Speyside whisky
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Benriach The 12
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Benriach The 12
In stock
Benriach The 12 is a 12-year-old Speyside single malt bottled at 46%, shaped by a renewed recipe built around bourbon, sherry and port cask maturation. That combination gives the whisky added depth, while keeping the balance centred on fruit and sherry-led richness.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Benriach with more than just bright Speyside fruit. It brings in baked fruit, nutty warmth and a spiced edge, without moving into smoky territory. The result is a whisky with a generous, rounded feel and a finish that lingers on darker, sweeter notes.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.benriachdistillery.co.uk/
The aroma brings rich maple honey, cocoa and baked forest fruits. On the palate, maraschino cherry, (…)Old Ballantruan 10y Tube Incl.
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Old Ballantruan 10y Tube Incl.
In stock
Old Ballantruan 10y is a Speyside single malt with a distinctly peated side. It keeps a creamy, malty sweetness at its centre, while the peat smoke adds depth and a firmer edge to the whisky.
Matured for 10 years in carefully selected bourbon casks, it is bottled at 50% vol. and without chill filtration. That gives the whisky enough weight to carry its smoky character without losing the softer malt-driven core. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we like to point out when someone wants a Scottish single malt with clear smoke, but still with roundness and sweetness underneath.
The appeal of Old Ballantruan 10y lies in that contrast: creamy malt, gentle spice and a deep, lingering peat note.
The nose is gently spiced, with clear (…)Tamdhu 12 Years Incl. Box
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Tamdhu 12 Years Incl. Box
Last one in stock!
Tamdhu 12 Years is a fine introduction to the Tamdhu house style: a Speyside single malt where sherry maturation is at the heart of the whisky. It is matured exclusively in hand-selected first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, giving the whisky its generous, rounded and warmly expressive character.
The appeal lies in the way dried fruit, gentle sweetness and spice come forward without making the whisky feel heavy. The wood influence is clearly present, yet it supports rather than dominates, giving structure to a malt that feels traditional, polished and inviting.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Tamdhu 12 Years as a strong choice for anyone wanting to explore a fully sherry-matured single malt with real Speyside poise. It has enough immediate charm to be (…)Benriach Smoke Season
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Benriach Smoke Season
Very last one in stock!
Benriach Smoke Season brings a smokier side of Speyside into focus. Rather than presenting Benriach only through a softer Speyside lens, this single malt leans clearly into peat smoke and spice while keeping a fruitier undertone in the background.
At 52.8% alcohol, it has a firm presence. Maturation in American oak and virgin oak gives it a lightly woody framework, but the defining impression remains its smoky, spiced character rather than overt sweetness or heavy oak.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Benriach we like to point out to customers who want to explore the distillery from a more robust angle. With the last bottles now in view, it also carries a certain immediacy for those who have been meaning to try it.
Additional (…)Douglas Laing Yula (Douglas Laing Regional Malts) Incl. Box
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Douglas Laing Yula (Douglas Laing Regional Malts) Incl. Box
In stock
Douglas Laing Yula is a Speyside single malt with a modern, approachable feel. It is built around softness, warmth and immediate drinkability rather than heavy intensity, making it a clear and inviting take on Scottish single malt whisky.
The sherry hogshead influence gives Yula much of its roundness. It supports the fruity and gently spiced side of the whisky, while the overall style remains smooth and open, without peat taking the lead.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Speyside malt for drinkers who enjoy a generous, easy-going whisky with enough depth to keep the glass interesting. Bottled at 40%, it keeps a friendly profile while still carrying the richness associated with sherry cask maturation.
Yula is a small batch bottling (…)Old Ballantruan Tube Incl.
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Old Ballantruan Tube Incl.
In stock
Old Ballantruan shows a smokier side of Speyside. The product information places it against the region's floral, fruity and creamy traits, then adds heavily peated barley to bring in a clear campfire-like smoke. It remains a Speyside single malt, but one with a firmer, peat-driven voice.
Made with water from the Ballantruan Spring, it is matured in American oak bourbon casks and bottled at 50% vol. without chill filtration. That strength suits the whisky well, giving the smoke, malt and peat enough weight to come through with clarity.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Old Ballantruan stands out because it takes Speyside in a less expected direction. Rather than leaning only on softness and fruit, it brings smoke and peat into the conversation while keeping a (…)Benriach Smoky 10 Tube Incl.
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Benriach Smoky 10 Tube Incl.
In stock
Benriach Smoky 10 is a 10-year-old Speyside single malt with a clear sense of direction: fruit comes first, while the smoky side adds character without taking over. It shows a different angle on Speyside, with peat used as a supporting note rather than a dominant force.
Bottled at 46%, it has enough presence for considered sipping, while the supplied profile points to a whisky shaped by fruit, gentle wood influence, light spice, a floral touch and a restrained peated note.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would bring into the conversation when someone wants a Speyside malt with a little extra tension, but not an intensely smoky style. Further information about the brand can be found at https://www.benriachdistillery.co.uk/
Tomintoul Seiridh
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Tomintoul Seiridh
In stock
Tomintoul Seiridh brings the gentle Speyside identity of Tomintoul into a richer register through a finish in Oloroso sherry casks. These casks came from an old Andalusian bodega and were carefully selected by the Master Distiller, giving the whisky a warmer and deeper style.
There is no peat here; the emphasis is on dried fruit, woody spice and a rounded sweetness. Bottled at 40%, it remains measured in strength, while the Oloroso finish gives it a clear sense of richness. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Speyside single malt we would introduce to someone looking for sherry-cask influence without moving into a heavy style.
With 12,960 bottles released, Tomintoul Seiridh feels like a well-defined expression rather than a broad standard bottling. (…)Scallywag + Glass & Coaster (Douglas Laing Regional Malts)
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Scallywag + Glass & Coaster (Douglas Laing Regional Malts)
Last one in stock!
Scallywag is Douglas Laing's mischievous take on Speyside within the Regional Malts range. That series is built around blended malts that capture recognisable regional styles from Scotland, presented with the kind of humour that makes these bottles instantly approachable.
The name comes from the family's long line of Fox Terriers: small rascals with plenty of personality. The whisky itself is composed of single cask single malts from Speyside, with Mortlach, Macallan and Glenrothes named among the key contributors. Maturation in gently spiced sherry casks and bourbon hogsheads gives Scallywag its rich yet fresh Speyside character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this giftpack with glass and coaster sits comfortably among whiskies chosen for giving, discovering and (…)Speyside Single Malt Spy.4.A (Cadenhead's Enigma Series)
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Speyside Single Malt Spy.4.A (Cadenhead's Enigma Series)
In stock
Speyside Single Malt Spy.4.A comes from Cadenhead's Enigma Series, where the distillery name deliberately remains undisclosed. That gives the whisky a different kind of focus: a 12-year-old Speyside single malt, distilled in 2013 and bottled at 50%, judged first and foremost by what is in the glass.
The Oloroso finish brings a generous, dessert-like side to the whisky while keeping its fruit character clearly present. Orange, sweet baking spice, honeyed notes and ripe fruit all have their place, followed by a distinctive salty edge on the finish that makes this release stand apart.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued for the way they invite discovery without relying on a famous distillery name. With Cadenhead as bottler, an undisclosed (…)Tomintoul 16y Tube Incl.
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Tomintoul 16y Tube Incl.
In stock
Tomintoul 16y is a Speyside single malt with a calm sense of maturity. After 16 years in bourbon casks, it shows a rounded and gentle style, with fruit taking a clear role and softer sweet notes giving the whisky its easy charm.
The 16-year-old expression reflects the tradition and craftsmanship of the Tomintoul distillery. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a mature Speyside whisky for drinkers who appreciate cask age without wanting the wood to dominate the glass.
The bourbon casks bring creamy sweetness and a light touch of spice, while the whisky keeps its elegant, fruit-led nature. The wood influence is present but restrained, adding structure rather than weight.
More information about Tomintoul is available at (…)Glenfiddich 15y Incl. Box
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Glenfiddich 15y Incl. Box
In stock
Glenfiddich 15y is a Speyside single malt from Scotland, built around maturity and a gentle sense of refinement. Its 15 years of ageing give it a more developed place within the Glenfiddich range, while the sherry finish adds an extra layer to the whisky's character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for customers looking for a familiar Scottish single malt with a little more depth. The profile is lightly fruity and softly spiced, with no pronounced peated direction, making the sherry influence part of the story rather than the whole story.
Bottled at 40%, Glenfiddich 15y keeps a smooth and approachable presentation. It is especially interesting for drinkers who enjoy Speyside malt and want a whisky where age and sherry finishing bring (…)Glenallachie 12y Incl. Box
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Glenallachie 12y Incl. Box
In stock
Glenallachie 12y is a Scottish single malt from Speyside with spice clearly at the centre of its style. The 12 years of ageing give it a mature frame, while still leaving room for lighter accents around the edges.
What stands out here is the way the spiced character is supported by gentle fruity, floral and woody notes. It is not a whisky built around peat or salinity; the interest lies more in its Speyside origin, its age and the way the spice gives the malt extra shape.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Glenallachie 12y sits well among Speyside single malts for drinkers looking for something with more spiced depth than a purely fruit-led profile. Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry its character without feeling overdriven.
The flavour (…)Glenlivet 12y
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Glenlivet 12y
In stock
Glenlivet 12y is a Scottish single malt from Speyside with a clear, gentle style. Its 12 years of maturation in oak casks give it a composed foundation, while the overall impression remains light rather than heavy, with no emphasis on peat smoke, saltiness or spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Speyside whisky for customers who appreciate a softer single malt built around fruit, a touch of floral character and restrained oak. The wood is there to support the whisky, not to take over.
Bottled at 40%, Glenlivet 12y keeps its presentation approachable, yet still carries the quiet structure expected from a 12-year-old single malt.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.theglenlivet.com/
The (…)Glenfarclas 10y Tube Incl.
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Glenfarclas 10y Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Glenfarclas 10y is a Scottish Speyside single malt with a straightforward appeal: ten years of maturation in oak casks, bottled at 40%, and shaped by a gentle combination of fruit, light spice and soft wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it sits comfortably among Speyside malts for drinkers looking for a non-peated style. The profile points away from smoke or salty notes and towards a calmer expression, where oak, spice and fruit share the stage without one element dominating.
The 10-year age statement gives this Glenfarclas a clear identity. It has the maturity of a properly aged malt, while keeping the presentation approachable and uncluttered. Its interest lies in that directness: Speyside single malt, oak maturation and a balanced flavour (…)Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak is a Scottish single malt from Speyside with a gentle, composed style. The name points towards oak, yet the supplied flavour profile suggests a measured whisky rather than a heavily wooded one, with light touches of fruit, floral nuance, soft spice and wood sharing the stage.
At 12 years old and bottled at 40%, it sits in a calm and approachable single malt register, without peat smoke or saline notes defining the experience. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Glenfiddich as a Speyside whisky for drinkers who appreciate a tidy, mellow malt where the different elements remain deliberately understated.
Additional information about Glenfiddich can be found at https://www.glenfiddich.com/
Glenfiddich 12y Triple Oak (…)Tamnavulin Double Cask Incl. Box
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Tamnavulin Double Cask Incl. Box
In stock
Tamnavulin Double Cask is a Speyside single malt shaped by two stages of cask influence. It is matured in American oak and then finished in sherry casks, giving the whisky a soft, elegant and refreshing style rather than a heavy or smoky one.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Tamnavulin for drinkers who enjoy fruit-led single malt with a creamy edge. The Double Cask name is meaningful here: the American oak maturation brings smoothness, while the sherry finish adds extra depth and roundness.
Bottled at 40%, it keeps an easy-going feel, yet the flavour description still has plenty to say: apple, honey, toffee, pear, peach and pineapple form the heart of the whisky, supported by a gentle spicy touch.
More information about Tamnavulin can (…)Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit Incl. Box
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Glen Moray Forbidden Fruit Incl. Box
In stock
Glen Moray Forbiden Fruit is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with a clear fruit-led direction. The Calvados cask finish gives it a different angle from a more classical Speyside style, while the 40% strength keeps the whisky approachable in character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Glen Moray as a good example of how a cask finish can shape the mood of a malt without making it feel heavy. Fruit is the main thread, supported by gentle wood, light spice and a small floral touch. Smoke is not part of the story here.
With no age statement, the focus is not on maturation years but on style: a Speyside single malt built around fruit, softness and the distinctive influence of a Calvados Finish.
The flavour profile is clearly fruit-driven, (…)Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky finished in sherry casks. That sherry finish is the detail that gives this bottling its direction: gentle wood influence, a touch of spice and a modest fruity side, rather than a smoky or heavily peated style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a Glenfiddich for drinkers who enjoy a polished Speyside character with an added layer from the cask finish. Nothing in the supplied profile points to excess; the emphasis is on restraint, balance and a smooth drinking impression.
Bottled at 43%, it keeps an approachable feel while still carrying enough presence for unhurried tasting. Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.glenfiddich.com/
The (…)Glenfiddich Xx Tube Incl.
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Glenfiddich Xx Tube Incl.
In stock
Glenfiddich XX is a Speyside single malt from Scotland that presents itself through style rather than an age statement. At 47% alcohol, it has a little more weight and presence, while the available profile does not point towards peat smoke or salty coastal notes.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we would place this Glenfiddich in the conversation for its wood and spice-driven character. Those elements form the core of the whisky, with fruit playing a lighter supporting role. It gives the expression a structured, warming feel rather than a smoky or maritime one.
For drinkers who know Glenfiddich as a Speyside name, XX offers a way to approach the brand through character and intensity instead of age. Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Dailuaine 16y Ff
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Dailuaine 16y Ff
In stock
Dailuaine 16y Ff is a Speyside single malt from Scotland, matured for 16 years in oak casks. It is a whisky where time in wood supports the spirit rather than turning the whole experience into a heavy oak-driven style.
The main impression is fruit-led, with lighter floral, woody and spicy accents around it. Peat and salty notes are not part of the profile, so the emphasis stays on a calmer, more fruit-focused side of Speyside malt whisky.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone looking for a mature Scottish single malt with a composed character, a clear fruit presence and the classic strength of 43%.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://www.diageo.com/en/brands/d/dailuaine/
Glenfarclas 105 Tube Incl.
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Glenfarclas 105 Tube Incl.
Only 2 left in stock!
Glenfarclas 105 is a Speyside single malt with a clear sense of strength and direction. At 60% alcohol, it is a full-powered whisky, built around sherry maturation and the assertive side of Scottish malt whisky rather than delicacy alone.
The sherry-matured style is the main thread here. The flavour profile points towards pronounced fruit and spice, with lighter wood and floral notes in support. Peat and saltiness are not defining elements, so the focus stays firmly on a warmer, fruit-led and spiced Speyside character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Glenfarclas 105 stands out as a robust sherry-matured single malt without an age statement, where the interest lies less in a number on the label and more in the intensity and style of the whisky itself.
Miltonduff 10y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
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Miltonduff 10y Gmp (Gordon & Mcphail) Tube Incl.
Last one in stock!
This Miltonduff 10 Year Old from Gordon & MacPhail belongs to the Discovery range, a series created to present single malts through clear flavour directions. Here, the focus is firmly on sherry, with maturation in a sherry butt and bottling at 43%.
Miltonduff's naturally fresh, floral new make still shows through beneath the richer sherry influence. That gives this Speyside single malt its charm: amber in the glass, with chocolate, orange and stewed fruit taking the lead, yet with enough lift to keep the whisky from feeling heavy.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would point out to someone looking for a sherry-led single malt with an easy approach, but not a flat one. The ten years of maturation bring depth and spice, while the (…)Glen Moray Port Finish Incl. Box
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Glen Moray Port Finish Incl. Box
In stock
Glen Moray Port Finish is a Speyside single malt from Scotland with an added layer of port cask influence. It keeps the style gentle rather than smoky or coastal, allowing the cask finish to add nuance without making the whisky feel heavy.
The appeal here lies in its restrained combination of light fruit, soft wood and a mild spicy touch. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see it as a Glen Moray expression for drinkers who want a Speyside malt with a little extra cask character, but still in a calm and approachable style.
Bottled at 40% alcohol, Glen Moray Port Finish stays measured and easy to follow. It is less about power and more about a subtle port-finished variation on single malt whisky.
The flavour profile is gently fruity, with light wood (…)
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.
