The Dram-atic History of Whiskey (You'll Want a Sip After Reading This)

Have you ever heard the term "dram" used in relation to whisky, and wondered where it came from? A dram is a small serving of whisky, and the term is believed to have originated from the Gaelic word "dram," which means "a small drink."

The use of the term "dram" to refer to a serving of whisky dates back to the 18th century, when whisky was primarily consumed in Scotland and Ireland. In those days, whisky was often sold by the dram in pubs and taverns, and the term became closely associated with the drink.

But why was whisky typically served in small quantities, or "drams," in the first place? One reason is that whisky was originally viewed as a medicinal drink, and was prescribed in small doses for various ailments such as fever, insomnia, and indigestion. Serving whisky in dram-sized portions was a way of measuring out these medicinal doses.

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Another reason for serving whisky in small quantities is that, in the past, the production and distribution of whisky was much more limited than it is today. Whisky was a luxury item, and it was not uncommon for people to savour a dram of whisky slowly, as a special treat. Registering that special treat is well done in the Savour-Tasting app so you'll can even appreciate it after the fact and share with friends.

The size of a dram can vary depending on the context in which it is used.

In the United States, a dram is traditionally defined as 1/8 of a fluid ounce, or about 3.7 ml. This is equivalent to a small shot glass.

In the United Kingdom, the size of a dram is slightly larger, and is traditionally defined as 1/5 of a fluid ounce, or about 4.8 ml.

It's worth noting that the size of a dram can also vary depending on the specific whisky being served, and the preferences of the person serving it. Some people may consider a dram to be as small as a single sip, while others may consider it to be a more substantial serving.

Today, the term "dram" is still used when ordering or serving whisky, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. So next time you hear someone ask for a dram of whisky, you'll know that they're not just being dramatic – they're asking for a small serving of this delicious, historic drink.

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