2XO Gem of Kentucky Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (75cl, 54%)

2XO Gem of Kentucky is a single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon, hand-selected by Dixon Dedman from his stocks of high rye bourbon with a 35% rye mash bill. After its first maturation it is re-barrelled into new charred oak, at char 3 and char 4, in the Two Times Oak process he pioneered. It is bottled at 54% ABV (108 proof), with the barrel number printed on the front label. It is an annual release, and each barrel has its own character. Sweeter barrels bring chocolate, cinnamon, toasted marshmallow and baking spices, while others lean towards dark red fruit, blackberry, cherry, nutmeg and black pepper. The finish is long, with sweet oak and fruit and building rye heat.