Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
One of the best things to come from the current whiskey resurgence (besides more whiskeys) has been the breaking up of some of whiskey’s stodgiest cliches. Drinkers, in general, are learning that age statements aren’t everything, no one region produces the best spirits, and blends can be great. For a clear illustration of this changing perspective, look to the fact that there are now renowned blenders.
Dixon Dedman is an established figure in whiskey. Entering the industry as a bourbon hobbyist with a background in hospitality, he earned his name creating the Kentucky Owl brand in 2014. The brand, named after his great grandfather’s defunct line of whiskey, put out a highly regarded series of blends.
Its success would grow to the point where Dixon felt it was too big for him. He left in 2021, hoping to keep his vision more grounded.
He returned to the business for 2XO, after catching the eye of the Prestige Beverage Group. Thanks to his reputation as a skilled blender, they hired him to consult on some of their barrels. He liked the liquid they had, and has been working with them on a series of small batch blends. After two initial releases, Phoenix Blend and the Innkeeper’s Blend, he’s building out the brand with two more offerings: American Oak and the Tribute Blend.
American Oak is positioned as the affordable mainstay of the 2XO line. To make it, Dedman takes barrels between five and six years in age and inserts chains of charred oak. These chains increase the liquid’s exposure to oak, and lead to faster finishing. It’s a shortcut, to be certain. Then again, it’s also the kind of technique that make an affordable expression possible.
It’s also a more economical use of charred oak, which Dedman expects to be in short supply as bourbon becomes more popular. It will be interesting to see whether this technique can still produce the kind of quality spirit Dedman is known for.
Tasting Notes: 2XO American Oak
Vital Stats: 47% ABV; Mash bill: Undisclosed; 94 Proof; MSRP 49.99 USD
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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.
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