As Outdated Dominick Distillery in Memphis comes into its personal, its house-distilled whiskey has steadily improved, evolving in character and complexity as its age statements climb. Whereas the Memphis distillery makes Tennessee whiskey, Outdated Dominick additionally distills bourbon made with a high-rye mashbill of 52% corn, 44% rye, and 4% malted barley.
On August 1, 2025, Outdated Dominick unveiled its most mature launch to this point: Outdated Dominick Reserve Bourbon 8 Years Outdated. Whereas the eight-year age assertion is the very first thing to catch the attention, the mashbill marks a big departure from earlier bourbons. This launch options the identical mashbill as Outdated Dominick’s Tennessee whiskey—75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley.
Like all whiskey produced at Outdated Dominick utilizing the 13% rye mashbill, Reserve Bourbon undergoes the Lincoln County Course of—a sugar maple charcoal filtration earlier than barreling, a trademark of Tennessee whiskey. Nonetheless, in contrast to the extra intense utility seen at Jack Daniel’s, Outdated Dominick’s filtration is minimal, using a charcoal mattress not a lot bigger than a espresso can. Regardless of this gentler strategy, it nonetheless satisfies the state’s necessities for Tennessee whiskey and absolutely complies with the federal requirements of identification for bourbon.
Outdated Dominick Reserve Bourbon qualifies as each a Tennessee whiskey and a bourbon, very like George Dickel Bourbon. Nonetheless, for this launch, Outdated Dominick chooses to label it merely as bourbon, highlighting its flavor-driven identification slightly than leaning on geographical classification.
The authorized nuances are notable. Whereas Tennessee has strict state-level laws defending the time period “Tennessee whiskey,” federal regulation doesn’t acknowledge it as a definite class past a NAFTA clause defining it as “straight bourbon produced solely in Tennessee.” Except for Prichard’s, all Tennessee whiskey producers are required by state regulation to make use of the charcoal mellowing course of—although how that course of is executed stays as much as the distiller.
Outdated Dominick’s Reserve Bourbon is the end result of cautious manufacturing selections: 4 to six days of fermentation, distillation on a Vendome nonetheless at 130 proof, charcoal filtration, and barrel entry at 110 proof. The spirit is aged in heavy #4 char barrels from Impartial Stave Firm, constructed from domestically sourced West Tennessee white oak. After at the very least eight years within the barrel, the result’s a matured whiskey that firmly asserts Tennessee whiskey’s rightful place on this planet of bourbon.
So sure—Outdated Dominick simply drove one other nail into the coffin of the argument that “Tennessee whiskey isn’t bourbon.” However on the finish of the day, what actually issues is: Is the whiskey good?
Let’s discover out.
Outdated Dominick Reserve Bourbon 8 Years Outdated Evaluate
The nostril opens with char-grilled peaches and honey Graham crackers, adopted by a quick contact of earthiness that rapidly offers method to a splash of grenadine and a closing flourish of milk chocolate. The general fragrant profile leans decidedly candy—sweeter than most bourbons—inserting it extra in keeping with what one would possibly count on from a Tennessee whiskey.
On the palate, the sweetness intensifies in a means that’s daring however not cloying. It begins with a success of southern pralines earlier than veering unexpectedly—however playfully—into Grape Large League Chew. Shortbread cookies and strawberry jam comply with, retaining the expertise partaking and various. The whiskey’s richly textured mouthfeel, due to the minimal charcoal filtration, makes every taste linger longer than anticipated.
Whereas the aroma leans candy, the flavour profile commits to it absolutely—and impressively manages to maintain every notice clearly outlined. The end is not any exception, starting with a honey-forward impression so distinguished it may cross for a honey cask end in a blind tasting. It wraps up with caramel and milk chocolate, delivering a closing sensation not in contrast to a melted Milk Dud.
Outdated Dominick Reserve Bourbon is undeniably candy from starting to finish—however in a means that feels deliberate and assured. It’s not your normal bourbon profile, and that’s exactly the purpose. For these cautious of sweeter whiskey, this won’t be the one. However for these open to a dessert-like pour—or for anybody who already appreciates the sweeter facet of Tennessee whiskey—this can be a compelling and rewarding bottle. Once I need one thing with a sweeter edge that also brings complexity and character, Outdated Dominick Reserve Bourbon can be on the prime of my checklist.
100 proof.
A- / $60
Outdated Dominick Reserve Bourbon 8 Years Outdated
USD60
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