2XO The Innkeeper’s Blend Kentucky Straight Bourbon arrives. We assessed it with care.
Nose
Dark amber, tending toward brown. Whereas the nose was sweet and balanced, it comes on fairly strong in the mouth; not what I could call balanced. But the flavors are enjoyable. It’s spicy up front, followed by caramel and chocolate. There’s a dark, rich mouthfeel to it, almost as if you could chew it. I get toffy, dark chocolate, and walnuts. The finish lingers at the back of the tongue, spicy again.
Palate
Banana bread and cotton candy, frosted flakes over whole milk, brown sugar, cherries, and molasses. Dedman has said that a third release is coming in the Icon Series, called The Tribute Blend. That will be followed by a new series, the Gem of Kentucky bourbons. Each is supposed to be distinctive in its own right, but as consumers it’s helpful for us to decide what the 2XO brand stands for and if we should buy the new releases if and when we see them.rnrnWe have a sample size of two so far. My colleague Jennifer Williams raved about The Phoenix Blend recently, and I’m a fan of The Innkeeper’s Blend. That suggests that so far, at least, Dedman might be on his way to another noteworthy label.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
Verdict
2XO The Innkeeper’s Blend Kentucky Straight Bourbon delivers a thoroughly accomplished whiskey that justifies its price point. It is well-crafted, balanced, and worthy of a place in any considered collection.
