The Phoenix Blend Launched By Former Kentucky Owl Blender

American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman, formerly of Kentucky Owl, recently announced the launch of the first whiskey from his new brand, 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The new 2XO: The Phoenix Blend, according to those behind it, is a blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys composed of two proprietary mash bills from different distilling partners – one a moderate rye content and the other a very high rye bourbon mash bill. The twist on it is that 2XO, which means Two Times Oak, refers to Dedman’s blending process of re-barreling “his hand-selected aged whiskey into new charred oak barrels to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend.”

“I named The Phoenix Blend very intentionally,” said Dedman in a prepared statement. “Like a new beginning, 2XO aims to create something unique in American whiskey, and every release will strive to achieve something special. The initial response to The Phoenix Blend has been very well received. I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.”

American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman, formerly of Kentucky Owl, recently announced the launch of the first whiskey from his new brand, 2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. (image via 2XO)

The Phoenix Blend will be followed by two new, small batch blend releases and a single barrel release in each consecutive year. Each small batch blend will be different, bearing what’s described  as “a distinctive name and symbol inspired by Dixon’s passion to innovate, collaborate, and create high-quality liquids with unique characteristics and profiles.”

The Phoenix Blend is initially available in select markets nationwide in limited quantities, and online at ReserveBar, with a suggested retail price of $100. Official tasting notes indicate that, “on the palate, The Phoenix Blend is viscous with notes of caramel and vanilla on the front, moving to bright ripe red fruit in the middle, and finishing with a mild peppery spice.”