Dixon Dedman has announced his second release in the 2XO lineup; The Innkeeper’s Blend. The Innkeeper’s Blend gives a nod to the Dedman Family and their long history of hospitality in Kentucky, including at the Beaumont Inn. The release follows up on the debut of 2XO and its Phoenix Blend. The small batch bourbon features whiskies which have been re-barreled and blended by Master Blender Dixon Dedman. The name 2XO refers to this re-barreling process, hence “Two Times Oak.” Dixon previously appeared on Bourbon Lens way back on Episode 59, so it’s clear we have a lot to catch up on when we feature him and 2XO in an upcoming podcast. Be sure you subscribe to Bourbon Lens so you don’t miss it when it releases later this Spring/Summer 2023.
Introducing 2XO Innkeeper’s Blend
Following the successful launch of 2XO The Phoenix Blend, renowned American whiskey blender Dixon Dedman is excited to release the second small batch blend in the brand’s Icon Series, The Innkeeper’s Blend. The Innkeeper’s Blend pays homage to the Dedman family’s century-plus history in the hospitality industry, as previous owners of the famed Beaumont Inn on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. The Innkeeper’s Blend will be available in select markets nationwide in limited quantities, and online at ReserveBar, with a suggested retail price of $100.
“The Innkeeper’s Blend allows me to pay tribute to my family’s long history in hospitality and the values instilled along the way,” says Dixon. His great-great-grandmother started the inn in 1919, and Dixon was eight years old when he first remembers “helping out” there. Dixon joined the family business after graduating college in 2003, and by 2008 he was fully running the inn. “The hospitality business taught me a lot. It trains you to deal with everything that comes your way, to adjust, and react on the fly. The Innkeeper’s Blend is a nod to that part of my life that put me on this current path.”
2XO, meaning Two Times Oak, refers to Dixon’s unique blending process where he re-barrels some of his hand-selected aged whiskey into new charred oak barrels, with both #3 and #4 char levels, to create a unique combination of intense flavors, character, and complexity with each blend. The Innkeeper’s Blend is made up of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys composed of two proprietary mash bills from different distilling partners – one a high rye 35% bourbon mash bill and the other a low rye 16-18% bourbon mash bill.
Tasting Notes for 2XO Innkeeper’s Blend Bourbon
- Nose: hints of butterscotch, red apple, cherry, cinnamon, and subtle earthy notes.
- Palate: caramel, vanilla, crème brulee, plum, cherry, and light black pepper spice.
- Mouthfeel: viscous and rich, moving from caramel sweetness on the front, to ripe red fruit in the middle, finishing with a light, peppery spice.
Like all the small batch blends in the Icon Series, The Innkeeper’s Blend is a limited time release. Once it sells out there will never be another like it. Each small batch blend in the Icon Series bares a distinctive name and symbol inspired by Dixon’s passion to innovate, collaborate, and create high-quality liquids with unique characteristics and profiles.
The Innkeeper’s Blend will be followed by the third release in the Icon Series, The Tribute Blend. Additionally, 2XO will release the first blend in a new Oak Series, American Oak, which will be an everyday offering, and a single barrel, limited time release from the Gem of Kentucky Series.
The Innkeeper’s Blend, and all 2XO Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys, are brought to market through Prestige Beverage Group, an industry leading importer and brand innovator of award-winning wines and spirits. Together, Dixon and Prestige Beverage Group aim to offer the most unique, sought-after whiskey blends to spirits enthusiasts everywhere. Learn more about 2XO and The Innkeeper’s Blend at www.2xowhiskey.com and follow @2xowhiskey on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Dixon Dedman
Dixon Dedman is a 41-year-old master blender who has quickly established himself as one of the most prolific American whiskey blenders in the industry. He grew up on the Kentucky whiskey trail infusing the learnings from industry legends with his culinary expertise from running his previously owned James Beard award winning Beaumont Inn. Dixon is best known for his high-proof, robust Kentucky Owl Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey blends, a brand he relaunched in 2014 from his great-great grandfather, C.M. Dedman, after it went dark in 1916 around the time of Prohibition. His blends have garnered awards and recognition, earning their place among the finest American whiskeys in recent memory. He has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Robb Report, Playboy, Maxim, Garden & Gun Magazine, The Whiskey Advocate and more.
