2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon Whiskey

2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon Whiskey is the third small-batch release in Dixon Dedman's Icon Series — a 104 proof (52% ABV), 750mL Kentucky straight bourbon blend built on 2XO's signature "Two Times Oak" process: 6+ year old high-rye bourbon double-barreled into new charred oak at both #3 and #4 char for 9–12 months, then married with low-rye bourbon. Dedman — the blender who resurrected Kentucky Owl — made this one a tribute to his parents and the path they paved for him. It pours viscous and rich: caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla over toasted oak and rye pepper, butterscotch and dried fruit through the palate, and a long, gently spicy finish. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• Proof / ABV: 104 proof (52% ABV) — 750mL bottle
• Blend: 6+ year old Kentucky straight bourbons; high-rye (35%) double-barreled into #3/#4 char new oak 9–12 months + low-rye (~16–18%) bourbon
• Series: Icon Series, third release — a tribute to Dixon Dedman's parents
• Blender: Dixon Dedman (Kentucky Owl); 2XO = Two Times Oak, launched 2022
• Awards: Gold, 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition; Gold, 2024 ASCOT Awards (retailer-reported)

The Blender's Thank-You Note

Dixon Dedman grew up in the test kitchen of his family's James Beard-winning Beaumont Inn, resurrected his great-great-grandfather's Kentucky Owl into a cult brand in 2014, and launched 2XO — "Two Times Oak" — in late 2022 around one idea: every expression gets a second round of oak. The Icon Series is the heart of the brand — one-off small-batch blends, each named for something in his life. The Tribute Blend looks backward with gratitude: a marriage of two proprietary Kentucky mash bills, with the high-rye portion double-barreled for extra wood sweetness to balance the spice. Drinkhacker has tracked every Icon release as a must-watch; this is one of the gentler ones. Shop more bourbon whiskey or browse everything from 2XO at Del Mesa.

Tasting Notes

Per brand and retailer consensus: the nose opens with caramel, brown sugar, and vanilla over toasted oak and rye pepper, with creamy vanilla and red cherry notes; the palate is viscous and rich — butterscotch, dried fruit, cinnamon, and cedar, the char sweetness rounding the rye's edges; the finish is long and warming, muted spice that hangs around longer than expected.

How to Enjoy

Neat — the layered oak and viscosity are the point of the double-barrel treatment. A few drops of water open the fruit and vanilla while softening the spice. The 104 proof also stands up in a spirit-forward cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 2XO stand for?
"Two Times Oak" — Dixon Dedman's process of re-barreling selected aged whiskey into new charred oak barrels for a second round of wood interaction, building intensity, viscosity, and texture.

What is the Icon Series?
2XO's line of one-off, limited-time small-batch blends — each with its own name and symbol inspired by something in Dedman's life. The Tribute Blend is the third release, honoring his parents.

What mash bills are in The Tribute Blend?
Two proprietary Kentucky straight bourbon mash bills: a high-rye at 35% (double-barreled into #3 and #4 char new oak for 9–12 months) and a low-rye at roughly 16–18%.

Dedman's double-oaked tribute — order 2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.