Why Dram1 Exists
Dram1 was created out of a simple belief:
that whisky deserves to be talked about with care.
Not just rated.
Not just promoted.
But tasted, questioned, explained, and shared.
Whisky is culture, craft, history, and pleasure — and it becomes richer when people understand it better. Dram1 exists to help make that understanding easier, fairer, and more enjoyable.
Who Dram1 Is For
Dram1 is for anyone who is curious about whisky.
That includes:
- people taking their first steps beyond the supermarket shelf
- enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding
- experienced drinkers who value perspective as much as precision
We don’t believe whisky has an entry requirement.
Curiosity is enough.
Our Guiding Principle
Whisky is best understood when many palates and perspectives are brought together.
No single taster owns the truth of a whisky.
Authority comes from honesty, experience, and dialogue — not volume or certainty.
Dram1 aims to reflect whisky as it is experienced in the real world: differently, thoughtfully, and often passionately.
How We Review Whisky
Flavour Always Comes First
Every review begins and ends with the experience in the glass.
We focus on:
- aroma
- taste
- finish
- balance and development
Technical information supports that experience, but never replaces it. A whisky is not its spec sheet — it is how it drinks.
Structure Builds Trust
Consistency helps readers understand us.
Our reviews follow a recognisable structure so that:
- comparisons make sense
- preferences become visible over time
- readers can quickly find what matters to them
Within that structure, writers are encouraged to remain human, expressive, and honest.
Context Is Part of Honesty
A whisky does not exist in isolation.
Whenever possible, we explain:
- who a whisky is likely to appeal to
- how it relates to similar releases
- whether it feels fairly priced for what it offers
Saying “this isn’t for everyone” is not a criticism — it is respect for the reader.
Independence Above All
Dram1 values independence deeply.
We aim to:
- treat samples and purchases with the same critical care
- separate editorial judgement from commercial relationships
- be clear about what we know, and what we don’t
Praise is earned. Criticism is explained. Silence is sometimes the most honest response.
How We Teach Whisky
Education Should Invite, Not Intimidate
Whisky can be complex — but learning about it doesn’t need to be.
Our educational content is written to:
- remove unnecessary barriers
- explain ideas clearly before expanding on them
- respect both beginners and experts
We believe good education makes people more confident, not more cautious.
Depth Comes in Layers
Not everyone needs everything at once.
Dram1 education is designed so readers can:
- start simple
- go deeper when curiosity grows
- return later with new questions
Whisky knowledge isn’t a ladder — it’s a landscape.
Built to Last
We prioritise evergreen content:
- regularly reviewed and updated
- internally connected across the site
- designed to remain useful long after publication
Dram1 aims to become a reference people return to, not just an article they read once.
How We Cover Whisky News
Information First
When we report on whisky news, our goal is clarity.
We aim to explain:
- what has happened
- why it matters
- who it affects
Opinion is welcome, but it is never hidden inside reporting.
Context Over Hype
Not every release deserves attention simply for being rare, expensive, or loud.
We try to focus on:
- relevance
- innovation
- impact on drinkers and the wider whisky world
Attention is a responsibility, not a reward.
Our Voice
I write as someone who genuinely enjoy whisky.
Our tone is:
- informed but not academic
- enthusiastic but not breathless
- confident without being dismissive
Dram1 aims to sound like knowledgeable friends sharing a dram, not judges delivering a verdict.
Our Responsibility
As Dram1 grows, so does its influence — and that influence carries responsibility.
We commit to:
- accuracy and transparency
- respect for producers and readers
- openness to correction and learning
- continuous reflection on how we taste and write
We don’t aim to be perfect.
We aim to be fair.
Our Ambition
Dram1 hopes to grow into:
- a trusted source for whisky reviews
- a clear and welcoming place to learn about whisky
- a reliable destination for whisky news
- a community where different palates are valued
Growth is not the goal on its own.
Trust is.
In Closing
Dram1 exists to explore whisky with curiosity, care, and shared experience — one dram at a time.