New Spirit whisky
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Ole Smoky Cherries Moonshine 50cl
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Ole Smoky Cherries Moonshine 50cl
In stock
Ole Smoky Cherries Moonshine 50cl is an American moonshine with a clear fruit-led identity. The name sets the tone straight away: cherries, carried by a bold new spirit style at 50% alcohol.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle sits apart from more traditional matured whiskey. There is no real wood-driven character to focus on here; the appeal is in its direct, fruity profile and its unmistakably firm strength.
The 50cl format gives it a compact, distinctive place on the shelf, especially for anyone looking to explore a different side of American spirits without moving into classic barrel-aged whiskey territory.
Additional information about the brand can be found at https://olesmoky.com/
The flavour impression centres on cherry (…)Belgian Owl New Spirit 50cl
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Belgian Owl New Spirit 50cl
In stock
Belgian Owl New Spirit 50cl shows the whisky at its earliest stage: unaged, direct and centred on the distillate itself. Coming from the distillery at Hameau de Goreux, this Non Aged release takes you back to the grain at the origin of Belgian Owl.
Because there is no wood influence here, the cereal side speaks clearly. Malted barley, warm bread and shortbread come forward first, followed by a fresh fruity line of greengage plums, ripe pears and apple cider. A green, grassy echo adds a lively vegetal touch.
For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is an engaging way to understand Belgian Owl from the inside out: bottled at 46%, without an age statement, and focused on grain, fruit and texture rather than maturation. With the last bottles now in view, it also has a (…)Corsair Pumpkin Spice Moonshine
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Corsair Pumpkin Spice Moonshine
On request only
Corsair Pumpkin Spice Moonshine sits on the young, direct side of American whiskey. Rather than presenting itself as an oak-led aged whiskey, it is listed as a new spirit, with the name pointing clearly toward a moonshine style touched by pumpkin spice.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we see as an offbeat discovery rather than a standard whiskey choice. Its profile is lightly built around spice, fruit and a small floral accent, with no wood, smoke or salty character indicated. That gives it a very different position from whiskies where cask influence is the main story.
Bottled at 42.5%, it has a confident strength while keeping the focus on its playful concept. With only the last bottles remaining and a noticeable level of customer (…)English Whisky Chapter 3 20cl
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English Whisky Chapter 3 20cl
In stock
English Whisky Chapter 3 20cl is a compact introduction to a very specific release from The English Whisky Co. in Great Britain. Bottled at 46% and presented without an age statement, it places the focus on the individual character of this Chapter 3 rather than on maturation age.
What makes it stand out is the single cask origin: one bourbon barrel, one particular expression. At Drankenshop Broekmans, that gives this small 20cl bottle a nice sense of focus, especially as it concerns the last bottles. It is a modest format, but the story behind it is quite precise.
The flavour profile points towards a lighter register, with floral, fruity and gently spiced accents rather than peat, salt or pronounced wood. That suits its New Spirit positioning, where clarity (…)English Whisky Chapter 4 20cl
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English Whisky Chapter 4 20cl
In stock
English Whisky Chapter 4 20cl is a concise introduction to The English Whisky Co. from Great Britain. The name places it firmly in the world of English whisky, while the New Spirit classification points towards a more immediate style rather than a heavily mature, age-stated whisky.
The most interesting detail here is the single cask origin, connected to a Bourbon Barrel. This is not a broad blend designed to smooth out every edge, but a small-format bottling tied to one individual cask. At Drankenshop Broekmans, releases like this are especially useful for customers who enjoy exploring a very specific style without committing to a full bottle, and the last-bottles status adds a sense of scarcity.
Bottled at 46%, Chapter 4 has enough strength to carry its (…)Kingsbarns New Spirit 20cl
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Kingsbarns New Spirit 20cl
In stock
Kingsbarns New Spirit 20cl shows Scotch spirit at a very early and revealing stage: new make from Kingsbarns Distillery, bottled at 63.5%. There is no wood influence shaping the profile here, so the focus stays firmly on the spirit itself.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for people who enjoy looking behind the finished whisky. The 20cl size makes it a practical way to explore this raw distillery character without committing to a full bottle.
The supplied flavour profile points towards a clearly floral side, with lighter fruity and spicy accents around it. With the last bottles now remaining, it is also a small release to consider while it is still part of the selection.
Additional information about the distillery can be found (…)Kyrö Juuri Rye Spirit 50cl
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Kyrö Juuri Rye Spirit 50cl
Not available for shipping
Kyrö Juuri Rye Spirit is all about the beginning. Juuri means origin in Finnish, and the name fits: this is the new make spirit used as the foundation for the first Nordic Rye Whisky.
Rather than presenting a matured whisky shaped by cask ageing, Juuri gives a clearer look at the spirit before wood has its say. At 46.3%, it keeps the rye character close to the surface, with a lightly fruity side and gentle spice, without peat or oak taking the lead.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for drinkers who enjoy understanding how a whisky begins its life. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also a less common chance to taste Kyrö's rye spirit at its source.
The aroma starts with a light new make sweetness, warmed by (…)Lagg Distillery New Make Spirit 20cl
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Lagg Distillery New Make Spirit 20cl
Not available for shipping
Lagg Distillery New Make Spirit is not presented as a traditionally matured whisky, but as a direct look at the spirit in its young, unwooded form. It gives a clear impression of where Lagg's character starts, before cask influence becomes part of the story.
At 63.5%, this is a powerful small-format release, with peat and spice standing at the centre of the profile. A light salty edge and a subtle floral touch add definition, while wood influence is absent. For Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle that speaks to drinkers who enjoy exploring the foundations of a distillery rather than only the finished matured whisky.
Coming from the Isle of Arran and bottled in 20cl, it is a compact but distinctive way to discover Lagg in a very direct form. With (…)Mikkeller White Dog 37,5cl
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Mikkeller White Dog 37,5cl
In stock
Mikkeller White Dog is best approached as a New Spirit rather than a traditionally matured whisky. Coming from Denmark, it puts the focus on the spirit itself, without noticeable wood influence, so the drinker gets a more direct view of the character before maturation would start shaping it further.
The 37.5 cl bottle size suits that sense of exploration. At 42% alcohol it has a clear presence, yet the emphasis remains on a young, fruit-led style rather than oak, spice or smoke. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we would introduce to someone curious about the rawer side of the whisky world.
With only the last bottles remaining, it is not a release that will stay around indefinitely.
Additional information about the brand can (…)Milk And Honey New Make
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Milk And Honey New Make
On request only
Milk And Honey New Make shows the spirit at a very early and direct stage. There is no age statement and no wood-driven character taking over the conversation; the focus is on the new spirit itself.
That gives this bottle a different kind of appeal from a matured whisky. It offers a look at where the whisky begins, with a light flavour direction built around gentle fruity and floral notes. Smoke, spice, salt and oak are not part of the main picture here, so the character stays clean and distillate-led.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a discovery bottle rather than a conventional whisky choice. It has attracted steady interest among curious drinkers, and with only the last bottles remaining, it is a good opportunity to taste this unaged side of Milk (…)Ole Smoky Pineapple Moonshine 50cl
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Ole Smoky Pineapple Moonshine 50cl
Not available for shipping
Ole Smoky Pineapple Moonshine brings a distinctly fruity American moonshine style into the glass. The pineapple focus is clear from the name, and at 20% alcohol it sits in a more approachable New Spirit style rather than presenting itself like a classic wood-driven whiskey. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a bright, straightforward bottle with a very recognisable flavour direction.
The emphasis is on fruit, supported by a light floral note. There is no supplied indication of oak, spice or smoke playing a role here, so the appeal lies in its clean pineapple-led character and easygoing profile. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also not a release that will stay around indefinitely.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Ole Smoky Pineapple Moonshine 50cl (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
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Ole Smoky Pineapple Moonshine 50cl (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
Very last one in stock!
Ole Smoky Pineapple Moonshine brings a distinctly fruity American moonshine style into the glass. The pineapple focus is clear from the name, and at 20% alcohol it sits in a more approachable New Spirit style rather than presenting itself like a classic wood-driven whiskey. At Drankenshop Broekmans, it stands out as a bright, straightforward bottle with a very recognisable flavour direction.
The emphasis is on fruit, supported by a light floral note. There is no supplied indication of oak, spice or smoke playing a role here, so the appeal lies in its clean pineapple-led character and easygoing profile. With only the last bottles remaining, it is also not a release that will stay around indefinitely.
Additional information about the brand can be found at (…)Your benefit: € 2,62 / 15%
Ole Smoky Sweet Tea Moonshine 50cl
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Ole Smoky Sweet Tea Moonshine 50cl
Not available for shipping
Ole Smoky Sweet Tea Moonshine 50cl takes an unmistakably American moonshine idea and gives it the familiar character of sweet tea. At 20% ABV, it is not positioned as a heavy, oak-led whiskey experience; the emphasis is much more on flavour, clarity and easy enjoyment.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out as a more contemporary take on the spirit category. The fruit-driven side is the most noticeable part of its profile, supported by a light floral note and a gentle touch of spice. There is no wood or smoky direction here, so the character stays focused on its sweet tea-inspired moonshine identity.
Its popularity is understandable: the concept is immediately recognisable, the American origin gives it a clear sense of place, and the softer strength (…)Ole Smoky Sweet Tea Moonshine 50cl (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
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Ole Smoky Sweet Tea Moonshine 50cl (Damaged: Label dirty, damaged or missing)
Last one in stock!
Ole Smoky Sweet Tea Moonshine 50cl takes an unmistakably American moonshine idea and gives it the familiar character of sweet tea. At 20% ABV, it is not positioned as a heavy, oak-led whiskey experience; the emphasis is much more on flavour, clarity and easy enjoyment.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out as a more contemporary take on the spirit category. The fruit-driven side is the most noticeable part of its profile, supported by a light floral note and a gentle touch of spice. There is no wood or smoky direction here, so the character stays focused on its sweet tea-inspired moonshine identity.
Its popularity is understandable: the concept is immediately recognisable, the American origin gives it a clear sense of place, and the softer strength (…)Your benefit: € 2,31 / 15%
Trybox Corn New Make
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Trybox Corn New Make
Not available for shipping
Trybox Corn New Make presents a more immediate side of American whiskey. Rather than focusing on cask maturation, this is a corn-based new spirit bottled at a robust 62.5%, with the emphasis placed on the distillate rather than on wood influence.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, bottles like this are particularly interesting for customers who want to explore whiskey before the familiar language of oak and age takes over. The stated profile points mainly towards fruit, supported by lighter floral and spicy notes, while wood, peat and salinity are not part of its character.
With only the last bottles remaining, it is not an everyday choice in the whiskey section. It is a powerful, no-age-statement new spirit that stands out through its directness and its clear focus (…)Trybox Series New Make
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Trybox Series New Make
Not available for shipping
Evan Williams Trybox Series New Make shows whiskey from a very direct angle. Rather than focusing on age or a pronounced wood influence, this New Spirit puts the distillate itself in the foreground, without an age statement and with no wood character indicated in the profile.
At 62.5% ABV, it is a strong and uncompromising presentation. At Drankenshop Broekmans, we see this as a bottle for curious drinkers who enjoy looking behind the familiar style of finished whiskey and exploring the starting point of the spirit.
There are only limited bottles remaining, and the interest around it is easy to understand. It is not positioned as an everyday whiskey, but as a more exploratory release within the Evan Williams Trybox Series.
More information (…)Wasmund's Single Malt Spirit
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Wasmund's Single Malt Spirit
On request only
Wasmund's Single Malt Spirit is an American single malt new make spirit from Copper Fox Distillery in Virginia. Rather than focusing on age or maturation, it puts the distillate itself in the foreground: malted barley, a clear production identity and a powerful 62% strength.
Its most distinctive detail is the drying of the malted barley with applewood and cherry wood. That gives this spirit a very specific starting point, making it more than a neutral new make. It feels direct, purposeful and closely tied to the way it was made.
At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of bottle we appreciate for the insight it gives into American single malt before the story is shaped by long ageing. Distilled on 17 April 2013 and now down to the last bottles, it has 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.
