Dram

Definition:

A Dram is the Scots’ polite way of saying, “let’s have a little drink” without sounding like you’re about to drain the whole bottle. Technically, it once meant 1/8 of an ounce. But let’s be honest—if you offered someone an actual measured dram, they’d look at you like you just short-poured their pint. These days, it’s more of a charming shorthand for “a small pour of something strong,” usually Scotch.

Why it Matters:

The dram is more than just a fussy unit of measurement: it’s cultural currency in Scotland. When someone asks if you’d like a dram, they aren’t offering to weigh out a suspicious thimble of whisky; they’re offering hospitality, warmth, and maybe even a story by the fire. It’s shorthand for camaraderie, a way to turn an ounce of whisky into a gallon of good company.

For bartenders and whisky lovers, “dram” carries a romance that “shot” never could. It’s the difference between sipping thoughtfully and pounding recklessly. A dram implies reverence, patience, and appreciation of what’s in the glass. You don’t just toss back a dram; you roll it over your tongue, let the peat smoke curl in your nose, and maybe wax poetic about the Highlands until someone changes the subject.