2XO Icon Series & Gem of Kentucky – Dixon Dedman’s Finest Blends?
2XO Icon Series & Gem of Kentucky – Dixon Dedman’s Finest Blends?
Watch the full episode 👉 YouTube Link
Tortured Bourbon Takes on 2XO’s Boldest Bottles
We’re back with the dramatic conclusion of our 2XO two-part bourbon saga! In this episode of Tortured Bourbon, B and Heather crack open the full 2XO Icon Series lineup — Kiawah Blend, Tribute Blend, and Innkeeper Blend — before finishing strong with the legendary (and pricy) Gem of Kentucky.
Each of these bourbons is the brainchild of Dixon Dedman, who went from reviving the historic Kentucky Owl brand to launching a wildly creative project of his own: 2XO — short for “Two Times Oak.” With double-barreling as the backbone and storytelling as the soul, every bottle in the Icon Series reflects Dixon’s passions, places, and people. So of course, we had to see if the flavor matches the story.
The Lineup: Tasting the Icon Series
🥃 Kiawah Blend
Named after Dixon’s favorite getaway, this $85 bottle is packed with stone fruit, brown sugar, and clove, with a rich vanilla-strawberry-peach palate and a peppery finish. Chill on the beach? Yes. Chill on the taste? Never.
🥃 Tribute Blend
At around $100, this blend honors Dixon’s parents and brings berries, sweet cream, baking spice, and buttery oak together like a family dinner you’ll actually enjoy.
🥃 Innkeeper Blend
A nod to Dixon’s Beaumont Inn roots, this $100 bottle leans in with banana bread, brown sugar, and butterscotch on the nose, with a palate that finishes like a warm bourbon dessert.
The Crown Jewel: The Gem of Kentucky
At over $200, The Gem of Kentucky isn’t just a flex — it’s a double-barreled, single-barrel anomaly with 35% rye and all the spicy complexity you’d expect. We’re talking chocolate, cinnamon, dark red fruits, and black pepper. Is it worth it? That depends on your budget — and your tolerance for hype.
Dixon Dedman: From Kentucky Owl to 2XO
This episode also dives into Dedman’s journey from resurrecting a dusty family label (Kentucky Owl) to launching a bold, modern brand built on personal storytelling. Heather and B explore what sets 2XO apart from the crowded bourbon shelf — and why Dixon Dedman might just be one of the most interesting names in bourbon today.
Final Thoughts & Rankings
Each bottle gets the Tortured Bourbon treatment — tasting, ranking, and some semi-responsible banter. Which Icon Series bottle gets the crown? How does the Gem stack up? Tune in to see who wins the flavor war.
And don’t forget to check out Part 1 of our 2XO series if you missed it — it covers the Oak Series and Sneakerhead Blend!
Watch the full episode 👉 YouTube Link
