Convert Dram (dr) to Barrel (UK) (bbl (UK)) instantly.
About these units
Dram (dr)
The fluid dram is a small historical unit equal to 1/8 of a US fluid ounce or 3.6967 mL (US), with slightly different imperial values. It originated in apothecaries and early pharmaceutical texts, where drams measured potent liquid medicines, tinctures, and extracts. In daily life, drams appeared in old cocktail recipes, medicinal syrups, and household remedies. However, the inconsistency between US and UK drams, along with the rise of the metric system, pushed it out of modern use. Today, the dram survives mostly in whiskey culture—where a "dram" informally means a small pour, not a precise measurement—and in historical studies of medicine.
Barrel (UK) (bbl (UK))
The UK barrel also varies by context but is commonly set at 36 imperial gallons, or about 163.66 liters. Used in British breweries, distilleries, and older trade systems, the UK barrel historically held ale, beer, and spirits. Barrel sizes were not only a reflection of trade standardization but also taxation. Governments often taxed based on container size, prompting industries to standardize capacities for legal and economic stability. Though less prevalent today due to metrication, the UK barrel remains in use in traditional breweries and historical references. It is an enduring symbol of Britain's long brewing heritage and the complex history of imperial trade.