2XO Innkeeper's Blend
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Overall Value: 2.25/5
Distillery: 2XO (Two Times Oak)
Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Company: Prestige Beverage Group
Release Date: 2023
Proof: 104
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed proportions of high rye (35%) and low rye (16-18%) bourbon mash bills (min 51% corn);
Color: Honey
MSRP: $100
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Straight from the nose, the 2XO Innkeeper's Blend presents itself as a traditional bourbon with strong oak notes. You’ll have to do some searching to find faint hints of cherry cola, vanilla wafer, and salted caramel. However, a nutty aroma reminiscent of salted peanuts emerges alongside a pleasant sweet cherry scent, adding some depth to an otherwise basic nose.
While the palate offers a satisfying mouthfeel, characterized by dryness, the predominant flavors lean towards a sweet cherry profile with an underlying oaky bitterness. Some drinkers may detect leather and dark chocolate, but these are easily missed without deliberate tasting. Despite the initial sweetness, the presence of alcohol is pronounced, overshadowing the overall balance of the pour.
The finish gradually evolves, with the cherry notes persisting and intensifying, accompanied by a welcomed reduction in the alcohol bite. This transition into sweetness is perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the experience, offering a smoother conclusion to the tasting journey.
Overall, the 2XO Innkeeper's Blend falls short of delivering significant complexity, presenting a straightforward bourbon experience. While the nuttiness and cherry notes add some interest, the prominent alcohol presence and lack of depth may disappoint those seeking a more refined drinking experience, especially considering its $100 price point.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 2/5
THE NOSE:
I get a nuttiness akin to salted peanuts and peanut shells. Also, there is a sweet cherry note going on too.
I really enjoyed the smell of this bourbon.
THE TASTE:
The first thing I noticed was the mouthfeel. The whiskey presents quite dry.
I got mostly a sweet cherry flavor followed by an oaky alcohol astringency.
Overall this part of the pour was not great for me.
THE FINISH:
The cherry flavor continues to build into the finish. This is where the sweetness starts to come through and the alcohol bite I got on the palate falls away.
This may be the best part of the pour.
BUY OR PASS?
Cherry isn't my favorite flavor in a whiskey and that note is apparent throughout the whole pour. It does drink hotter than 104 proof, and for me, the alcohol was too present.
It doesn't feel as well-rounded of a whiskey as I would like from something at this price point.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 2.5/5
THE NOSE:
Right off the bat, it comes off strong as a bourbon — but not much else.
If you really take your time, you might catch a whiff of cherry cola, a hint of vanilla wafer, and a dash of salted caramel. But you've gotta put in some serious detective work to pick those out.
And as time goes on, it all turns to oak – plain and simple.
THE TASTE:
The highlight of the pour for me, but don't get too excited. We're still in basic bourbon territory here.
Expect some oakiness, a touch of leather, and if you're lucky you might stumble upon a hint of dark chocolate buried in there somewhere.
But unless you’re really trying to pick out flavors, you’ll probably miss all of that.
THE FINISH:
Nothing to write home about.
It's your run-of-the-mill bourbon finish with maybe – just maybe – a faint whisper of dark chocolate lingering on the palate.
BUY OR PASS?
If you're looking for complexity, you're not going to find that with the 2XO Innkeeper's Blend. It's a straightforward, no-frills kind of sip.
Dixon Dedman may have put in the effort, but it falls short of delivering much wow factor. So, if you're content with decent bourbon and not expecting any fireworks for your hundred bucks, then go ahead and pour yourself a glass.
But if you're in search of a flavor adventure, you might want to look elsewhere.
