DRAM1 Indie Award 2026
The DRAM1 Indie Award launches in 2026, celebrating the world of independent whisky bottlers. Join the tasting panel, taste 12 blind…
Oban 14 Review
Oban 14 is one of Scotland’s most recognisable coastal single malts, representing the West Highlands in the legendary Classic Malts lineup….
Tasting Notes
Nikka Coffey Grain Review
This Nikka Coffey Grain review explores one of Japan’s most comforting and characterful whiskies. Distilled using historic Coffey stills and…
Macallan 18 Sherry Oak Review (2025)
The Macallan 18 Sherry Oak is one of Scotch whisky’s most recognisable names. This review looks beyond the prestige to…
Compass Box Brûlée Royale Review
Compass Box Brûlée Royale is a dessert-inspired blended malt built on transparency rather than gimmicks. This review explores its full…
Whisky Academy
Must Read
DRAM1 Indie Award 2026
The DRAM1 Indie Award launches in 2026, celebrating the world of independent whisky bottlers. Join the tasting panel, taste 12…
Top 10 Whiskies for Beginners Under €50
Starting whisky doesn’t have to be intimidating. This DRAM1 guide lists 10 beginner-friendly whiskies under €50, covering Scotland’s regions, Ireland,…
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Welcome to Dram1 — a whisky blog built from a genuine passion for the world’s greatest spirit.
I’m Martijn van Opstal, founder of Dram1 and creator of the DRAM1 Whisky Awards. This is my personal corner of the internet where whisky lovers — from curious beginners to seasoned enthusiasts — can explore honest reviews, in-depth whisky education, and thoughtful stories from across the global whisky landscape.
With formal whisky training and years of hands-on tasting experience, Dram1 exists to guide, inspire, and help you discover whiskies worth your time.