2XO Whiskey Unveils ‘Everyday’ Bourbon Aged in French Oak

2XO Whiskey unveiled a new release within the brand’s Oak Series: French Oak. (Photo: 2XO Whiskey)

2XO Kentucky Straight Bourbon announced on Tuesday a new release within its Oak Series — a bourbon simply titled French Oak. The latest expression from the renowned blender and Kentucky Owl alum, Dixon Dedman, is intended to be an “everyday” blend and is affordably priced at $49.99 via ReserveBar.

“Adding a French Oak version of the Oak Series is a natural progression,” Dedman said in a news release. “It is a great complement to the traditional vanilla to peppery notes found in American Oak because French Oak lends itself to more baking spice and richer, savory, and caramel notes. The addition of French Oak further builds out the 2XO offerings and shows how the emphasis on additional oak during maturation can impart and build unique flavor profiles while starting with the same base. I love the response we’ve received on French Oak and am excited to continue to explore additional opportunities in the future to grow the Oak Series.”

Dedman implemented his signature process by inserting charred French oak chains into barrels of whiskey with 18% rye in the mashbill. The brand claims this process yields a more intense maturation period, as more surface area of the liquid touches the oak chains, yielding a more flavorful whiskey.

2XO French Oak is bottled at 46% ABV. 2XO claims it possesses “sweet, rich caramel on the front,” followed by a more savory mid palate with cinnamon-dusted coffee flavors. The bourbon concludes with a snap of cracked pepper, according to the brand.

2XO’s Oak Series launched in September, and the collection focused on workhorse bourbons at affordable prices. The brand claimed Dedman would focus on consistency for each release, and each bourbon would feature that elevated amount of rye in its mashbill.

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