American whisky
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Corsair Oatrage
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Corsair Oatrage
In stock
Corsair Oatrage is an American whiskey with a clear sense of personality. The name already suggests something a little different, and the profile follows that same line: bottled at 50%, with wood and spice taking the lead rather than a soft, anonymous style.
American Oak gives this whiskey its firm backbone. With no age statement at the centre of the story, the focus shifts to flavour and presence. A lighter fruity note sits in the background, while the oak-driven and spicy elements shape the main impression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that stands out for customers looking beyond the most obvious American whiskey choices. With only the last bottles remaining, Corsair Oatrage is a particularly timely discovery for those who want to (…)Corsair Pumpkin & Spice
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Corsair Pumpkin & Spice
On request only
Corsair Pumpkin & Spice is an American whiskey with a clearly individual angle. The name sets the mood straight away: this is not presented as a conventional, wood-led style, but as a Corsair release where spice and fruit take the main role.
Bottled at 46% alcohol, it has enough presence to carry that flavour direction with confidence. American Oak is part of the information provided, yet the profile points more toward spiced and fruity elements, with a lighter floral accent in the background.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like having bottles like this alongside more traditional American whiskey, because they show how varied the category can be. With only the last bottles remaining, Corsair Pumpkin & Spice is especially worth noticing for anyone (…)Corsair Triple Smoke
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Corsair Triple Smoke
On request only
Corsair Triple Smoke is an American whiskey with a name that sets the tone straight away. Smoke is the defining idea here, giving the bottle a clear identity within the American whiskey category.
Maturation in American Oak brings a modest wood influence, with lighter touches of spice and fruit around it. There is no age statement, so the focus falls more on the whiskey's style and flavour direction than on a declared maturation age.
With 600 bottles released and the last bottles now in view, Drankenshop Broekmans sees this as a particularly interesting choice for anyone drawn to a smoky take on American whiskey.
The flavour profile is clearly built around smoke. Around that main line, there are lighter impressions of wood, spice and fruit, (…)Jack Daniels Triple Mash
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Jack Daniels Triple Mash
In stock
Jack Daniels Triple Mash is built around a clear and distinctive idea: three different Straight Whiskeys from the distillery brought together in one bottle. Rye, Tennessee Whiskey and Single Malt each add their own voice, making this a broader expression of Jack Daniels rather than a simple variation on one style.
The interest here lies in the way those three components meet. American Oak gives a firm woody and lightly toasted frame, while the rye side brings spice and the malt element adds roundness. It is a no age statement whiskey, so the focus is on the composition itself and on how the different whiskey styles interact.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a strong choice for customers who already know Jack Daniels but want to explore a fuller, more (…)Jim Beam Dist.Masterpiece
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Jim Beam Dist.Masterpiece
On request only
Jim Beam Dist.Masterpiece presents a more distinctive side of Jim Beam's American whiskey style. With its 50% strength and Sherry Finish, it has a firmer presence than a regular everyday pour, while still staying clearly within the Jim Beam name.
Rather than focusing on an age statement, this release is built around style and finishing. The key impression is one of wood, spice and fruit, with the sherry finish adding an extra layer to the whiskey's character.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for customers looking for a more special Jim Beam release rather than a standard expression. Its designation as a collectors item gives it an additional point of interest for those who appreciate distinctive American whiskey bottlings.
Jim Beam Kentucky Dram 1l
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Jim Beam Kentucky Dram 1l
On request only
Jim Beam Kentucky Dram 1l presents the Jim Beam name in a generous one-litre bottle, with a clear American whiskey identity. Its United States origin and the Kentucky reference in the name place it firmly in that American whiskey setting, while the product itself does not rely on an age statement for its positioning.
The key element here is American Oak. The wood influence gives the whiskey its main structure, supported by lighter spicy and fruity accents. At 40% alcohol, it remains straightforward in style, and the litre format makes sense for anyone who likes to keep a familiar American whiskey close at hand.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, Jim Beam remains one of those names customers recognise quickly within the American whiskey range. This Kentucky Dram (…)Journeyman Corsets Whips & Whiskey 50cl
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Journeyman Corsets Whips & Whiskey 50cl
On request only
Journeyman Corsets Whips & Whiskey is an American whiskey with a name that is hard to overlook. Bottled at 59.05% ABV in a 50 cl format, it clearly sits on the stronger side of the shelf, with no age statement taking the lead in how the whiskey presents itself.
American Oak provides the main maturation reference here, and the supplied flavour profile points to a spread of wood, spice, fruit and a light floral note. There is no peat or salty dimension indicated, so the focus remains on the American whiskey character and the oak-driven framework around it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that tends to catch a customer's eye first through its name, then holds attention through its combination of high strength, American origin and broad (…)Maker's 46
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Maker's 46
Temporarily sold out
Expected: 30/10/2026Maker's 46 is an American whiskey from Maker's Mark with a flavour direction that is easy to place: oak, spice and fruit are the key elements. Bottled at 47%, it has a little extra presence while still keeping the focus on its style rather than on strength alone.
The oak cask element supports that character clearly. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Maker's 46 as a good choice for customers looking for an American whiskey with more woody and spicy depth, while still retaining a recognisable fruity side.
There is no age statement on the bottle, so the emphasis sits firmly on the whiskey's own profile. Maker's 46 does not ask to be understood through age, but through the way its fruit, oak and spice come together.
Additional information about the (…)Michter's Toasted Sour Mash 2025
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Michter's Toasted Sour Mash 2025
In stock
Michter's Toasted Sour Mash 2025 is a limited American whiskey release built on Michter's award-winning Sour Mash whiskey, then given an additional period of maturation in a specially prepared second barrel. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle where the finishing process is the real point of interest: it adds detail rather than simply more wood impact.
The whiskey first matures in heavily charred American oak before being transferred to a toasted, uncharred barrel made from wood that has been air-dried for 18 months. That second barrel is designed to draw out more refined and elegant aromas, giving the whiskey its toasted identity without losing its Sour Mash base.
Bottled at 43%, the 2025 edition brings together wood, spice, fruit and floral (…)Michters Us1 Small Batch American
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Michters Us1 Small Batch American
In stock
Michter's US1 Small Batch American is an American whiskey with a name that deserves a little context. It matures in ex-bourbon barrels, and because of that it cannot legally be called bourbon. Michter's therefore presents it as American Whiskey: familiar in spirit, but with its own identity rather than simply sitting under the bourbon label.
One of the key choices is made before the whiskey even begins to mature. Michter's fills the barrels at 103 proof, lower than the industry standard. That requires more barrels and more warehouse space, but the intention is clear: to build a softer, richer whiskey. The supplied tasting profile supports that idea, with wood, spice and a gentle sweetness playing central roles.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of (…)Westland American Oak
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Westland American Oak
Last one in stock!
Westland American Oak is an American whiskey built around the clear presence of American oak. The name gives a good indication of its direction: oak is not just background here, it is one of the main parts of the whiskey's identity, alongside a clearly fruity side.
At 46% alcohol, it has enough strength to carry that style with confidence. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this Westland as a whiskey for those moments when someone wants to explore an American expression where wood and fruit take the lead, supported by gentler spice and a light floral touch.
There is no age statement shaping the conversation, so the focus stays on flavour and structure. No peat or salty character is indicated; the emphasis remains on American oak, fruit and a measured layer of (…)Westland Elixir Trail (Elixir Distillers - Whisky Trail)
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Westland Elixir Trail (Elixir Distillers - Whisky Trail)
Only 2 left in stock!
Westland Elixir Trail is an American Single Malt distilled in Seattle, carrying the spirit of the Pacific Northwest into the glass. Rather than following the most familiar image of American whiskey, it leans into a malt-driven style, presented by Elixir Distillers as part of the Whisky Trail bottling series.
Maturation in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels gives it a measured contrast: softness on one side, complexity on the other. Bottled at cask strength at 56.5%, it keeps a firm, direct presence, with the malt and gentle spice allowed to speak clearly.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who want to explore American whiskey from a less obvious angle. With only the last bottles remaining, it also has the (…)Woodford Madeira Finish
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Woodford Madeira Finish
In stock
Woodford Madeira Finish is built around Woodford Reserve's own view of cask finishing: the cask should highlight what is already present in the whiskey, rather than cover it or push it into an entirely different shape. That makes this release less about a decorative finish and more about drawing extra attention to fruit, spice and wood already woven into the whiskey.
For the 2024 Master's Collection, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall experimented with finishing bourbon, rye and wheat whiskey in Madeira casks. Those casks, connected to the fortified wine from the Madeira islands off Portugal, are described in the product information through dried fruit, spice and nutty influences. The final composition is further lifted with fruity Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey, giving the (…)Woodford Reserve Double Oak
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Woodford Reserve Double Oak
Temporarily sold out
Woodford Reserve Double Oak is an American whiskey where oak clearly matters, but it is not the whole conversation. The name and the American Oak Finish point toward a whiskey shaped by wood influence, while the flavour profile gives fruit and spice an equally important place.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of an American whiskey built around style and finish rather than an age statement. It carries no age declaration, and at 43.2% it has enough presence to show its fruit, spice and measured oak character clearly.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://woodfordreserve.com/
As no separate tasting notes are provided, the clearest guide is the flavour profile: fruit and spice are the main accents, (…)Woodford Sonoma Triple Finish
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Woodford Sonoma Triple Finish
In stock
Woodford Sonoma Triple Finish shows Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from a richer, more fruit-driven angle. Its character comes from a triple finish in Sonoma County Pinot Noir casks, Brandy casks and former Bourbon barrels that were used to mature red wine. That combination brings the bourbon into a world of red fruit, vanilla, spice and gentle oak.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as one of those Woodford releases that adds a different layer to the familiar American whiskey style. The bourbon foundation is still there, but the finishing brings extra warmth and depth, especially through its wine-influenced fruit and rounded spice.
Bottled at 45.2%, Sonoma Triple Finish has enough strength to carry those flavours with clarity. It is a (…)Yellow Rose Premium
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Yellow Rose Premium
Only 3 left in stock!
Yellow Rose Premium is an American whiskey with a clear fruit-led profile and a relaxed, approachable feel. Maturation in American oak adds a light touch of wood and gentle spice, giving the whiskey some structure without pushing it into a heavily oak-driven style.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a good example of an American whiskey for those moments when you want something smooth in character, with fruit at the centre and only a modest layer of spice around it. Bottled at 40%, it keeps the focus on easy enjoyment and clarity of flavour.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://yellowrosewhiskey.com/
Yellow Rose Premium places fruit at the front of its flavour profile, supported by light oak influence and a (…)
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.
