Dixon Dedman isn’t any stranger to the artwork of mixing whiskey. In truth, it’s precisely how he first made his identify within the business as a co-founder of the critically acclaimed Kentucky Owl model. Having since moved on to his newest enterprise, 2XO, Dedman is hoping to recreate a few of that magic now that he has extra artistic management.
The primary launch from 2XO, which stands for Two Instances Oak, is the Phoenix Mix. “I named the Phoenix Mix very deliberately,” says Dixon. “Like a brand new starting, 2XO goals to create one thing distinctive in American whiskey, and each launch will try to realize one thing particular.” For this launch the model selected to mingle Kentucky straight bourbon from two completely different distilling companions, combining what they name a average rye recipe and a excessive rye recipe. The central conceit of the 2XO model will likely be to take whiskey that Dedman has hand chosen and additional maturing it in new, charred oak barrels. This method absolutely leans into Dedman’s energy as a blender, and can enable him to place the private contact he’s change into well-known for on each launch.
2XO The Phoenix Mix comes out of the gate with sugary and fruit-forward aromas (suppose sugar-glass coated raspberries, contemporary pear, and white grapes) that are accented by notes of graham cracker, vanilla, and pine sprigs. Taking a deeper whiff reveals tobacco leaf, clove, and a contact of mint which may solely be discovered behind successful of ethanol. Bear in mind whereas inhaling that this whiskey noses a bit hotter than the proof would point out.
There’s a extra outstanding exhibiting of spice on the palate as black pepper and nutmeg construct on the clove from the nostril – all of which interacts nicely with the vanilla cone, apricot, and brown sugar notes that come up at midpalate. The end is a tad drying however that’s not a foul factor per se, and it serves largely as a nudge to reengage in repeat sips. The mouthfeel is substantial and on its option to being virtually “sticky” as droplets linger only a second longer than one would anticipate on each inch of the palate.
What we’re left with is a strong mix that patiently vacillates between sweetness and spice with out being overt on both finish of the spectrum. Displaying such steadiness, one hopes, will likely be a trademark of Dedman’s mixing experiments going ahead. If this primary providing is any indication, 2XO will likely be a welcome feather in Dedman’s cap and really showcase why mixing could be as masterful an artwork as distilling.
104 proof.
B+ / $100 / 2xowhiskey.com [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
2XO The Phoenix Mix
$100
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