Retired Marine Is Founder Of The Only Veteran And Black-Owned Scotch Brand In The World

Fior Scotch is the only veteran and Black-owned scotch brand in the world. Its founder, retired Marine Major Eric Dominijann.

According to Forbes, Fior Scotch is the only veteran and Black-owned scotch brand in the world. Its founder, retired Marine Major Eric Dominijanni, had a remarkable military career and is a culinary expert. The story began during a casual outing in California in 2014 when a well-intentioned stranger offered him a shot to express gratitude for his service.

Describing the experience, Dominijanni recalled to Forbes, “We were out at this bar in Huntington Beach, and this guy buys me a shot to thank me for my service, and it was just awful. It might have been Malort. I just couldn’t get the taste out of my mouth, so we finally went to this other bar that specialized in scotch.”

Intrigued and unsatisfied with his initial encounter, Dominijanni instructed a bartender to enlighten him about scotch, setting the stage for a two-hour tutorial that sparked his interest. From that point on, he delved into the world of scotch, collecting and experimenting with blends to create a flavor profile that appealed to his taste.

A retired Marine with extensive military service and a culinary school graduate who once defeated Bobby Flay, Dominijanni applied his passion for crafting his own beverages. Reflecting on his diverse skills, he stated, “I make my own mead, I make my own beer, I make my own sausage. So, while I don’t have a distillery in my home, I do know what I enjoy drinking.”

In 2017, after achieving a blend he truly loved, Dominijanni shared it with friends and family, receiving positive feedback. Motivated by this response, the veteran pondered the possibility of turning his personal blend into a scotch brand. With research and encouragement from a friend in the alcohol business, he embarked on the journey to bring Fior Scotch to fruition.

Explaining the significance of the name, Dominijanni said Fior is a Gaelic word meaning pure, pristine, or true. Despite facing challenges, such as shortages of glass and other materials, Fior Scotch debuted in early 2023 and has since earned accolades, including double gold medals at prestigious competitions.

With distribution in New York, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and online, Fior has made a mark not only because of Dominijanni’s background but, more importantly, for its exceptional taste. Looking ahead, Dominijanni plans to expand Fior’s footprint while also exploring opportunities to give back to the veteran community. He stated, “I’m currently researching to find the right veteran charity to support. I can’t support everyone, but I have to give back.”