaining, this release (…)
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.
