I purchased this bottle on the heels of finding out the news of the passing of one of my dearest friend’s fathers. As I searched the aisles of the liquor store for an offering to a grieving friend. The word “Tribute” grabbed me as I passed dozens of forgettable whiskeys…
It’s true I went in to the store looking for a whiskey in the Japanese variety. This would have been the selfless thing to do, since that is one of my best friend’s favorite varieties of whiskey. But having been burned buy an expensive 12 year old Japanese whiskey recently, I was led me down the familiar bourbon aisle. As I was debating a $150 gamble on The Hakushu 12, I saw it. 2X0 Tribute Blend. The $110 bottle sat on the shelf next to some other 2X0 products. What better pour to reminisce with an old friend over than a bottle labeled Tribute? Poetic I thought. My poetic impulse later lead to a tasteless albeit funny coincidence. The master blender behind this concoction was none other than Dixon Dedman. I mean Dead-man how embarrassing for me to present this to my best friend who had just lost his father.
After we wade through pleasantries, some fun stories, and irony we got to opening the bottle. The nose was pleasant, but subtle. I picked up a nice bit of oak with minimal heat undertones. Upon the first sip I was met with that subtlety that quickly manifest into something more. The defacto bourbon notes of vanilla/carmel went pleasantly sour (from the high rye mash I’d assume) and then back to a fine oak finish. The tale of this drink long and winding was indeed fitting for a tribute after all. Here’s to you Bill…