Dixon Dedman is one of the most respected names in American whiskey. He grew up on the Kentucky whiskey trail, ran his family's James Beard award-winning Beaumont Inn, and built his reputation by reviving Kentucky Owl — his great-great-grandfather's distillery — before launching 2XO, his own award-winning brand built on a process he pioneered: Two Times Oak. Every 2XO expression is re-barreled into new charred oak after its initial aging, adding additional oak exposure that builds sweetness to balance the high rye spice in the mash bill.
Gem of Kentucky is the only double-barreled, single-barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on the market — the premiere and most prestigious expression in the 2XO lineup. Dixon hand-selects each barrel from his stocks of 35% high rye bourbon, which then spends additional time in new charred oak barrels at varying char levels (char 3 and char 4) before bottling just below barrel proof at 108 proof. Every barrel develops its own unique character. The barrel number is printed on the front label — making each bottle a one-of-a-kind expression. Annual limited release, produced in select quantities.
ABV / Proof
| Distillery / Producer |
2XO Whiskey — by Dixon Dedman, Louisville, Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Single Barrel, Double Barreled |
| Mash Bill |
High rye — 35% rye |
| Process |
Two Times Oak (2XO) — re-barreled in new charred oak (char 3 & char 4) for secondary aging |
| Selection |
Hand-selected single barrels by Dixon Dedman — each bottle individually numbered |
| Availability |
Annual limited release — produced in select quantities |
| Proof |
108 Proof |
| ABV |
54% |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States, Kentucky |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep mahogany with rich copper — two rounds of charred oak in every pour
Note: Each barrel is unique. Flavors vary by barrel number.
Sweeter barrels: Chocolate, cinnamon, toasted marshmallow, and baking spices. Rich and indulgent with a viscous mouthfeel.
Savory barrels: Dark red fruits, blackberry, cherry, nutmeg, and bold black pepper spice from the high rye mash bill.
Finish: Full-bodied and long — sweet oak and fruit linger, with the characteristic spicy rye heat developing and building.
FAQ
What does "Two Times Oak" mean?
Dixon Dedman pioneered a process where every 2XO bourbon is re-barreled into new charred oak after its initial aging. This second round of oak exposure adds sweetness to balance the spice from the high rye mash bill, building more complexity and a richer, more viscous mouthfeel than a single-barreled bourbon.
Why does each bottle taste different?
Gem of Kentucky is a double-barreled single barrel — meaning each bottle comes from one specific barrel. The varying char levels of the secondary barrel and natural barrel-to-barrel variation mean no two barrels are identical. The barrel number on the front label identifies your specific bottle.
Where can I buy 2XO Gem of Kentucky online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.
