The world of whisky is changing. Long gone are the days when my fathers’ generation shared a wee dram of Bell’s Scotch on a Saturday night. In recent years, two distinct whisky enthusiasts have emerged: those who attend festivals to find the newest and latest products available and a new breed of converts, attracted by whisky’s increasing elegance and refinement.
As Scottish distilleries lead the charge to blend a much lighter drink more akin to a sherry or a sweet wine, whisky is fast becoming a drink for those in the know.
Where to find the very finest whisky?
I sought the advice of two whisky experts, Nick Vrielink and Robin Berendsen to learn more.
Multi-award winning cocktail guru, Nick Vrielink heads up Amsterdam’s Fitz’s Bar, found in the basement of the Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park. Aiming “to bring the London hotel bar experience to Amsterdam”, this 1920s inspired cocktail bar frequently hosts whisky evenings, such as the Sound of a Single Malt earlier this year which featured three exclusive Macallan whisky tastings.
He is very much the man of the moment, representing the Netherlands at the 2025 World Cocktail Championship in Colombia in November – his cocktails have been praised for their sophistication, originality and exceptional taste.
Robin Berendsen is the owner of the Netherlands’ most exclusive whisky retailer, Berendsen’s Het WhiskyHuis in Enschede’s trendy Roombeek district.
Nick explains whisky flavours
“The world of whisky is so vast, it is hard to know where to start, but thinking about a nation’s food can help. Japanese sushi is very delicate like their whiskies; Scottish haggis is full of strong flavours like the traditional smoky whiskies of the West coast; and American food can be very sweet like bourbon.”
Nick and Robin’s recommendations
The very best entry level whisky:
Robin recommends: “A 12 year-old Singleton of Dufftown with its subtle, smooth elegance and broad appeal. Very good value at €35/bottle, as is the 15-year-old for €50. Either bottle is for someone looking to discover whisky in a really playful and fresh way.”
Nick recommends: “A Balvenie Caribbean Cask aged for 14 years in traditional oak barrels before being transferred to Caribbean rum casks for a richer flavour. It has a little more bite. Similar whiskies in the range are finished in casks which previously held similar sherry, wine and port which increases complexity.”
Looking to try something a little different:
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The very best Dutch whisky
Us Heit’s Friesland distillery. Aged for just four or five years in wine barrels, it’s a bit fruity, yet very sharp. (€69.99)
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Experience the very finest whisky in the Netherlands
Both Nick and Robin agree that the finest whisky comes from the Macallan, “the Rolls Royce of whisky. Many bottles are collector’s items and can be drunk over many years unlike wine which deteriorates when opened.”
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Nick suggests: “The very elegant Macallan M Collection Copper, one of three bottles representing three of the six pillars of Macallan’s whisky making process. Copper signifying the stills where the whisky is made; Black for the earthy, smoky peat; and Natural representing elements of nature. All are produced in very rare barrels. A further three bottles will probably be released sometime in the future.”
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“With its peach and honey undertones, the Copper is a good alternative to a sweet wine such as a French Sauternes.” A treat for that very special somebody. Choose from a 40ml shot (€775), a 1cl shot (€200), or a bottle (€9,000). Available exclusively in Fitz’s Bar.
Round the corner, the Amstel Hotel’s A-Bar also stocks an equally indulgent 40-year-old Macallan at €600 for a 10ml shot.
Whisky inspired by the world of cars
Robin suggests: “The Macallan x Bently Horizon whose sleek vertical bottle design is a collaboration with Bentley Motors. The whisky is rich, long and complex, full of fruity flavours and dark treacle.” (€69,999)
Whisky inspired by cakes
Robin suggests: “The Singleton Gourmand Collection, a three-bottle collection of 42-year-old whiskies and Berendsen’s have the only set in the Netherlands. Inspired by flavours found in fine French pastries – chocolate, caramel and cherry – the resulting drink is lighter and well-suited to a younger market, distinct from the smoky whiskies of the west coast of Scotland.
“With just 100 sets released worldwide, four in the UK, two in Germany and one in Poland, this whisky is very exclusive.” (€12,450)
If you are still unsure and want to experiment from the comfort of your home
Dutch company, The Tasting Collection features a vast tasting selection of whiskies from all over the world. Beautifully presented in gift boxes, the 25ml glass tubes and accompanying tasting guide are both the perfect introduction and perfect gift (from €22.50).
Something else to try at home
Make Nick’s famous whisky cocktail inspired by the Rob Roy and the new Singleton Gourmand collection launched earlier this year.
Nick uses the much cheaper but excellent 12-year-old Singleton whisky, specially blended for non-whisky drinkers. “It has much in common with a sherry,” he says. “More like a slightly drier and nutty Amontillado. Importantly though, it’s also a good carrier of different flavours.
“I add orange to give it citrus tones. Vermouth gives a spicy tone and tonka bean extract to add earthy undertones. It’s really delicious as it warms up.”
The result, the most delicious cocktail I have ever tried… and I don’t usually drink whisky!! (€19,50)
Read more from Clare
Head to my DutchNews article where I speak to Robin about his shop in Enschede – THE place to go to in the Netherlands for those most exclusive bottles – both to buy as something to enjoy, but also as an investment.
Or for something a little different… or a little sweet?
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