The history of this distillery has been extensively researched by Bill Ambrose (2002).

1880: The Commonwealth was established by Richard P Stoll, Henry Clay and James S Stoll (Stoll & Co.) within the brick shell of an old cotton mill. It was located on Sandersville Pike about 3 miles NW of the city limits and represented a capital investment of $60,000.

Ambrose notes that the distillery produced 45 barrels per day (5,000 per annum), made possible by twelve 9,000 gallon fermentation vats in the basement. Three warehouses enclosed 30,000 sq ft and 13,000 barrels.

1885: Stoll & Co. was dissolved. On August 12, the assets were auctioned publicly. George J Stoll Jr purchased the distillery and grounds for $10,090, while Richard P Stoll acquired several hundred gallons of stored whiskey. Distillery operations were assumed by the Commonwealth Distillery Co., which had incorporated in 1883. Richard P Stoll was President, Isaac Strauss was VP. The board included Charles H Stoll, James S Stoll, Solomon Pritz and Benjamin Pritz. Strauss & Pritz were noted Cincinnati wholesalers .

1892-1896: Insurance underwriter records describe the distillery as being brick. The property included cattle pens 216 ft west of the still, and three bonded warehouses that were combined as one. The building was located 100 ft east of the still and was brick with a metal or slate roof.

The distillery was noted as being operated by Stoll, Hamilton & Co., but its products were widely distributed under a variety of pseudonyms (see below).

1899: The distillery was acquired by the Trust and later razed. The warehouses remained in use until 1908 for storage.

Aliases that this distillery's product was sold under
Review bonded warehouse transactions for this distillery