Table Of Contents
The Details
| Rating | 92 |
| Style |
Bourbon American Whiskey Whiskey |
| Produced In |
Kentucky United States |
| ABV | 52.00% |
| Availability | Limited |
| Price | $99.99 |
| Reviewed By | |
| Reviewed | 2023-11-10 |
2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon Review
Dixon Dedman rose to bourbon fame after resurrecting the Kentucky Owl brand in 2014, releasing a string of popular blends made from sourced whiskey. Dedman left Kentucky Owl shortly after selling it to Stoli, and after a brief hiatus, he’s back with another new brand built around sourced blending: 2XO.
2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon: Stats and Availability
2XO is named for Dedman’s “Two Times Oak” blending process. According to the company, Dedman “re-barrels his hand-selected aged whiskey into new charred oak barrels to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend.” That means each release features at least some rebarreled components. It’s worth noting some other brands that have emerged in the last eight years — including Louisville’s Old Carter — use similar rebarreling techniques on sourced products, often to critical acclaim.
Today, we’re looking at a recent small batch release from 2XO: The Tribute Blend. It features a mix of two different Kentucky straight bourbons from different (undisclosed) distilleries, one with a 35 percent rye mash bill and one with a 16-18 percent rye mash bill.
Let’s dive in.
2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon Review
As with all VinePair whiskey reviews, this was tasted in a Glencairn glass and rested for at least five minutes.
Nose
Things kick off with red fruit punch — like fruity gum, more than a powdered drink mix — followed by more subdued stone fruit. There are some classic, cask-influence bourbon notes, too: caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and dark walnut. It’s oak-forward but not over-oaked, and on the nose Dedman’s concoction is walking a fine line but walking it well.
After a bit longer in the glass, an aroma of sweet cream soda bubbles to the top.
Taste
Fruit, cinnamon, and vanilla once again lead, but in different forms. Red cherry and strawberry kick things off then transition (quickly, and pleasantly!) to sweetened cranberries on the midpalate; it’s refreshingly tart in some small spurts. From there, spice takes the reins, filling the rest of the palate with a dusting of cinnamon and (and very potent) vanilla bean.
Proofing at 104 seems just about right here; I’d worry about too much astringency if it were to go any higher, and proofing down would compromise a mouth feel that is just robust enough to carry the sweet and spicy elements in near harmony.
There isn’t a massive burst of any one flavor here, and through the marriage of two mash bills and the “Two Times Oak” process, The Tribute Blend feels like it’s taking a slightly safe route. It’s flavorful and doesn’t compromise on quality, but it’s not quite as memorable as some other Dedman-prepared releases.
Finish
The finish is heavy on creamy, nutmeg-and-cinnamon-spiced eggnog, the fruity elements fading away quickly (but not disappearing entirely). Oak is unsurprisingly the star, the flavors hitting down the middle without much in the way of surprise. Tasty, but certainly not a flavor outlier.
2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon Rating
92/100
Recap
The Tribute Blend showcases Dixon Dedman’s careful hand at rebarreling, leaning into the benefits of finishing in new barrels without letting things get bogged down by char. It’s a pleasant combination of fruity and oaky, though I found myself wishing the flavors had taken bigger swings at certain times. This is likely to please drinkers who love both traditional bourbon notes and flavors of red fruit, and it’s well-proofed for a neat sipping experience.
*Photo courtesy of Victor Sizemore.
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