Bourbon

Whiskey Review: 2XO American Oak

We review 2XO American Oak, an American whiskey produced by well known blender Dixon Dedman, formerly of Kentucky Owl fame.

OVERALL RATING

6
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2XO American Oak review

Tasting Notes

About:

47% ABV; Mash bill: Undisclosed; 94 Proof; MSRP 49.99 USD
Appearance:
Pale Gold
Nose:
It has an initial mossy quality, with underlying hints of sandalwood. As I get deeper into the scent, there are sweeter hints of stewed red fruit with a slightly medicinal air to them.
Palate:
There’s an opening feel of stewed cherry and cigar box wood. It leans more spicy and medicinal than the typical bourbon sweetness of vanilla and caramel. The mouthfeel is oily and a bit heavy, but with the slightly muted quality I’ve come to associate with accelerated aging. The finish is cool and neutral, with just a little bit of burn and a comfortable note of black tea.
Finish:
Comments:
This definitely feels like an everyday expression. It’s certainly not offensive in any way, but every flavor feels a bit muted. I appreciate, at least, that it doesn’t try to rely on overwhelming treacle sweetness. Still, I find that it occupies an unexceptional no-man’s land between spicy, bitter, and sweet without shining in any area.rnrnAs long as you don’t expect this to be a surprising taste, the neutrality of flavor and decent baseline quality would make it a utility player for cocktails or mixed company.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Taylor Shiells

Taylor is a writer, researcher, and whiskey enthusiast. He came to Portland in pursuit of higher education, and found himself staying to pursue the Pacific Northwest's wide range of olfactory offerings. He's a fan of craft beer, farm to table food, indie perfume, and, most of all, whiskey. While he provides technical research to the entertainment industry by day, the Whiskey Wash gives him the opportunity to explore his passion, hone his palate, and practice a more flavorful form of writing.

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