I often spend early mornings or late evenings after meetings watching several WhiskeyTubers, and their journey through whiskey. Watching many of these videos, I have learned a lot about the distilling industry and those who are responsible for the bottles I love and sometimes dislike. Today’s review is of a bottle blended by a very well-known master blender who was responsible for the great success of Kentucky Owl and has now set off to create his brand. From the renowned blender Dixon Dedman, today’s bottle is his second blend, 2XO Inn Keeper’s Blend.

From the 2XO website: The Innkeeper’s Blend is the second small batch blend in the brand’s Icon Series. The Innkeeper’s Blend pays homage to the Dedman family’s century-plus history in the hospitality industry, as previous owners of the famed Beaumont Inn on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. The Innkeeper’s Blend mouthfeel is viscous and rich, moving from caramel sweetness on the front, to ripe red fruit in the middle, finishing with a light, peppery spice.

I, unfortunately, missed out on the first bottle released by 2XO, and I was under the impression that I would miss out on this bottle as well. Thankfully, one of the local stores I visit in the Greeley area was able to order two bottles and I was lucky enough to snag one. I have yet to see another bottle of the Inn Keeper’s Blend in NoCo, so if you are in the area and looking, it might be worth traveling to the Metro area to try and find it. Overall, this bottle was exactly as advertised, double oaked oakiness throughout the entire experience. With delicate ascents of Vanilla, banana, and baking spices, dare I say that this would be an amazing fall season bottle and enjoyed after a great holiday meal. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Banana Bread, Vanilla, Butterscotch, Brown Sugar, and Oakiness
• Palate: Walnut Banana Bread, Baking Spice, Caramel, Vanilla, and Charred Oak
• Finish: Medium with Lasting Notes of Baking Spice and Oak
• 2023 MSRP: $99
• 2023 National Average: $105
• Proof: 104
• My Rating: Drink It! (A bit high-priced, yet I would buy it again)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman