Welcome to Dram1.com, a whisky blog built out of pure passion for the world’s greatest spirit. My name is Martijn van Opstal, and I’m the founder of Dram1 and the creator of the DRAM1 Whisky Awards. You can also find me on instagram using @dramblingman. This platform is my personal corner of the internet where whisky lovers—from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts—can find honest reviews, educational insights, and deep-dive stories from across the global whisky landscape.

My journey into the world of whisky started many years ago with a single dram that sparked a lifelong fascination. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to learning, tasting, exploring, and sharing everything there is to know about whisky. Dram1.com grew naturally from that love—a whisky blog created to inspire, guide, and connect people who appreciate this beautiful spirit as much as I do.

My Whisky Qualifications & Experience
To deliver trustworthy and accurate whisky content, I’ve invested heavily in my education and professional development. I’m proud to hold several respected whisky certifications, including:
Advanced Whisky Ambassador
Irish Whiskey Certificate (EWA)
Bourbon Steward – Stave & Thief Society
Liquorist – Dutch Wine Academy

I also attended the prestigious Irish Whiskey Academy in Midleton, an unforgettable experience that deepened my understanding of the craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation behind Irish whiskey.

Outside of formal training, my whisky journey is always active. I frequently travel to Scotland as a whisky guide, exploring distilleries, tasting rooms, warehouses, and landscapes that shape the bottles we all love. I also write for the Dutch whisky magazine Whisky Passion, where I contribute articles for a knowledgeable and passionate readership.

My Work in the Whisky Industry
Beyond running this whisky blog, I’m deeply involved in the whisky world on a daily basis. I work full-time at whiskysite.nl, one of the leading whisky retailers in the Netherlands. In addition, I freelance for several whisky and spirits importers across the country, offering:
Whisky tastings & masterclasses
Festival stand representation
Brand storytelling
Whisky education for consumers and professionals

Sharing whisky with others—whether through a tasting, an article, or a conversation over a dram—is what energizes me most. Whisky is more than a drink; it’s a community, a history, and a craft. Being part of that every day is a privilege.

What Dram1.com Is All About
Dram1.com was founded with a clear purpose: to create the most trusted, honest, and informative whisky blog for people who want to explore whisky with confidence and curiosity. Here, you’ll find:
Independent whisky reviews
Tasting notes from around the world
Educational guides on whisky styles, production, and history
News, features, and behind-the-scenes content
Coverage of festivals, distillery visits, and industry events
The annual DRAM1 Whisky Awards

Everything published on Dram1 is based on genuine experience, professional training, and a deep love for the spirit.

A Little About Me Personally
Outside of the whisky world, I’m a family man first. I have a wonderful wife, a son who keeps life exciting, and two dogs who ensure there’s never a dull moment at home. When I’m not writing, tasting, or travelling, you’ll usually find me enjoying quality time with family and friends—often with a good dram in hand.

Why I Created Dram1
I built this whisky blog to share my passion with fellow whisky lovers and to offer detailed, honest, and accessible information to anyone interested in exploring whisky. Whether you’re choosing your first bottle or hunting down a rare release, I hope Dram1 becomes your go-to resource.

Thanks for visiting—and welcome to the Dram1 community. Slàinte!