Old Dominick Bourbon 750ML is a high-rye Tennessee bourbon bottled at 90.1 proof (45.05% ABV) in a 750ml format from Memphis-based Old Dominick Distillery. It earned a Double Gold medal at the 2024 SIP Awards, validating what the distillery set out to achieve — a Tennessee whiskey that deliberately breaks from the state's more familiar flavor profiles.Quick Facts: ABV: 45.05% (90.1 Proof) | Origin: Memphis, Tennessee, USA | Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Distillery: Old Dominick DistilleryProduction & HeritageOld Dominick Distillery operates out of Memphis, Tennessee, reviving a brand name that traces back to the city's pre-Prohibition spirits trade. Under Master Distiller Alex Castle, the distillery developed a mashbill of 52% corn, 44% rye, and 4% malted barley — an unusually high rye percentage that places it firmly in high-rye bourbon territory and drives much of its spice-forward character. The spirit enters barrels at a relatively low 110 proof and ages in West Tennessee white oak barrels, a deliberate choice to build a flavor identity distinct from the state's other well-known whiskey producers.Tasting NotesAroma: Honey and cinnamon arrive first, followed by gentle floral overtones and a layer of buttercream richness. Toasted oak and vanilla sit beneath, with caramel rounding out the nose.Taste: The entry is sweeter than the mashbill might suggest, with corn-driven caramel giving way quickly to assertive rye spice at mid-palate. Dark chocolate, leather, and dried fruit develop as the whiskey opens up, and the 44% rye proportion makes itself felt through a persistent peppery warmth that builds without becoming harsh.Finish: Long and unapologetic, with lingering cinnamon and oak tannins that hold their structure well past the final sip. The boldness here reflects both the high rye content and the lower barrel entry proof, which preserves grain character through aging.How to Drink Old Dominick BourbonNeat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding way to experience this bourbon; water opens the floral and buttercream aromatics without flattening the rye spice. The 90.1 proof also holds up well over a single large ice cube. For cocktails, the high-rye backbone makes it a natural fit for a Manhattan, where the spice and dark chocolate notes complement sweet vermouth beautifully. It also shines in a Boulevardier, its bold structure standing up to Campari's bitterness, and in an Old Fashioned, where the caramel and cinnamon create a rich, layered drink without additional sweetener overwhelming the glass.Best For Bourbon drinkers exploring Tennessee whiskey beyond the mainstream brands High-rye bourbon enthusiasts seeking a spice-driven sipper under 100 proof Gifting to someone who appreciates regional American craft distilling Building rye-forward Manhattans and Old Fashioneds at home Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Old Dominick Bourbon taste like? It leads with sweet caramel and honey before a pronounced rye spice takes over, delivering dark chocolate, leather, and dried fruit through a long, cinnamon-driven finish. The 44% rye in the mashbill gives it noticeably more pepper and spice than most bourbons at this proof.How does Old Dominick Bourbon compare to George Dickel Bourbon? Both are Tennessee-made bourbons, but Old Dominick's 44% rye mashbill produces a significantly spicier, bolder profile than George Dickel's smoother, more corn-forward character. Old Dominick also enters the barrel at a lower 110 proof, which tends to preserve more of the raw grain flavors through maturation.Is Old Dominick Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — at 90.1 proof it sits in a comfortable range for neat drinking, delivering full flavor without excessive alcohol heat. A few drops of water help open the floral and cream notes that the rye spice can otherwise mask.Where is Old Dominick Bourbon made? Old Dominick Bourbon is distilled and bottled at the Old Dominick Distillery in Memphis, Tennessee, and aged in barrels made from West Tennessee white oak.What foods pair well with Old Dominick Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the oak and spice character well. Dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa notes on the palate. Aged cheddar or Gruyère provides a savory counterpoint to the caramel sweetness. Pecan pie intensifies the bourbon's toasted-nut and cinnamon qualities, and charcuterie boards with cured meats mirror the leather and dried fruit elements.What sizes does Old Dominick Bourbon come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format.Is Old Dominick Bourbon worth the price? Old Dominick Bourbon positions as a craft-tier expression, priced above mass-market Tennessee whiskeys but within reach of everyday drinking for enthusiasts. Its 2024 SIP Awards Double Gold and genuinely distinctive mashbill deliver strong value for drinkers seeking something outside the Kentucky bourbon mainstream.Why Old Dominick Bourbon?The 44% rye mashbill is the headline here — it is one of the highest rye percentages in any widely available straight bourbon, and it fundamentally shapes the drinking experience. Master Distiller Alex Castle designed this whiskey to taste nothing like Tennessee's established players, and the 2024 SIP Awards Double Gold suggests the gamble landed. The lower 110 barrel entry proof further differentiates it by retaining more of the distillate's original grain character through aging. For anyone who finds most bourbons too sweet or too similar, Old Dominick offers a genuinely distinct alternative rooted in Memphis and built around rye-driven intensity.
