About
Raise a glass to Memphis’ whiskey-making renaissance at the Old Dominick Distillery downtown. Established in 2017 at its present location, the distillery has family roots tracing to the late 1800s.
Conveniently located between Beale Street and the Mississippi Riverfront, adding the distillery to any downtown Memphis adventure is easy. Stop in for a 1-hour sensory distillery tour, topped off with a curated tasting of Old Dominick’s spirits.
The storied background of Old Dominick Distillery reaches back to the arrival of Italian immigrant Domenico Canale in 1859. Canale had come to America to meet up with his uncles in Memphis, who had developed a successful wholesale grocery business.
Domenico embarked on his own pathway in Memphis, running a fruit cart up and down the city streets. This led to Canale eventually establishing the D. Canale & Co. food wholesaler, which included whiskey sold in ceramic jars and bottles.
In 1880, Dominick’s iconic rooster first appeared on Canale’s “Dominick Toddy”, a bourbon-based libation with fruity overtones. In 2013, Canale’s great-great-grandsons found an unopened bottle of the 1800s Old Dominick Toddy and decided to reinstate the family spirit brand. Lucky for us.
In 2017, Domenico’s descendants produced Old Dominick Distillery’s first batch of Tennessee Whiskey. They have been sharing a sip of pure Memphis ever since, expanding the distillery’s portfolio to more than half a dozen whiskeys, along with gin and vodka.
Whether learning about the intricate distillation process or simply enjoying a Memphis cocktail, a visit to the Old Dominick Distillery is worth a toast.
Old Dominick Distillery: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One of the distinguishing features of Old Dominick Distillery is its fully operational grain-to-glass craft process. Every spirit, including vodka, gin, and their signature Tennessee whiskey, is made entirely on-site.
Another curious note of the Old Dominick Distillery has to do with when it produced its first Tennessee whiskey in 2017. That was the first time since Prohibition that whiskey was legally distilled in Memphis! Speaking of Prohibition, Old Dominick’s namesake Domenico Canale passed away just three days before the law went into effect in 1919.
Today, the distillery’s one-hour sensory tour is enriched with storytelling and legends. The adventure begins with the history of Old Dominick and the legacy of Domenico Canale. Tours end with a curated sampling of Old Dominick’s libations (for visitors 21+).
For an even more in-depth look into Old Dominick, reserve a spot for their Beyond the Barrel experience. This is a true treasure for whiskey enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Beyond the Barrel includes a profound discussion of the history of whiskey in Memphis, an exclusive look at the distillery’s aging loft, and a whiskey flight tasting with products not available on the general tour.
Another unique highlight at the Old Dominick Distillery is the captivating rooftop patio overlooking the Memphis skyline. This scenic spot is perfect for taking in city views while sipping a handcrafted cocktail.
For dining enthusiasts, the distillery is right across the street from Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. Their renowned bold flavors will complement your distillery visit perfectly, rounding out the local experience with unbeatable fried chicken.
Spending time at the Old Dominick Distillery is not just about spirits—it’s about connecting with Memphis’ vibrant past and present.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Memphis to the Old Dominick Distillery:
- Head southeast on Madison Ave toward S Front St.
- Turn right onto S Main St and continue for approximately half a mile.
- Turn left onto E Pontotoc Ave.
- Address: 305 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103.
Local Tips
- Check hours online for the distillery, bar, and tours, as closing hours may vary.
- On-site parking is available, including Handicap parking next to the Distillery.
- Check their calendar for unique seasonal events.
- Reservations are recommended. Tickets can be purchased online up to 60 days in advance.
- Plan to check in about 10 minutes before the tour.
