I stumbled into Frugal MacDoogal in Nashville today and Dixon was there in the store, holding court with a tasting of Innkeeper’s. I was reluctant at first to buy, then I tasted it. Wow, so much going on I do not know where to start. Fantastic with what I would call cycles of different tastes. I ended up buying two bottles and Dixon was very down to earth and engaging.
I love this channel; especially as I am a drummer, bourbon aficionado, and live in Columbus, also! My problem is…I can rarely find 80% of the products that are reviewed here! I understand the National reach, and the lucky viewers that live in and around the Louisville area, but here in Columbus - you have to camp out at the OHLQ locations just to get a chance to grab a decent allocation.
The DeNiro impersonation alone was worth my time! I had a choice today: 2XO for $105 or Four Roses Private Select Barrel Strength (10yr 10mo age) for $85. I choose transparency every time. Plus, I don’t know next time I’ll see FR barrel pick
I just got 2 bottles at $90.00 each in upstate NY ;( and I was told we could not get it in NY)! My first taste is like it’s been finished in a sherry barrel but pure deliciousness. Roll it in a Glencairn glass very viscous & grows long lasting legs
Just got one of these last night. Was on the fence after the Phoenix release - which I did not get after watching mixed reviews. $100 was too much for a flyer. Glad I waited for the Innkeeper. Very good, but it's gonna be a one time buy. No regrets, just that there are so many excellent alternatives at 1/2 - 2/3 the price. Woodford Double Oaked and OF 1920 at the front of the line. Always listen to JC before pulling the trigger on new stuff!! Keep on keeping it real
As I was drinking my 2XO IKB while watching this, I found myself easily downing my glass and realizing I could totally crush the bottle. haha. And I don't mean like the kind of crushable bottom shelf bottle, but this is so good that I don't want to put it down. Has to be shared! Great video, Jason. Wow, after trying the Woodford DO then going back to the 2XO IKB, it is SOO much better on the palate than the Woodford. And also a bit of banana on the nose where I did not get before.
Well, now I know why I Total Wine drop this down to $72 in my area. With so many double oak alternatives no wonder it wasn’t selling. Thanks for saving me $72. With old Forster and some others at a cheaper price point I might as well stick to those.
I enjoyed the Phoenix well enough to buy a backup bottle. Bought two of the Innkeeper straight out of the gate in anticipation that it would be even better. Haven’t tried it yet. Will let it sit another few days after shipping. Great to see your review
The innkeeper is more of a balanced bourbon. After buying the Phoenix, I was disappointed I expected more for $99. I would like to try it before I buy it.
Nice review! My 2X0 is pretty tasty not disappointed. This one sounds nice too! When I was a kid in the sixties and seventies my mom always had Pine Bros honey cough (candy) drops:)
Agreed this is an improvement from the Phoneix blend. The Phoenix has a lot more ripe fruit notes where The Inkeeper is more classic dark, rich flavors imo
Just grabbed this, I look forward to trying and comparing to the Phoenix. More importantly, I’m not to worried about the Phillies start, they will get going. Too busy watching Embiid dominate at the moment anyway, lol. Cheers Jason
Found it for 85 bucks at a place in MS so figured it was worth picking up at that price. Enjoyed the Phoenix blend so don’t think I’ll be disappointed in this one. Hopefully more transparency comes soon. Thanks for the review. Cheers!
Man agree 100% on this one, until you said it was a huge upgrade. Even note for note, we're in the ball park, but side by side to me it's a nice improvement that doesn't mean that much to me in terms of what I'd pay or what I'd want to pay. Still same exact tier bourbon, but yes this is better.
So given we know the blend is comprised of a "35% rye and a 16-18% Rye Bourbon" it boils down to Barton for the low rye and any number of distilleries for the 35%. As far as I know Heaven Hill and Beam do not produce either of those mashbills. So best guest is the "low rye" is Barton and the 35% rye, well who knows
Has anyone seen these in Northern California? Total Wine? Elsewhere? Would love to try the Innkeeper. Moreover, will try to book a stay there when I plan our Kentucky bourbon trail trip
Just finally found The Phoenix so I grabbed it, hopefully won't be too disappointed. I'm kind of disappointed that Dixon is focusing this whole company around double oaked products. While there is no shortage of good double oaked whiskies, I find I tire of them quickly. I'd rather he tried to duplicate that KO batch 001 rye, best bottle I ever bought.
After two bottles of the Phoenix blend, I’m looking forward to getting the Inkeeper (online, since they don't seem to distribute 2XO to Colorado). I didn’t find Phoenix similar to Woodford Reserve DO at all (I prefer Woodford, I’m just bored with it). So far, the 2XO bottles are gorgeous looking, with the black and gold labeling. I justify the price by how nice they look on my shelf:).
The phoenix blend was so unimpressive I would never buy another 2XO, especially for 100 bucks! Just another overpriced sourced product by a company trying to profit from the bourbon craze. If I want a double oaked product I will grab an OF 1910, WRDO or Peerless....soooo much better!
Meh. Wasted my money on the Phoenix. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... The Innkeeper may be a better bottle than the Phoenix, but that is not saying much. The Phoenix was a 40 - 50 bottle that was jacked up. There are so many great bourbons at 80 or less, especially for a non-disclosed age and source. Dixon can kick sand.
@@the_snicklefritz I know reading comprehension is obviously not your strong suit, so let me break this down a little more clearly for you. I have made NO COMMENT on the Lamplighter, which I have not tasted. My comments are regarding 2X0 and Dixon Dedman in the past releasing mediocre, overpriced bottles. Most I know are suspect of non-age stated, non-source stated NDP products especially at elevated prices. Too many great bottles for far cheaper. Dedman robbed me once. Not again. When I see these bottles sitting, I am not alone
I will say this, you’re consistent. I know I can always skip the first 3 minutes before the actual product review starts
Good to hear, I just ordered the innkeepers blend and can't wait to try it!!
I stumbled into Frugal MacDoogal in Nashville today and Dixon was there in the store, holding court with a tasting of Innkeeper’s. I was reluctant at first to buy, then I tasted it. Wow, so much going on I do not know where to start. Fantastic with what I would call cycles of different tastes. I ended up buying two bottles and Dixon was very down to earth and engaging.
I love this channel; especially as I am a drummer, bourbon aficionado, and live in Columbus, also! My problem is…I can rarely find 80% of the products that are reviewed here! I understand the National reach, and the lucky viewers that live in and around the Louisville area, but here in Columbus - you have to camp out at the OHLQ locations just to get a chance to grab a decent allocation.
The DeNiro impersonation alone was worth my time! I had a choice today: 2XO for $105 or Four Roses Private Select Barrel Strength (10yr 10mo age) for $85. I choose transparency every time. Plus, I don’t know next time I’ll see FR barrel pick
I just got 2 bottles at $90.00 each in upstate NY ;( and I was told we could not get it in NY)! My first taste is like it’s been finished in a sherry barrel but pure deliciousness. Roll it in a Glencairn glass very viscous & grows long lasting legs
Just got one of these last night. Was on the fence after the Phoenix release - which I did not get after watching mixed reviews.
$100 was too much for a flyer. Glad I waited for the Innkeeper. Very good, but it's gonna be a one time buy. No regrets, just that there are so many excellent alternatives at 1/2 - 2/3 the price. Woodford Double Oaked and OF 1920 at the front of the line.
Always listen to JC before pulling the trigger on new stuff!!
Keep on keeping it real
I was in Kentucky over the weekend picked up first call port finish, McFarlane reserve, nulu double, and nulu finished in maple
Just grabbed a bottle of Innkeeper’s Blend on Saturday. Excited to try it. Thanks for helping me stave off buyer’s remorse, Jason!
As I was drinking my 2XO IKB while watching this, I found myself easily downing my glass and realizing I could totally crush the bottle. haha. And I don't mean like the kind of crushable bottom shelf bottle, but this is so good that I don't want to put it down. Has to be shared! Great video, Jason. Wow, after trying the Woodford DO then going back to the 2XO IKB, it is SOO much better on the palate than the Woodford. And also a bit of banana on the nose where I did not get before.
Big help. Thanks for the review, Jason!
Well, now I know why I Total Wine drop this down to $72 in my area. With so many double oak alternatives no wonder it wasn’t selling. Thanks for saving me $72. With old Forster and some others at a cheaper price point I might as well stick to those.
Very nice review, guy showed me 1 bottle ($100) he had here at Spec’s League City (south of Houston)… maybe I need to add to collection, thanks!
Picked one up yesterday! Haven’t popped it yet. Super excited to try it out.
I scooped up the Phoenix blend and was pretty disappointed. A buddy is sending me 2oz of the Innkeeper so I can try before I buy. Cheers
Good review Jason! I’d like to compare Dixon’s Inn Keeper to Lucky 7 Holiday Toast…might be good to do on your next live. Cheers!!
I picked up the Inkeeper's Blend a few days ago. I'm excited to try it this weekend with my neighbor whiskey buddy. Cheers!
I enjoyed the Phoenix well enough to buy a backup bottle. Bought two of the Innkeeper straight out of the gate in anticipation that it would be even better. Haven’t tried it yet. Will let it sit another few days after shipping. Great to see your review
Love my WR but the 2X0 is a step up for me. Really enjoyed it.
I thought I heard somewhere (maybe Kenny & Ryan?) that Dixon was using wood cubes for the second finishing??
Deadman lost me on Kentucky Owl Confiscated so I’ll approach this one with caution while trusting your palate. Thanks for the review!
Great review. I see these at Total Wine, which is pretty good availability for his small brand. Nice packaging too, looks great on the shelf.
The innkeeper is more of a balanced bourbon. After buying the Phoenix, I was disappointed I expected more for $99. I would like to try it before I buy it.
Going to have to try it. I enjoyed the Phoenix so I am looking forward to finding the innkeeper
I got my bottle yesterday. I love this blend! Thanks for your comprehensive and honest reviews!
I haven't had it... but I'd give it a try at a bar some where before I buy it
I ate the same cough drops as candy. Great review, guess I’ll go searching.
Nice review! My 2X0 is pretty tasty not disappointed. This one sounds nice too! When I was a kid in the sixties and seventies my mom always had Pine Bros honey cough (candy) drops:)
Jason, great review, as always! BTW, way to go nailing the Makers Mark Cask Strength at Matt Madness!! Also liked the De Niro impersonation.
Woodford double oaked is $42.99 up north, i'm not sure I can justify this one for $100. I wish I could try it first.
I bought it and enjoyed it. I ve had better for less. For that reason I don't think it will be a rebuy. However, it makes a gr8 gift bottle.
Stayed away from 2XO last year trying to stay on budget. After seeing your review and Jeff's I may have to pick this new up.
You gonna be doing review of new watershed barrel proof release this weekend?
Thanks for the review. I have been curious about it, but the price point kept me away.
I have them both, as well, I am happy with both.
Agreed this is an improvement from the Phoneix blend. The Phoenix has a lot more ripe fruit notes where The Inkeeper is more classic dark, rich flavors imo
Just grabbed this, I look forward to trying and comparing to the Phoenix. More importantly, I’m not to worried about the Phillies start, they will get going. Too busy watching Embiid dominate at the moment anyway, lol. Cheers Jason
Found it for 85 bucks at a place in MS so figured it was worth picking up at that price. Enjoyed the Phoenix blend so don’t think I’ll be disappointed in this one. Hopefully more transparency comes soon. Thanks for the review. Cheers!
Man agree 100% on this one, until you said it was a huge upgrade. Even note for note, we're in the ball park, but side by side to me it's a nice improvement that doesn't mean that much to me in terms of what I'd pay or what I'd want to pay. Still same exact tier bourbon, but yes this is better.
As always, You do a awesome job. Thank you
Double Oaked Whiskeys are awesome!
given the rye percentages .... Four Roses and Brown-Forman???
Maybe the Inkeeper's blend is (i) Beam/Heaven Hill + (ii) Barton?
So given we know the blend is comprised of a "35% rye and a 16-18% Rye Bourbon" it boils down to Barton for the low rye and any number of distilleries for the 35%. As far as I know Heaven Hill and Beam do not produce either of those mashbills. So best guest is the "low rye" is Barton and the 35% rye, well who knows
Maybe do a double oaked Faceoff with the double oak bottles you have just to see who makes the best bottle
Woodford reserve double oaked, I get that low $40$. Normally 39.99
I honestly thought this was underwhelming for 100 bucks. Kinda thin and uncomplex. Hoping it gets better as it opens up.
Has anyone seen these in Northern California? Total Wine? Elsewhere? Would love to try the Innkeeper. Moreover, will try to book a stay there when I plan our Kentucky bourbon trail trip
Dixon sold his interest in the Inn last June to his brother in law but it still is a great place to stay if your are in the area.
excellent juice bought a backup as soon as I tried 1st bottle
Just finally found The Phoenix so I grabbed it, hopefully won't be too disappointed. I'm kind of disappointed that Dixon is focusing this whole company around double oaked products. While there is no shortage of good double oaked whiskies, I find I tire of them quickly. I'd rather he tried to duplicate that KO batch 001 rye, best bottle I ever bought.
Did not think the Phoenix Blend was worth $99, but the Innkeeper is better and has more going on. 🥃
I love Woodford Reserve Double Oak but that is far from this. Also love Old Forest 1910 👍🏻
After two bottles of the Phoenix blend, I’m looking forward to getting the Inkeeper (online, since they don't seem to distribute 2XO to Colorado). I didn’t find Phoenix similar to Woodford Reserve DO at all (I prefer Woodford, I’m just bored with it). So far, the 2XO bottles are gorgeous looking, with the black and gold labeling. I justify the price by how nice they look on my shelf:).
FAE02 vs antique 107
both are delicious , inn keepers is better IMO!
Underwhelmed by Phoenix blend, and even though you thought this was better, going to skip. Hoping Phoenix gets better as it airs out a little
‘You insulted him a little bit. You got a little out of order yourself’
I just cant put down that much when i dont know whats in it. Im sure its good, but ill try something else
Idk, I just saw a bottle in town for $125 but your not really selling me on it.
Yeah. It's good. But not 125
PINE BROS!!!
If you want overpriced, underwhelming whiskey in a pretty bottle with good marketing, Dixon has you covered.
Ok sorry I'm the sucker i bought the 2X0 and eeeeh wasn't impressed. Innkeeper so much better and way better than Woodford.
The phoenix blend was so unimpressive I would never buy another 2XO, especially for 100 bucks! Just another overpriced sourced product by a company trying to profit from the bourbon craze. If I want a double oaked product I will grab an OF 1910, WRDO or Peerless....soooo much better!
Fair!
Meh. Wasted my money on the Phoenix. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... The Innkeeper may be a better bottle than the Phoenix, but that is not saying much. The Phoenix was a 40 - 50 bottle that was jacked up. There are so many great bourbons at 80 or less, especially for a non-disclosed age and source. Dixon can kick sand.
Lmao "I havent tried it but here is my opinion!"
@@dlaskey lmao damn you dramatic. Again, having an opinion on something you haven’t tried is funny
@@the_snicklefritz I know reading comprehension is obviously not your strong suit, so let me break this down a little more clearly for you.
I have made NO COMMENT on the Lamplighter, which I have not tasted. My comments are regarding 2X0 and Dixon Dedman in the past releasing mediocre, overpriced bottles. Most I know are suspect of non-age stated, non-source stated NDP products especially at elevated prices. Too many great bottles for far cheaper. Dedman robbed me once. Not again. When I see these bottles sitting, I am not alone
@@the_snicklefritz found dixon
Pure cash grab, shame on Dixon.
It's good, nothing special. overpriced.
Sick shirt, gotta love weartesters!
I am curious to get an expert opinion, what is the best bourbon to invest in at the $500.00 price point?
None. $500 is too much for any bourbon