As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question: How much is a dram of drink?
To begin with, let's first understand the measurement itself. The fluid dram, also known as a fluid drachm, is a unit of volume commonly used in the United States customary system. It is defined as 1/8 of a fluid ounce. In terms of milliliters, a fluid dram is exactly equal to 3.6966911953125 ml in the U.S. customary system.
Now, it's important to note that the term “dram” is not commonly used in everyday conversations or measurements in the modern world. However, it does have historical significance, especially in the context of alcohol and medicine.
In the past, a dram was often used as a unit of measurement for spirits, particularly whiskey. It was considered a small serving size, typically used for medicinal purposes or as a way to enjoy a small taste of a particular drink. This notion of a dram being a small amount has persisted in the world of spirits, where we often refer to a “dram” as a small pour of whiskey or other liquors.
In my experience as a sommelier, I have come across the term dram in the context of whiskey tastings or when discussing the serving size of certain spirits. It is often used as a way to savor and appreciate the flavors of a high-quality whiskey without consuming a large quantity.
When it comes to brewing, the term dram is less commonly used. Instead, we typically refer to measurements in more standardized units such as ounces, liters, or barrels. However, in some historical brewing recipes or when experimenting with small batch sizes, the term dram may be used to indicate a small quantity of an ingredient or a specific volume of a finished product.
While the term dram may not be commonly used in everyday conversations or modern measurement systems, it does have a historical and cultural significance, particularly in the world of spirits. It represents a small serving size, often used for medicinal or tasting purposes.
To summarize, a dram of drink is equal to 1/8 of a fluid ounce or approximately 3.6966911953125 ml in the U.S. customary system. While the term dram may not be widely used in modern measurements, it holds historical significance in the context of spirits and can refer to a small pour of whiskey or other liquors.