For those who might not be aware, 2XO, or Two Times Oak, is the newer whiskey brand from renowned blender Dixon Dedman. Dixon Dedman has been known in the industry for years and became more known by the general public with his previous offerings while working for Kentucky Owl. His personal brand, 2XO, now offers several expressions with a price range from $49 to $199 per bottle. Last week’s review was from this distiller as well and focused on mid-tier bottles, where today’s review is one of the most costly bottles 2XO offers. With that, today’s review is from the Prestige Distiller Group and is the Review of 2XO Gem of Kentucky (Barrel #59).

Bottle Information

From the 2XO Whiskey website: The Gem of Kentucky is the premiere offering from 2XO. The only double barreled single barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on the market. The barrels are exclusively selected by Dixon from his double barreled stocks of the high rye bourbon mash bill (35% rye) that spend a year in new charred oak barrels before bottling. It is a full-bodied, full-flavored expression that leans on Dixon’s unique double-barreling process for a richer and more viscous mouthfeel. The differing char levels on the secondary barreling allow complex flavors to develop and balance the spicy finish from the high rye distillate.

• Distiller: Prestige Distiller Group
• Mash Bill: High Rye Bourbon (35%)
• Proof: 108
• Age: NAS
• Year: 2023
• MSRP: $199
• 2024 National Average: $250
• Official Website

When this bottle was released, I spent several months trying to find a bottle in NoCo with little to no success. Just recently though, I decided to stop by one of our larger stores, Wilbur’s Total Beverage, and I was surprised to see the bottle in their high-end room at MSRP. I have yet to see another bottle in the NoCo area, however, this does not surprise me as the cost of this bottle will turn many bourbon drinkers away. Overall, this very solid bourbon hits all the notes I love (Fruity, Vanilla, Spice, and Oak) with one of the most gorgeous bottles I have ever owned. Yet again, the price makes this a bit hard to swallow, pun intended. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Fruity (Blackberry/Cherry), Vanilla, Brown Sugar, Toasted Oak, Slight Chocolate, and Vermouth
• Palate: Fruit Forward (Definitely Cherry, Blackberry with Possible Pear), Vanilla, Baking/Rye Spice, and Oak
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Sweet Oak and So Much Fruit!
• My Rating: Drink It! (A very solid bourbon hits all the notes I love with one of the most gorgeous bottles I have ever own… yet the price makes this a bit hard to swallow, pun intended)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman™