Old Dominick Vodka 750ML is a Memphis-distilled craft vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) and made from a grain mash of soft red winter wheat and malted barley. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a distinction that underscores the role Memphis Sand Aquifer water plays in shaping its clean, mineral-driven character.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Memphis, Tennessee | Style: Grain Vodka | Distillery: Old Dominick DistilleryProduction & HeritageOld Dominick Distillery sits in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, where it draws water from the Memphis Sand Aquifer—a naturally filtered source that passes through layers of sand and gravel, yielding water of remarkable purity and minimal mineral interference. The vodka begins with a mash bill of soft red winter wheat and malted barley, undergoes a multi-step distillation process, and is then charcoal filtered before being cut to proof with that same aquifer water. A notable production detail is that the distillery bridges its Tennessee whiskey and vodka programs, leveraging its whiskey distillation infrastructure to produce this spirit, which gives the house a distinctive approach to vodka-making that few competitors in the region share.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens clean and neutral, with faint traces of raw grain and a delicate sweetness. There is very little ethanol bite, suggesting the charcoal filtration and aquifer water do their work effectively.Taste: The entry is soft and almost creamy, carrying a noticeable wheat-grain sweetness into the mid-palate. Mineral crispness from the Memphis aquifer water emerges next, lending brightness and structure. The overall impression is balanced—light-bodied yet substantive enough to hold its own neat.Finish: The finish is clean and smooth with a subtle, lingering warmth. No harsh edges or bitter grain notes remain, just a quiet fade of soft wheat and mineral clarity.How to Drink Old Dominick VodkaNeat or slightly chilled, this vodka rewards attention—its wheat-driven softness and aquifer minerality stand out without dilution. On the rocks, it opens up slightly and becomes even more approachable. For cocktails, consider the following: a Vodka Martini, where the mineral crispness pairs naturally with dry vermouth and a lemon twist; a Moscow Mule, where the wheat sweetness complements ginger beer's spice without competing; or a Vodka Collins, where the clean profile lets fresh lemon and soda shine through.Best For Gifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates terroir-driven vodka Anchoring a home cocktail bar with a Double Gold–winning base spirit Hosting a blind tasting of regional American craft vodkas Serving neat alongside a Memphis-style dinner spread Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Old Dominick Vodka taste like? It delivers a silky wheat sweetness on the palate, followed by a crisp mineral note sourced from Memphis Sand Aquifer water, finishing clean and smooth with subtle warmth.How does Old Dominick Vodka compare to Pickers Original Vodka? Both are Tennessee-made, grain-based vodkas bottled at 80 proof, but Old Dominick uses soft red winter wheat and malted barley with Memphis aquifer water, while Pickers is corn-based and filtered four times with Tennessee limestone water. Old Dominick tends toward a softer, more mineral-forward profile, whereas Pickers leans into gentle spice on the finish.Is Old Dominick Vodka good for sipping neat? Yes—the charcoal filtration and naturally pure aquifer water create a remarkably smooth spirit that holds up well without mixers or ice. Its wheat-forward softness and mineral finish make it one of the more interesting neat-sipping vodkas in the craft category.Where is Old Dominick Vodka made? It is distilled at the Old Dominick Distillery in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. The distillery sources its water from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, a naturally filtered underground water source that shapes the spirit's signature mineral character.What foods pair well with Old Dominick Vodka? Smoked salmon or lox, where the clean minerality cuts through the fish's richness; oysters on the half shell, which echo the vodka's briny mineral note; sharp aged cheeses such as aged Gouda or Manchego; chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce; and cured charcuterie, where the wheat softness balances salted and seasoned meats.What sizes does Old Dominick Vodka come in? The standard offering is the 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Old Dominick Vodka worth the price? It positions as a premium craft vodka, competing with other artisan American-made expressions rather than mass-market brands. The Double Gold Medal from the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the unique Memphis aquifer water sourcing provide meaningful quality markers that justify its place in the premium tier.Why Old Dominick Vodka?The 2020 SFWSC Double Gold Medal places this vodka among an elite group—fewer than a third of entrants earn Double Gold in any given year. What distinguishes Old Dominick from most craft vodkas is its direct connection to the Memphis Sand Aquifer, a water source whose natural filtration through sand and gravel requires minimal additional processing and imparts a subtle mineral signature rarely found in the category. The decision to build the vodka on a soft red winter wheat and malted barley mash bill rather than a neutral corn base gives it a textural richness that rewards both neat sipping and cocktail use. For drinkers interested in how terroir can shape even a traditionally neutral spirit, this Memphis expression makes a compelling case.
