2XO Gem of Kentucky Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

One barrel per bottle, and the number's on the front.

Gem of Kentucky is Dixon Dedman's single-barrel line. He takes his high-rye bourbon (35% rye), gives it up to a year in a second barrel of new charred oak at char #3 or #4, then bottles each barrel on its own at 108 proof.

Single barrel means no blending to even things out. Every barrel tastes a little different, and the barrel number is printed on the front label so you know which one you've got. Dedman says some come out sweet, with chocolate, cinnamon, and toasted marshmallow. Others go savory: dark red fruit, nutmeg, black pepper. What they share, in his words, is that they're "big, rich, viscous, heavy on the palate."

The black glass was on purpose. "I didn't want it to look like any other whiskey bottle on the shelf," he said when it launched.

Tasting Notes

Every barrel is different. Dedman's notes cover both directions:

• Sweeter barrels: chocolate, cinnamon, toasted marshmallow, baking spice
• Savory barrels: dark red fruit, nutmeg, black pepper
• Every barrel: heavy, viscous mouthfeel, sweetness balanced by rye spice

Bottle Specifications

• Category: Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Line: 2XO Gem of Kentucky (single barrel)
• Age: No age statement
• Mash bill: High-rye bourbon, 35% rye
• Second barrel: Up to one year in new charred oak, char #3 or #4
• Proof / ABV: 108 proof / 54%
• Bottle: Black glass, barrel number on the front label
• Blender: Dixon Dedman
• Bottle size: 750ml

Poured by Bourbon-of-the-Month Club Enthusiast members in September 2026.

FAQ

Which barrel will I get?
Barrel numbers vary bottle to bottle and we can't pick one for you. The number is on the front label.

What's the difference between single barrel and small batch?
Small batch blends a handful of barrels together for a consistent flavor. Single barrel bottles one barrel by itself, so each release tastes a little different from the next.

Why is the bottle black?
Dedman wanted it to stand out on a shelf. The glass is black, but the whiskey inside is a regular deep amber.