The Phoenix Blend is the first release from 2XO Whiskey created by renowned blender Dixon Dedman. Dixon is known most recently for his work with Kentucky Owl.
This release was a bit of a surprise when it showed up on the shelves in my area. There wasn’t any buildup and expectation of this one being released in the Chattanooga area that I am aware of. So it was relatively easy to pick up for a short period of time. Several stores that I know of got a few bottles and were priced at MSRP.
At $100 MSRP, I was hesitant to pick one up, but decided to give this one a try. Upon opening the bottle I was very pleased with this purchase. The nose on this bourbon is one of the sweetest, smooth noses I have ever tried. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there for me.
With such a sweet and smooth nose, I was very disappointed with the palate and finish. The palate had some sweet notes trying to get through, but they were overshadowed by a drying, bitter quality. The dry, bitterness does lessen as your palate acclimates to the whiskey, but the sweet notes always stay in the background and never push through enough to truly balance this bourbon. The finish is short and has the same sweetness that is knocking on the door, but it never comes through.
Overall, I would say this one is below average and a poor value. If the price was less than half of MSRP, it would be worth picking up for a try. But with a $100 MSRP, I would recommend you avoid this one.
Overview
| Distillery/Bottler | 2XO |
| Bottle | The Phoenix Blend |
| Whiskey Type | Bourbon |
| Release/Batch | Nov. 2022 |
| Proof | 104 |
| Age | NAS |
| Color | Burnt Umber |
| Market Price | $103 |
| MSRP | $100 |
NOSE: 9/10
Sweet caramel, molasses, oak
PALATE: 4/10
Medium viscosity, oaky, vanilla, peppery spice, a touch of brown sugar sweetness that is overpowered by a drying bitter note
FINISH: 4/10
Short, fleeting sweet vanilla and caramel overpowered by oak
EPIC CASK RATING:
Uniqueness: 4/10
Value: 2/10
Overall: 4/10
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