Crossword Dictionary
Dram
A dram, is a unit of weight in the apothecaries’ and avoirdupois systems. An apothecaries’ dram contains 3 scruples (3.888 grams) of 20 grains each and is equal to one-eighth apothecaries’ ounce of 480 grains. The avoirdupois dram contains 27.344 grains (1.772 grams) and is equal to one-sixteenth avoirdupois ounce of 437 1/2 grains. The term also refers to the fluid dram, a measure of capacity equal to one-eighth fluid ounce.
In England dram came to mean a small draught of cordial or alcohol; hence the term dram-house for the taverns where one could purchase a dram. Dram is ultimately derived from Greek drachma, designating an ancient coin and weight that probably originated as the amount one could hold in one’s hands. The use of the dram as a measuring unit has largely been superseded by metric measures.
American Dram
Like beer fanatics, American whiskey drinkers usually prefer bigger servings of alcohol. A standard pour at a pub house amounts to one and a half fluid ounces (more than 44 ml) dram of whiskey. The measurement is close to the 43 ml Scotch dram size centuries ago.
A 750 ml bottle of whiskey can pour up to 17 drams, following the 44 ml measurement.
Scottish Dram
The first official usage of the word dram relating to whiskey started in Scotland . The word started by referring to a Greek coin. Then, later on, it became a definition of the mouthful pour of whiskey that a drinking person can take.
A Scottish dram almost has the same pouring units as American’s.