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Whisky Glossary : Dram

Whisky Glossary and Definitions

Unlike wine, for example, whisky is not really about mystification, but it does bring its own jargon. Any unusual terms you are likely to come across are described and defined in this section.

 
 

Issue 103 Out Now

Whisky Magazine Issue 103

World Whiskies Awards edition 2012

 

Dram

A glass of whisky in Scotland.


Apple wrapped in pastry with Aberlour bourbon cask butter - Aberlour chocolate pralines - Aberlour ice cream

June 2003, Issue 31, page 46

100 Greatest Distilleries to Visit
Our team of writers around the world give you the distilleries you should visit.

December 2011, Issue 100, page 30

100 Greatest Whisky People
We highlight the people who have left a lasting legacy on the whisky world over the years.

December 2011, Issue 100, page 16

A barrel of laughs
Brian Hennigan chuckles his way through a rich supply of Scottish whisky humour

August 2002, Issue 25, page 18

A bourbon thoroughbred
Stuart Maclean Ramsay was totally sedcued by Kentucky's smallest distillery, which uses Scottish copper pot stills and a rare method of distillation.

December 1999, Issue 7, page 30

A captivating cocktail
Ian Wisniewski looks at the Atholl Brose

June 2006, Issue 56, page 25

A cure for hiccups
Robin Laing takes a gentle stroll with his friend through Speyside

November 2004, Issue 44, page 34

A day in the life... (Richard Paterson)
Dave Broom follows JBB's Richard Paterson on a typical working day and learns much about blending, showbiz and living life at full pelt

July 2001, Issue 17, page 20

A decade of words
To mark our 10th anniversary we decided to dig into our archives and bring some of the wittiest, incisive and often poignant words from our two columnists, starting the late, great Michael Jackson.

November 2008, Issue 76, page 14

A different beast
Canada's whisky industry is a pale imitation of what it once was. But if you're thinking of visiting its distilleries be prepared for a lot of travel – its few remaining distilleries are spread righ...

September 2007, Issue 66, page 32

A distillery seeped in history (Clynelish)
Ian Buxton travels North of Inverness to the remote distillery at Clynelish

July 2005, Issue 49, page 34

A distillery well off the beaten track (Tomatin)
Our mystery visitor made the long trek to Tomatin and found a distillery not geared up for the tourist or casual visitor

November 2004, Issue 44, page 17

A dram online
Bruichladdich's Jim McEwan is set to bring his whisky tasting sessions into your home. Mike Gerrard reports

September 2003, Issue 33, page 23

A dream of a distillery (Arran)
Our Mystery Visitor travels to Arran

November 2003, Issue 35, page 42

A drop of the soft stuff
Ian Wisniewski assesses the effect of the water used in whisky production and as mixer on the drink we love

October 2002, Issue 26, page 52

A fishy tale
In the latest in an occasional series of matching whisky with food, Dave Broom compares and contrasts some sushi-whisky combinations

October 2003, Issue 34, page 61

A forgotten gem (Deanston)
Deanston is the least-known of Perthshire's six remaining distilleries. Ian Buxton visited it

March 2006, Issue 54, page 30

A frosty reception
Classic malt distillery Dalwhinnie is revamping its visitor experience. Dominic Roskrow spoke to the man charged with ringing the changes.

February 2010, Issue 86, page 44

A fulfilling time
Owning your own cask of malt is arguably the ultimate whisky experience. Having selected his cask type Dominic Roskrow travelled to Glengoyne to fill it with new spirit.

January 2008, Issue 69, page 8

A future classic from a modern distillery
John Lamond visits the Isle of Arran Distilleryy, a modern distillery that produces a whisky that may well have enthusiasts challenging their own perception of what is their favourite malt

April 2001, Issue 15, page 28

A gem in the eye of a storm (Cardhu)
Say the word ‘Cardhu' and it stirs up images of underhand dealings. But the distillery intrinsically linked to last year's scandal is charming and impressive, and its staff outstanding. Ian Buxton r...

January 2005, Issue 45, page 30

A giant culled
Gavin D Smithlooks at the recent loss of Dumbarton,a once vast grain distillery

November 2007, Issue 67, page 34

A good read
Ian Buxton peruses the library for some of the finest whisky books

June 2007, Issue 64, page 50

A great vintage
The fourth Whisky Live Paris saw an incredible gathering of rare and exciting drams,we find out more

November 2007, Issue 67, page 10

A Greener Future
We asked two of our writers to look at the issues affecting Scottish and American producers. The problems may be pressing but there is plenty of innovation out there to keep the industry green

March 2012, Issue 102, page 21

A grievous loss (Rosebank)
In the latest of our series Gavin D Smith looks at the history behind Rosebank

July 2007, Issue 65, page 31

A Highland affair
Caroline Dewar takes a stroll through whisky's heartland

July 2006, Issue 57, page 37

A life away from the waver
Robin Laing joins a group of enthusiasts heading up the Spey with paddles.

April 2010, Issue 87, page 50

A life under sail
Dave Broom talks about the ocean wave, true grit,determination and a good drop of malt with one of Britain's most iconic maritime explorers.

June 2009, Issue 80, page 24

A lochindaal moment
Dave Broom takes a deep breath and plunges headlong into the wonders of Islay

August 2002, Issue 25, page 8

A lord among malts (Glenrothes)
Glenrothes has a formidable reputation as a single malt and is a key component in the internationally renowned Cutty Sark. Tom Bruce-Gardyne visited the distillery

December 2003, Issue 36, page 42

A Love Supreme
Rob takes a quiet night with a jazz legend to reflect on what whisky can mean

July 2007, Issue 65, page 5

A malt for all moods (Lord Thurso)
Jane Slade talks to Lord Thurso, a Patron of the Qaich, about his family, his castle and his long love affair with Scotch.

April 2000, Issue 9, page 72

A matter of age
Ed Bates is a freelance whisky writer, taster and industry commentator. He has worked for various spirit companies including independent bottlers Berry Bros. & Rudd

March 2011, Issue 94, page 11

A meeting of minds
Joel Harrison heads to Leeds to check out an excellent food and whisky menu.

October 2011, Issue 99, page 56

 

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Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

BenRiach 21 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 56.70%
8 Reveals a rich profile by a succession of aromatic layers. Alcohol is perfectly tamed.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Bunnahabhain 1968 Auld Aquaintance, Hogmanay Edition
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.80%
8 A brilliantly sunny winter's day; a walk by the sea in late afternoon; a dram at dusk. Still Bunnahabhain, but so different.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 1972 Birthday Bottle
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.60%
8 Lovely chestnut colour. Soothing. After dinner and in front of a log fire. A touch woody, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Whisky Magazine - Recommended - Winner

BenRiach Arumaticus Fumosus Dark Rum Finish
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 A constantly shifting but balanced mix of sweetness and smoke and distillery character.

BenRiach 16 Years Old 1995 Cask 7164
Single Malt - Scotland - 58.30%
8 This whisky is oak dominated. Too much for me as we have lost the distillery character, but the nose is expressive. Beware of water, it kills it.

Whisky Magazine - Recommended - Winner

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 7.51 Longmorn Sweet, Rich & Fruity 1984 26 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.40%
8 Balanced and fine. Worth a look.

Bunnahabhain 25 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.30%
8 The nose lets you expect sweeter notes. The palate is a bit disappointing.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society Bunnahabhain, 10.56
Single Malt - Scotland - 59.40%
8 I admired its feistiness, but I might be more comfortable with a greater degree of maturity.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 66.27 Foodie Dram
Single Malt - Scotland - 52.30%
7 The nose is richer than the palate. Seems a bit uncoordinated,like a young untamed horse.

BenRiach Curiositas peated malt, 10 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
7 A Speyside? The most Islayish of all the Speysides I have ever tasted. Interesting as a freak even if wood toughens the whole profile a little.

BenRiach Dark Rum Finish
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 A cheery dram, opening up on the sunny side with definite rum colours on the nose. A dash of water sweetens the palate.

BenRiach Pedro Ximinez Sherry Wood Finish
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 A cheery dram, opening up on the sunny side with the definite rum colours on the nose. A dash of water sweetens the palate.

BenRiach Sherry Matured
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 Good, sweet and balanced.

Bunnahabhain Darach Ur
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.30%
7 Seems to be slightly hidden somehow. Maybe it just needs time to settle in the bottle.

BenRiach Curiositas 10 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
7 Quite a nice dram but a bit edgy.

Glengoyne Burnfoot
- Scotland - 40.00%
7 Just a little thin and lacking in substance

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 64.17 Mannochmore Oozes Juiciness 1992 16 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.70%
7 Don't water. Decent aperitif dram.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 27.72 Springbank Harbour-side Harmonies
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.30%
7 Lacks integration.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

The Macallan 1979 18 Years Old, Gran Reserva
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
9 Strictly for lovers of powerfully oaked whiskies.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Bowmore 1968
Single Malt - Scotland - 43.40%
9 What a start! A truly magnificent dram and for me miles ahead of the competition.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Talisker 10 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.80%
9 Always a classic, though I still miss the 8 Years Old.

World Whiskies Awards 2007 - World's Best Single Malt Whisky - Winner Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Talisker 18 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 45.80%
9 Loch Harport on a winter's day, gale force eight! Less peppery than younger versions. Complex, endearing, balanced. 18 seems a perfect age for malts.

World Whiskies Awards 2007 - World's Best New Release - Winner Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

The Balvenie 1972 Vintage Cask
Single Malt - Scotland - 49.40%
9 The ultimate dessert dram. Beautifully composed.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Balblair 38 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 44.00%
9 An enticing expression of old age. Forever young! With elegance and style.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Bowmore 40 Years Old, 1969
Single Malt - Scotland - 44.80%
9 Superb balance. Classic distillery character retained after four decades - no mean achievement.

Rare Malts Port Ellen 1978 22 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 60.50%
9 Pungent, powerful and appetising. A dram for the Islay-lover and connoisseur. This distillery should be revived.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Rare Malts Port Ellen 20 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 60.90%
9 Bring on the caeser salad.

Whisky Magazine - Recommended - Winner

The Balvenie 21 Years Old PortWood
Single Malt - Scotland - 40.00%
9 The full, honeyed, richness of the malt combines beautifully with what seems to be a generous kiss of port.

World Whiskies Awards 2008 - World's Best New Release - Winner Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

The Glenrothes 25 Years Old
- Scotland - 43.00%
9 Slow,elegant and complex.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

The Whisky Exchange BenRiach 21 Years Old
Single Malt - Scotland - 56.70%
9 Complex with excellent balance. A typical for a Speyside, but it's one hell of a dram!

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Glenmorangie Astar
Single Malt - Scotland - 57.10%
8 A gorgeous,luscious dram. ‘Morangie to the max.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Selected by Berry's Speyside Reserve Blended Malt
Blended Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 A refined, complex and charming dram. An absolute cracker.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Glenmorangie The Nectar D'Or
Single Malt - Scotland - 46.00%
8 Long and sweet. Try with soft goat's cheese.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Highland Park 1973
Single Malt - Scotland - 50.60%
8 Sheer classiness and head and shoulders above the rest for me.

Whisky Magazine - Editors Choice - Winner

Ardbeg Uigeadail
Single Malt - Scotland - 54.20%
8 The elemental opposite of the sophisticated Lord of the Isles.

 

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