2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon 750ML

2XO The Tribute Blend Bourbon 750ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon blend bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Earning 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and 91 points from Whisky Advocate, this expression showcases Dixon Dedman's signature "Two Times Oak" double-barreling technique, which gives the brand its name.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Blended Bourbon  |  Brand: 2XO (Dixon Dedman)

Production & Heritage

2XO was founded by Dixon Dedman, previously known for his work reviving the Kentucky Owl brand. The Tribute Blend marries Kentucky straight bourbons from two distinct mash bills — a high-rye recipe (approximately 35% rye) and a low-rye recipe (approximately 16–18% rye) — both aged at least six years. What defines the "Two Times Oak" process is a rebarreling step: selected mature bourbons are transferred into new charred oak barrels at both #3 and #4 char levels for an additional nine months to a year. This gives Dedman four distinct flavor components to blend from, creating a layered profile that draws added depth and oak complexity from the second barreling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vanilla bean and candied nuts arrive first, followed by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a wave of cream soda sweetness. Underneath, clove and orange zest add aromatic complexity alongside fresh honeydew melon.

Taste: The entry brings toffee and caramel with immediate warmth. At mid-palate, red cinnamon candy and cracked black pepper drive the spice forward, balanced by notes of blueberry, apricot, and light tobacco leaf. The oak from the double barreling is prominent but controlled, layered with demerara sugar and maple.

Finish: Medium-long and pleasantly spicy, with tart berries, peach, and lingering barrel char. A faint hint of ash and bubble gum sweetness emerges as the pepper gradually fades.

How to Drink The Tribute Blend

At 92 proof, The Tribute Blend drinks well neat at room temperature, where the double-oaked complexity unfolds gradually. A few drops of water or a single large ice cube will tame the peppery spice and bring the fruit and caramel notes forward. For cocktails, the bold oak structure and cinnamon spice make it a strong candidate for:

• Old Fashioned — The toffee and barrel char hold up against bitters and sugar without getting lost.
• Manhattan — The high-rye backbone and warm spice complement sweet vermouth's herbal depth.
• Boulevardier — The double-oaked richness stands toe-to-toe with Campari's bitter intensity.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring double-barreled or blended expressions
• Gifting to someone who appreciates craft-forward Kentucky bourbon
• Building a home bar collection with distinctive production stories
• Side-by-side tastings comparing single-barrel versus blended bourbon styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Tribute Blend taste like? The Tribute Blend leads with vanilla, toffee, and caramel sweetness, followed by assertive cinnamon-and-pepper spice from its high-rye component and double-oaked barrels. Fruit notes of apricot, blueberry, and peach emerge at mid-palate and linger through a medium-long finish.

How does The Tribute Blend compare to Old Carter Bourbon? Both brands were founded by former Kentucky Owl team members and employ rebarreling techniques on sourced Kentucky bourbon. Old Carter typically bottles at cask strength with batch-specific proof variations, while The Tribute Blend is proofed to a consistent 92 proof, making it more approachable and consistent across batches.

Is The Tribute Blend good for sipping neat? Yes — 92 proof is a comfortable sipping strength that delivers the full double-oaked character without excessive heat. The balanced spice-to-sweetness ratio makes it well-suited to drinking straight.

Where is The Tribute Blend made? 2XO The Tribute Blend is produced from Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys blended and rebarreled under Dixon Dedman's direction in Kentucky, USA.

What foods pair well with The Tribute Blend? The vanilla and caramel sweetness pairs naturally with pecan pie and bread pudding. Its cracked-pepper spice complements smoked brisket and grilled pork chops. The barrel char and toffee notes also work well alongside sharp aged cheddar or dark chocolate with sea salt.

What sizes does The Tribute Blend come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle.

Is The Tribute Blend worth the price? The Tribute Blend positions in the mid-premium bourbon tier, competing with other blended and finished bourbons in its range. The proprietary double-barreling process, dual mash bill blending, 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating, and six-plus years of base aging represent genuine production investment that justifies its positioning above entry-level bourbon.

Why The Tribute Blend?

The core differentiator here is the "Two Times Oak" process — rebarreling already mature bourbon into fresh charred oak at two different char levels to create four blending components from two mash bills. This is not simply a finished bourbon; it is a systematic approach to layering oak influence and spice complexity. The 91-point score from Whisky Advocate and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast confirm that the technique translates to the glass. For drinkers who want a Kentucky bourbon with genuine production depth and a flavor profile that stands apart from standard single-barrel or small-batch offerings, The Tribute Blend delivers a distinctive, well-documented expression.