What is a dram of whisky?

There have been some unusual terms for measurements of alcohol over the years - some still in use, most now forgotten. We've got the gill (Scottish), roquille (French), peg (Indian), jigger (American), jack (English)...and that’s before we even get to the names for a measure of whisky. A nip? A snifter? A shot or a tot? We certainly hear all of them from time to time, but the phrase we - and we imagine most people - know best is a dram. But what exactly is a dram? And how did this name come about?

The Word Behind the Whisky

The term “dram” goes way back. In fact, it originally had nothing to do with whisky at all. The word, originally from the Greek word “drachma”, which was a silver or gold coin, was adopted into Latin as “dragma”, meaning a specific weight in relation to currency (roughly 4.37 grams). Then it passed into French and Old English (“dram”), where it was used as a term of weight in apothecaries’ system (an apothecary was a person who prepared and sold medicines, and a dram related to one-eighth of a fluid ounce ).

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you may already be familiar with this association, as the word appears in several of his plays.

Romeo and Juliet:

"Let me have a dram of poison, such soon-speeding gear, as will disperse itself through all the veins."

The Winter’s Tale:

“I could do this, and that with no rash potion, but with a lingering dram that should not work, Maliciously, like poison”

When “dram” came to be associated with whisky is unclear, but the terminology shifted from meaning a tiny amount, sometimes as little as a teaspoon - try offering that to a whisky enthusiast today - to signify a measure of whisky. 

So, how much is a dram, exactly?

Well, this is tricky to answer. You see, there’s never been an official measure for a dram of whisky. In the UK, bars and pubs are regulated by the Weights and Measures Act, so a standard shot will either be 25 or 35 millilitres of alcohol. In Ireland, a standard measure equates to 35.5ml, and in the US it’s typically 44ml (1.5 ounces). 

Today, when people talk about a dram, they usually mean a modest measure of whisky - enough to sip and enjoy. Although if you’re serving yourself at home, you might find it’s more of a hearty pour. 

What about a “wee dram”?

“Wee" in Scottish means small or little, so if you order a “wee dram” in a pub, you’ll likely get a standard 25ml or 35ml measure. But again, there’s no official quantity. 

In Scotland, a “wee dram” with friends often doesn’t even matter about the amount of liquid in the glass. It could just be an invitation to sit, relax and share a drink. 

How many drams are in a bottle of whisky?

A standard size bottle of whisky in the UK is 700ml, so if your dram measures 25ml, you’ll get 28 drams from a bottle. If your measures are larger (35ml), your bottle will provide 20 drams.

Enjoying a dram

Now, we aren’t going to sit here and tell you how you should drink your whisky. Out of your favourite mug, dressed in a smoking jacket, neat or with ice; the choice is yours. But we do believe a dram is an invitation to slow down, savour and share in the joy of whisky, and for that you need a good whisky.

At Lagg, we create a heavily peated, modern and characterful single malt Scotch whisky crafted without chill filtration or added colouring.