2XO 'THE SNEAKERHEAD BLEND'
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
KENTUCKY, USA
Why Buy: Maverick blender Dixon Dedman has returned to mount another bold challenge to the bourbon world. Crafted using his innovative Two Times Oak (hence the name 2XO) process, in which hand-selected aged whiskey undergoes a second maturation in new charred oak barrels, this fifth release in his hugely popular Icon Series is a high-octane (104 proof) bourbon of phenomenal depth and complexity … and a bravura demonstration of what can be achieved when a blender eschews the consensus in favor of his own highly discerning palate.
What They’re Saying: 2XO has been on a meteoric rise, garnering accolades and turning heads. The Tasting Table lauded Dedman as an "adventurer" in spirits, a craftsman "who make something greater than its parts." The brand's Tribute Blend secured a spot on Maxim's Best Bourbons of 2023, while the Phoenix Blend earned Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Bottling: To produce the Sneakerhead Blend, Dedman begins with an 18% moderate rye bourbon mashbill, blended with a high rye bourbon mashbill (35% rye), aged for 6+ years. These select barrels are then re-barreled into new charred oak barrels with both #3 and #4 char levels. This double-barreling process results in a bourbon with intensified flavors and nuanced complexity.
Our Tasting Notes: Dedman's focus on texture is paramount from the get-go. It boasts a rich, almost viscous mouthfeel that coats the palate, promising a luxurious experience from the first sip. The double-barreling process imparts intense wood notes, creating a complex flavor profile that unfolds with each taste. To be sure, this is an intense and powerful experience, but to Dedman’s great credit — and what earns our deepest admiration here — is that you never lose sight of the many grace notes. A triumph.
The Story: Dedman's ascent in the world of American whiskey blending is rooted in both heritage and innovation. Raised at his family’s James Beard Award-winning Beaumont Inn in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Dedman absorbed the nuances of hospitality and spirits from an early age. This background instilled in him an exacting attention to detail that distinguishes his work. The 2XO label embodies Dedman's fierce commitment to craft and nuance. At the same time, he is adamant about the need to find new forms of expression. "There're too many brands looking backwards for stories and provenance,” he told us. "I get it; I re-created my great, great grandfather's Kentucky Owl brand. But [with 2XO] I wanted to look forward.” What sets 2XO apart is Dedman's solitary approach to blending. Unlike many producers who rely on teams for final assessments, Dedman is a one-man band: he trusts solely in his own palate and judgment. This commitment to personal taste is both a throwback to traditional methods and a bold statement in the contemporary spirits landscape.
ABV: 52% (104 proof)
Fun Fact: The name Sneakerhead Blend isn't some piece of tired hipster marketing — it's a way to combine Dedman’s two greatest passions into one: the meticulous craft of bourbon-making and the vibrant, varied world of sneaker collecting. For Dedman, both pursuits share a common thread: an appreciation for quality, rarity, and the stories behind each creation.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the producer, so you can be confident that your bourbon will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Act now to secure yours!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NC, NM, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, July 29, 2024.