American whiskey enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate this season with the release of the second edition of Gem of Kentucky, an exclusive offering from renowned whiskey blender Dixon Dedman’s 2XO ("Two Times Oak") brand. Known for pushing the boundaries of whiskey blending, Dedman has created a one-of-a-kind experience by introducing a double-barreled, single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey—a rarity in the bourbon world. This release is not only designed to satisfy the refined tastes of whiskey connoisseurs but also comes with a unique partnership and packaging that elevates it as a collector’s item.
Unveiling Gem of Kentucky: A Unique Double-Barreled Bourbon
Dedman, a celebrated figure in American whiskey, has carefully curated each bottle of the 2023 Gem of Kentucky. For this limited release, he hand-selected 80 barrels from his high-rye bourbon stocks, featuring a mash bill of 35% rye. Each barrel was aged in new charred oak barrels for up to an additional year before bottling. Priced at $199.99, this year’s Gem of Kentucky is available in select markets and through ReserveBar.com, offering an exclusive opportunity for bourbon lovers to own a distinctive piece of whiskey craftsmanship.
The “double-barreled” aspect refers to the unique process that 2XO follows, in which each whiskey expression goes through extra oak exposure, creating layers of depth and complexity. With this extended interaction with the oak, the whiskey develops a robust character, balancing the spiciness from the rye with a satisfying sweetness. Each bottle of Gem of Kentucky is crafted to offer a unique tasting experience, and the variety across barrels means enthusiasts can enjoy a range of flavor profiles.
A Symphony of Flavor Profiles
Each barrel of Gem of Kentucky delivers its own unique flavor profile, making each bottle truly one-of-a-kind. Some barrels offer notes of sweetness with flavors like chocolate, cinnamon, and toasted marshmallow, followed by a lingering taste of baking spices. Others bring out more savory tones with dark red fruits, nutmeg, and a hint of black pepper spice. This balance between sweetness and spiciness results in a whiskey that is big, rich, and heavy on the palate—a drink best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
As Dixon Dedman describes it, this release is "big, rich, viscous, heavy on the palate but with a balance of sweetness and spice," an ideal combination that makes it stand out in the bourbon world.
Artistic Collaboration with Travis Adams: The Unmined Gem
In a bid to enhance the experience and presentation of Gem of Kentucky, Dedman partnered with Lexington, Kentucky-based glass artist Travis Adams of Trifecta Design Studio. Adams created The Unmined Gem, a one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass sculpture to house select bottles of Gem of Kentucky. This unique presenter combines intricate glass craftsmanship with bourbon artistry, elevating the 2XO experience beyond the whiskey itself.
The glass sculpture, designed with hand-etched details, draws inspiration from Kentucky’s natural landscape. Adams explains that his design references classic whiskey stills, with internal crystal textures reminiscent of the hidden gems within geodes. "Through its contemporary form, internal crystal texturing, and hand-etched details, The Unmined Gem fuses hand-blown glass with a premier bourbon offering that any collector would be proud to own," Adams noted. The Unmined Gem was crafted as a collectible item, perfectly complementing the elegance of the black bottle with its gold accents.
The release of The Unmined Gem will be limited and details on purchasing opportunities will be shared on 2XO’s Instagram, inviting fans and collectors to own this piece of whiskey artistry.
Legacy and Recognition of 2XO Bourbon Blends
The Gem of Kentucky release follows a string of award-winning 2XO expressions, reflecting Dedman’s commitment to quality and creativity in bourbon blending. Previous 2XO releases, including American Oak, French Oak, and a series of other limited blends like The Sneakerhead Blend and The Tribute Blend, have each garnered industry accolades and praise from the likes of Wine Enthusiast, Whisky Advocate, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
Dedman’s approach to blending focuses on creating layered, complex flavors, and his experience extends beyond just bourbon blending; he brings a culinary perspective developed from years running his family’s award-winning Beaumont Inn. His reputation in the bourbon world first took off with the revival of the Kentucky Owl brand, a historic label founded by his great-great-grandfather in the late 1800s.
About 2XO Whiskey and Prestige Beverage Group
The 2XO brand, named for the “Two Times Oak” blending method, is built on Dedman’s vision to innovate within the bourbon tradition. Each 2XO expression undergoes additional oak exposure, enhancing the whiskey’s depth and flavor profile. This distinctive process has helped Dedman establish 2XO as a respected name in American whiskey, with expressions that appeal to both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
2XO’s unique approach to whiskey has been made possible through its collaboration with Prestige Beverage Group, a leading importer and brand innovator in the beverage industry. Prestige, headquartered in Minnesota and founded in 1974, is known for its extensive portfolio of wines and spirits, including brands like Kinky Beverages, Yes Way Rosé, and LANA Tequila. Through their partnership, Dedman and Prestige Beverage Group have introduced 2XO’s sought-after whiskeys to a wider audience.
A Collectible for Whiskey Enthusiasts
The 2023 release of Gem of Kentucky is not just a bourbon; it is a collector’s item and a testament to Dixon Dedman’s artistry. With each bottle numbered and showcasing its unique barrel flavor profile, it offers an individualized tasting experience. Paired with the handcrafted glass presenter, The Unmined Gem, this release truly exemplifies the fusion of art and whiskey.
For fans of premium bourbon, Gem of Kentucky represents the finest in American whiskey, combining dedication to tradition with innovative spirit. As Dedman’s latest masterpiece, it stands as a tribute to Kentucky’s rich whiskey heritage and his ongoing contribution to the bourbon renaissance.
Whiskey lovers can explore more about Gem of Kentucky and 2XO’s other releases by visiting 2xowhiskey.com and following @2xowhiskey on Instagram for updates. With its refined taste, craftsmanship, and collectible appeal, Gem of Kentucky is set to make a lasting impression in the bourbon world this season.