2XO Gem Of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
2XO Gem Of Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is Dixon Dedman's flagship — the only double-barreled single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon on the market, and the premiere offering of his 2XO ("Two Times Oak") brand. Each bottle comes from one hand-selected single barrel of high-rye bourbon (35% rye mash bill), re-barreled into a single new charred oak cask — char 3 and char 4 secondary char levels — for up to a year of second oak before bottling at barrel strength in 750mL. The barrel number is printed on the front label. Annual release, limited quantities; it earned Double Platinum at the 2024 ASCOT Awards. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: barrel strength — varies by barrel (roughly 50–54%); no fixed proof is stated
- Size: 750mL
- Age: no age statement — secondary barreling spent up to a year in new charred oak
- Mash bill: high-rye bourbon — 35% rye
- Origin: Kentucky — created by renowned blender Dixon Dedman (relaunched Kentucky Owl in 2014) with Prestige Beverage Group
- Award: Double Platinum, 2024 ASCOT Awards
Two Times Oak: Dedman's Signature Move
Dixon Dedman pioneered the re-barreling technique the brand is named for: taking hand-selected aged whiskey and giving it a second round of oak in new charred barrels. Gem of Kentucky is that idea at its most focused — one barrel, re-barreled into one new cask, bottled alone. The official notes split by barrel character: sweet barrels run chocolate, cinnamon and toasted marshmallow into baking spices; savory barrels run dark red fruits, nutmeg and black pepper — all with a richer, more viscous mouthfeel. The distinctive black bottle marks an annual, limited release (launched November 2023; second vintage November 2024). Explore bourbon or the 2XO range at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the official press release: full-bodied, full-flavored, rich and viscous — sweet barrels: chocolate, cinnamon, toasted marshmallow flowing into baking spices; savory barrels: dark red fruits, nutmeg, black pepper spice. Retailers add deep mahogany color, dense caramel, brown sugar, dark cherry and heavy toasted oak, with a thick, oily palate of butterscotch, cinnamon, clove, cedar and dark chocolate.
How to Enjoy
Sipped neat or on the rocks, per the brand — this is a contemplative pour, and the barrel number on the front label tells you which of Dedman's picks you're drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "2XO" mean?
"Two Times Oak" — Dixon Dedman's process of re-barreling whiskey into new charred oak for a second round of maturation.
What is the proof?
It varies by barrel — bottled at barrel strength, roughly 50–54%. No fixed ABV is published.
Who is Dixon Dedman?
The renowned American whiskey blender who relaunched Kentucky Owl in 2014 from his great-great-grandfather C.M. Dedman's recipe; 2XO is his own brand with Prestige Beverage Group.
Has it won awards?
Yes — Double Platinum at the 2024 ASCOT Awards.
Dedman's flagship, twice oaked, one barrel — order 2XO Gem of Kentucky online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.