How much Scotch is in a Dram?
We discussed two “classical” or “formal” definitions of dram above. The first one, 1/8thof a fluid ounce, is definitely not usable in any practical sense. The Scottish definition presented above seems a better fit. But in practical terms, a dram is defined as follows:
A Dram in the UK
A dram is defined as a pour of whisky which is defined in units set by the National Measurement and Regulation Office, which requires that bars and restaurants serve spirits in a “normal” (read “standardised”) measure. Accordingly, if you order a dram of whisky at a pub, you will get either a 25 ml pour (just under a fluid ounce) or a 35 ml pour (about one a quarter fluid oz). A “double” will get you either 50 ml or 75 ml.
A Dram in the US
In the US, everything tends to be larger. A standard pour of whisky at a bar is called a “jigger”, which is one and a half oz. (just over 44 ml) – interestingly enough, this is actually close to the classic definition of the Scottish dram measure.
A Dram in India
India is another big whisky-drinking nation, the “peg” measure of whisky is actually a remnant of the British Raj days. It turns out that the “peg” is actually a double dram, or 50 ml, and a “chhota (small) peg” is 30 ml.
If all of this confuses you, you’re not alone. The trick is to think of a dram as the smallest standard pour of whisky you would get served at a drinking establishment if you asked for a small drink. By that measure, a dram is either 25 or 35 ml in the UK, and its equivalent, the jigger, is one and a half oz in the US. In other words, think of a dram as a “shot” of whisky, the kind you see hardboiled heroes chug at a rough and tumble bar before slamming the shot glass down on the table.
