Grain whisky
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Nikka Coffey Grain Incl. Box
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Nikka Coffey Grain Incl. Box
In stock
Nikka Coffey Grain is a Japanese grain whisky with a clear sense of style: no age statement, no peat-driven profile, but a fruit-led character supported by a noticeable oak influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of whisky we often point to when someone wants to explore Japanese whisky through a softer, more open expression. At 45% alcohol, it has enough weight to feel complete, while staying approachable in its overall impression.
The oak cask maturation gives the whisky structure, with gentle spice playing a supporting role rather than taking over. What remains is a clean, inviting Nikka whisky where fruit and wood form the main conversation.
The flavour leans clearly toward fruit and oak, with a light touch of spice adding (…)Bain's Cape Mountain Grain
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Bain's Cape Mountain Grain
In stock
Bain's Cape Mountain Grain is a South African grain whisky with a straightforward, gently expressive style. The name places the focus on its origin and grain whisky identity, while maturation in bourbon barrel gives it a familiar wood influence without pushing the profile into a heavy direction.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands apart from the more traditional malt whisky choices. This is not a whisky built around peat, age statement or high strength; it is a 40% grain whisky with a lighter, more measured aromatic presence.
Its character is supported by soft notes of fruit, a floral hint, mild spice and gentle wood. With the last bottles available, Bain's Cape Mountain Grain is especially worth considering for anyone who wants to explore this South African (…)Arbikie Highland Rye
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Arbikie Highland Rye
Only 2 left in stock!
Arbikie Highland Rye is a Scotch whisky with a very particular angle. Made in the Highlands as a rye pot still distillate, it reflects a level of transparency that stands out: the label even names the exact rye, wheat and barley used, together with the fields they came from.
This first release is 3 years old. It was matured in charred American oak casks before being moved into Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, giving the whisky a layered maturation story while keeping the grain-driven identity at the centre.
Only 998 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in circulation, it has become one of those bottlings at Drankenshop Broekmans that speaks to customers who enjoy Scotch whisky with a less conventional origin, a clear sense of craft and a rye-led (…)Arbikie Highland Rye 1794
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Arbikie Highland Rye 1794
In stock
Arbikie Highland Rye 1794 is a Scottish grain whisky from the Highlands, with rye clearly placed at the heart of its identity. The name already suggests a different route into Scotch whisky: less about a classic malt profile, more about grain-driven structure and spice.
Maturation in American Oak gives a restrained woody support rather than taking over the whisky. The profile points towards floral, fruity and spiced impressions, with the 48% strength adding firmness and presence in the glass.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we value for drinkers who enjoy exploring the broader world of Scottish whisky beyond peat and coastal salinity. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a release that is becoming more limited on our (…)Braeckman Oloroso 2008 10y 50cl
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Braeckman Oloroso 2008 10y 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Oloroso 2008 10y is a Belgian grain whisky with a very specific identity: distilled in 2008, aged for 10 years and finished in Oloroso sherry cask. It feels like a focused release rather than a broad, anonymous whisky style.
This is also a single cask bottling, limited to 916 bottles, with the final bottles now remaining. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are interesting because they capture one particular cask and one particular stage of maturation, rather than smoothing everything into a larger batch.
Bottled at 60.5%, it has a firm presence. The supplied profile points towards fruit and spice as the main elements, with lighter wood influence and a subtle floral note in support. There is no peat-driven or salty direction here; the focus (…)Braeckman Sg'07 13y N°98 50cl
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Braeckman Sg'07 13y N°98 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Sg'07 13y N°98 is a Belgian grain whisky distilled in 2007, matured for 13 years and bottled at 46%. It is the kind of release that gives Belgian whisky a very specific face: dated, limited and clearly positioned rather than anonymous.
The Bourbon Barrel maturation forms an important part of its identity, but the small scale is just as relevant. With 293 bottles produced and only the last bottles remaining, N°98 has the feel of a concise release rather than a regular ongoing expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we value whiskies like this because they give customers a concrete, Belgian bottling to explore, with enough detail to understand where it comes from.
Its profile points most clearly towards spice, supported by lighter floral, woody (…)Braeckman Sg'07 13y N°99 50cl
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Braeckman Sg'07 13y N°99 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Sg'07 13y N°99 is a Belgian grain whisky with a very clearly defined identity: distilled in 2007, aged for 13 years and bottled at 46% in a 50 cl bottle. With a total outturn of 264 bottles, it feels much more like a small, focused release than a standard shelf whisky.
The Bourbon Barrel maturation gives the whisky its frame, while the grain whisky style remains at the centre. According to the supplied profile, spice is the main thread, supported more gently by wood, fruit and floral notes, without peat or salinity taking part in the composition.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this Braeckman stands out as a Belgian whisky with a vintage, an age statement and a numbered release to give it context. The last-bottles indication mainly reinforces the (…)Braeckman Single Grain 2007 Oloroso 13y 50cl
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Braeckman Single Grain 2007 Oloroso 13y 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Single Grain 2007 Oloroso 13y is a Belgian grain whisky with a clearly defined origin: distilled in 2007, matured for 13 years and bottled in 2021 from a single cask. Rather than presenting a broad house style, it captures one particular cask at one particular point in time.
The Oloroso finish is the key element in its maturation story. The supplied flavour profile points to a whisky where spice has the main voice, supported by lighter fruity, floral and woody tones. Bottled at cask strength, 60.2%, it keeps close to the intensity of the cask.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this Braeckman is a fine example of how Belgian single grain whisky can be presented with focus and individuality. With 796 bottles released and only the last bottles remaining, it (…)Braeckman Single Grain 2008 10y 50cl
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Braeckman Single Grain 2008 10y 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Single Grain 2008 10y is a Belgian grain whisky with a quietly distinctive identity. Distilled in 2008 and matured for ten years, it was drawn from a single bourbon barrel. That gives the bottle a very specific character: not a broad blend, but the voice of one individual cask.
Only 322 bottles were filled, and these are now among the last bottles available. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we like releases like this because they show Belgian whisky in a focused, small-scale way: limited, clearly defined and made for people who enjoy discovering something outside the obvious names.
The profile is led by fruit, supported by gentle floral, woody and spicy touches. The bourbon barrel influence is present without dominating the whisky. Bottled at 46%, it has (…)Braeckman Single Grain 2008 Oloroso 12y 50cl
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Braeckman Single Grain 2008 Oloroso 12y 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Single Grain 2008 Oloroso 12y is a Belgian grain whisky with a very defined identity: distilled in 2008, bottled in 2020, matured for twelve years and drawn from a single cask. The Oloroso finish gives this release its direction, while the single cask nature keeps it tied to one particular maturation story.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Belgian whisky we like to present to customers who enjoy a bottle with a clear origin and limited scope. Only 956 bottles were filled, and with the last bottles now available, it has become a more scarce release within the range.
Bottled at 50%, it carries enough strength to underline its cask-led character. The flavour profile points mainly towards spice, supported by lighter wood, fruit and floral (…)Braeckman Single Grain 2010 10y Co 62,9° 50cl
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Braeckman Single Grain 2010 10y Co 62,9° 50cl
In stock
Braeckman Single Grain 2010 10y Co is a Belgian grain whisky with a very defined identity: one cask, ten years of maturation and a cask strength bottling. The 62.9° stated in the name immediately points to a whisky presented with real intensity, rather than softened into a broader house style.
Its Cognac-matured cask background gives this release a distinctive angle within Belgian whisky. Distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2021, it was drawn from a limited outturn of 446 bottles, making it less about consistency from batch to batch and more about one particular cask at one particular point in time.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we place in front of customers who enjoy discovering Belgian whisky with a clear cask identity and a (…)Braeckman Virgin Oak 2022
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Braeckman Virgin Oak 2022
On request only
Braeckman Virgin Oak 2022 presents a clear and focused side of Belgian whisky: a four-year-old grain whisky matured in Virgin Oak. The new oak is at the heart of its identity, bringing a pronounced woody and spicy profile, with lighter fruity and floral touches in support.
Distilled in 2018 and bottled at 46%, it keeps a firm character without moving into cask strength territory. With 2,360 bottles released, this is a defined small-scale bottling, and as these are the last bottles, it holds a notable place in the Drankenshop Broekmans range for customers interested in Belgian whisky releases.
What makes this Braeckman interesting is its straightforward style. There is no peat and no saline edge here; instead, the whisky puts its Virgin Oak maturation clearly (…)Cambus 1991 30y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular) Incl. Box
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Cambus 1991 30y Dlxop (Douglas Laing Extra Old Particular) Incl. Box
In stock
Cambus 1991 30y DLXOP is a mature Scottish single grain whisky from the Lowlands, distilled in September 1991 and bottled in January 2022 after 30 years of maturation. It is the kind of bottling where the appeal lies in the specific moment captured from one individual cask.
Douglas Laing released this Cambus as part of the Extra Old Particular range, drawn from a single refill hogshead and bottled at natural cask strength, 59.5%. That refill cask setting keeps the wood influence present without making the whisky feel entirely cask-led, allowing its floral, fruity and gently spiced sides to come through alongside the maturity.
Only 278 bottles were released, and with the last bottles now in view, it has become a particularly focused choice within the (…)Cambus Grain 1988 28y (The Whisky Agency)
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Cambus Grain 1988 28y (The Whisky Agency)
On request only
Cambus Grain 1988 28y is a Scottish Lowland grain whisky built around age, cask individuality and scarcity. Distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2016, it spent 28 years maturing before being released as a single cask whisky.
Its small scale is what gives this bottling much of its appeal. Drawn from one hogshead, it yielded just 60 bottles and was bottled at cask strength at 47.4%. Rather than a broad regular release, this is a very specific snapshot of one individual cask from Cambus.
Within the whisky selection at Drankenshop Broekmans, a bottle like this stands out for its combination of mature age statement, Lowland grain character and very limited availability. The fact that it is marked as last bottles makes that scarcity even more tangible.
Cameron Brig
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Cameron Brig
Not available for shipping
Cameron Brig is a Scottish grain whisky from the Lowland region, bottled at 40%. Grain whisky has its own place in the whisky world, often standing apart from more forceful malt styles through a gentler and more straightforward expression.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Cameron Brig as a worthwhile bottle for anyone curious about Scottish grain whisky without moving into smoky or heavily wooded territory. The supplied flavour profile points towards light fruit and a mild touch of spice, keeping the overall impression restrained and approachable.
Its popularity, combined with the indication that these are the last bottles, makes this a timely opportunity to discover this Lowland grain while it is still in stock.
The available flavour profile (…)Cameronbridge 2006 (Berry Bros)
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Cameronbridge 2006 (Berry Bros)
On request only
Cameronbridge 2006 is a Lowland Scotch grain whisky built around one individual cask rather than a broad house style. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2023, it comes at cask strength, 59.8%, giving the whisky a direct and undiluted presence.
The hogshead maturation brings a clear wood influence, with fruit also playing an important role in the overall profile. Gentle spice and a light floral side sit more in the background. As a single cask release, it represents a specific selection from Cameronbridge, captured at one point in its development.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy grain whisky in a more focused and limited form. With the last bottles now indicated, its availability is naturally (…)Carsebridge 1970 48y 2018
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Carsebridge 1970 48y 2018
Only 3 left in stock!
Carsebridge 1970 48y 2018 is a Lowland single grain whisky with a story built around age and patience. Distilled in 1970 and bottled in 2018 after 48 years, it represents a very long period of maturation captured in a limited release of 1000 bottles.
The refill hogshead maturation gives context to the whisky without turning the description into a list of cask details. Bottled at 43.2% and marked as cask strength, it stays close to the strength at which it left the cask. Its stated flavour profile places fruit and wood at the centre, with lighter floral and spicy elements around them.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the sort of bottle we present for its combination of maturity, Lowland grain character and scarcity. With the last bottles indicated and a (…)Compass Box A-Side Blended Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box A-Side Blended Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box A-Side Blended Grain is a Scottish blended grain whisky released as a limited edition of 930 bottles. That gives it a more focused identity than a regular core-range whisky: it is a particular take on grain whisky rather than a broad house style.
Bottled by Compass Box at 48%, it carries no age statement, so the emphasis sits on composition and cask influence. Bourbon and Madeira casks shape the direction, with fruit and spice forming the main line of the whisky and lighter floral and wood notes supporting it.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who want to explore grain whisky in a more distinctive limited release. It is not built around peat or coastal salinity; the interest lies in its fruit-driven and spiced (…)Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Generosity (Artist Collection)
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Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Generosity (Artist Collection)
In stock
Compass Box Artist #11 Pentalogy Generosity is a Scottish grain whisky from the Compass Box Artist Collection. The name immediately places it outside the everyday range: this is a release where the whisky itself and the artistic presentation form part of the same story.
Bottled at 51.9%, it is presented at cask strength, giving it a firm presence in the glass. That higher strength suits the more specialised nature of this release and gives the whisky room to show its character without feeling like a routine bottling.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly interesting Compass Box release because of its limited scale and collectible positioning. Only 630 bottles were produced, and with the last bottles now available, Artist #11 Pentalogy (…)Compass Box Experimental Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
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Compass Box Experimental Grain (Compass Box Limited Edition)
In stock
Compass Box Experimental Grain is a Scottish grain whisky with a name that sets the tone straight away. Experimental gives this limited edition a more exploratory feel: there is no age statement, so the focus sits on style, composition and the particular direction chosen for this release.
Bottled by Compass Box at 46%, it is linked to American Oak maturation, though the stated profile does not place oak at the centre. Instead, the character points towards floral, spiced and peated elements, with fruit playing a quieter supporting role.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would place in front of someone who wants to look at grain whisky from a less predictable angle. As a limited edition with the last bottles now available, it also carries (…)Compass Box Hedonism 2025
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Compass Box Hedonism 2025
Very last one in stock!
Compass Box Hedonism 2025 is a Scottish grain whisky where the interest lies less in an age statement and more in the style of the release. The Marsala cask reference gives this edition a clear direction, supported by a flavour profile in which fruit, spice and wood are all clearly present, with a lighter floral detail in the background.
Bottled at 46%, it has enough strength to carry that cask-led character without moving into a peated or coastal style. The supplied profile points instead toward a whisky shaped by grain whisky softness, wood influence and a spiced-fruit line.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see Compass Box Hedonism 2025 as the kind of bottle for someone who enjoys exploring Scottish grain whisky through a specific cask perspective. With 9,912 (…)Compass Box Hedonism 2026 (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
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Compass Box Hedonism 2026 (Compass Box Limited Edition) Incl. Box
In stock
Compass Box Hedonism 2026 is the third release in the Limited Annual Release series. Hedonism has held a distinctive position in modern whisky since its original launch in 2000, when it was introduced as the first Blended Grain Scotch Whisky on the market. The 2026 edition continues that innovative line, while giving the style a richer and more mature expression.
The blend includes some of the oldest grain whiskies ever used in Hedonism, with components up to 30 years old. For the first time, old sherry casks play a major role in the composition, alongside the classic bourbon cask maturation. That shift brings extra depth and weight, while keeping the silky, creamy texture that defines Hedonism.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a particularly engaging (…)Creations Grain 26y Batch 2 (Cadenhead)
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Creations Grain 26y Batch 2 (Cadenhead)
On request only
Cadenhead's Creations Grain 26y Batch 2 is a Scottish grain whisky with a very focused sense of place and scale. A 26-year-old release, bottled at cask strength at 57.7%, and limited to 222 bottles, it speaks more of a specific batch than of a regular house style.
The bourbon barrel maturation gives the whisky a clear frame, while the grain whisky itself remains the centre of attention. Its profile points towards fruit and wood as the main elements, supported by lighter spice and a subtle floral side. There is no peat-driven character here; the interest lies in maturity, cask influence and natural strength.
Within the Drankenshop Broekmans range, this is the kind of bottle we would show to someone looking beyond the obvious single malt path and into a (…)Dumbarton 2000 22y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
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Dumbarton 2000 22y (Campbeltown Whisky Company - Watt Whisky)
On request only
Dumbarton 2000 22y is a Lowland Scotch grain whisky with a very clearly defined identity: one distillation year, one hogshead, one cask strength release. Distilled in 2000 and bottled in 2023, it spent 22 years maturing before being bottled at 55.5%.
Its appeal lies strongly in its scale. This single cask produced just 204 bottles, and the last bottles indication gives the release a sense of narrowing availability. At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottlings like this are valued because they show a specific cask-driven view of Scotch grain whisky rather than a broad house style.
Bottled by Watt Whisky under Campbeltown Whisky Company, it is presented at natural cask strength. The stated profile points towards clear floral notes and noticeable wood influence, with (…)
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.
