In 1859, a determined 16-year-old named Domenico Canale emigrated from Italy to Memphis, Tennessee. Not long after his arrival, he began working in his uncle’s wholesale liquor and wine business, gaining firsthand experience in the beverage trade. Ambitious and entrepreneurial, Domenico soon struck out on his own, launching a modest fruit cart that reflected the spirit of the American dream.

In the 19th century, selling foodstuffs often meant selling beverage alcohol, and Domenico quickly recognized the opportunity. He partnered with Richwood Distillery of Milton, Kentucky, to craft his own house whiskey brand: Old Dominick. The label featured the iconic Dominique chicken—or “Dominicker”—a nod to his namesake and a symbol of authenticity and pride.

Domenico Canale passed away in January 1919, but his legacy endured. Nearly a century later, the brand was revived with the launch of Old Dominick’s Huling Station Whiskey in August 2020. Though distilled on contract in Indiana at MGP, Huling Station‘s unique character came from its own proprietary mashbill, yeast, and Memphis-sourced water—all shipped north to ensure consistency with the brand’s roots.

With the arrival of Master Distiller Alex Castle, distillation returned home to Memphis in 2017, re-establishing Old Dominick as a modern-day Memphis whiskey maker. In May 2024, Castle departed to lead Augusta Distillery in Kentucky, and David Valentine—formerly production team lead—stepped into the role of Lead Distiller, continuing the tradition with passion and precision.

On April 11, 2025, the Memphis distillery released a new expression: Old Dominick Single Barrel Select Straight Wheat Whiskey, aged for 7 years. Distilled in Memphis from a mashbill of 83% wheat, 12% corn, and 5% malted barley, the mash underwent fermentation for 4–6 days. It was distilled to 130 proof on a Vendome still and barreled at a deliberately low entry proof of 110. Aged in West Tennessee white oak barrels with a #4 alligator char, the palletized barrels matured slowly for a full seven years—developing a rich, refined profile worthy of the Old Dominick name.

Old Dominick Single Barrel Select Straight Wheat Whiskey is now available as a private selection, with a suggested retail price between $60 and $70. In a market brimming with top-notch bourbons and ryes, truly exceptional wheat whiskeys remain a rare find. So, has Old Dominick managed to earn a spot on that exclusive list of standout wheat expressions? Let’s dive in and find out.

Old Dominick Single Barrel Wheat Whiskey 7 Years Old Review

The nosing journey opens with caramel, quickly giving way to a dry, aromatic cedar note. Hints of mint chewing gum add a cooling lift, while the scent of toasted marshmallows rounds things out. It’s an engaging and well-composed bouquet—rich, layered, and impressively harmonious.

On the palate, toasted oak spices and root beer take the lead, setting a bold and flavorful tone. The midpalate is a delightful surprise, offering an impression of Nutella spread over warm toast. The texture is luxuriously dense, coating the mouth with satisfying weight. The finish brings depth and complexity, anchored by the earthy bitterness of black walnut and a touch of black pepper. As the whiskey lingers, it leaves behind a warm echo of cinnamon and toasted coconut.

This wheat whiskey from Old Dominick is a real standout. While it’s understood that media single barrel samples are typically handpicked to showcase a distillery’s best, barrel #638—bottled on January 17, 2025—goes beyond expectations. It’s a truly exceptional cask that positions Old Dominick as a serious player in the American wheat whiskey space. With seven years of aging and an approachable cask-strength price point of $60–70, this whiskey doesn’t just compete—it impresses. In a category that still feels underrepresented, Old Dominick has undeniably raised the bar.

124.62 proof. Reviewed: Barrel #638.

A / $65 / olddominick.com

The post Review: Old Dominick Single Barrel Wheat Whiskey 7 Years Old appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.