2XO The Phoenix Blend Straight Bourbon 750ML

2XO The Phoenix Blend Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 104-proof (52% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon that blends two proprietary mash bills finished through a distinctive double-oak process. It earned a Grand Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards, establishing it as one of the more decorated sourced bourbons in its class.

Quick Facts: ABV: 52% (104 Proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, USA  |  Blend of 6-Year and Older Straight Bourbons  |  Created by Dixon Dedman / Prestige Beverage Group

Production & Heritage

2XO was launched by Dixon Dedman, who previously founded Kentucky Owl before moving on to create this new brand in partnership with Prestige Beverage Group. The Phoenix Blend combines Kentucky straight bourbons from two different distilleries — one featuring a high-rye mash bill (approximately 35% rye) aged at least six years, and another with a more moderate rye content (around 18%). What truly distinguishes this expression is the "Two Times Oak" process: rather than transferring liquid into a second barrel, hundreds of charred oak blocks are threaded onto a stainless steel cord and fed through the bunghole directly into the original barrel, intensifying oak contact without a full re-barreling.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Opens with cinnamon and warm baking spice before giving way to a lush woody fragrance layered with vanilla, butterscotch, and a thread of floral sweetness. A subtle earthiness and hints of red berries emerge as the bourbon breathes.

Taste: The entry is viscous and syrupy, leading with caramel and crème brûlée that coat the palate. At mid-palate, bright ripe cherry and spicy plum push through alongside warm citrus and a touch of red apple. Oak tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit-forward core, and a peppery rye kick rises steadily toward the peak.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering butterscotch, tea-like tannins, and a mild peppery spice that slowly fades. The double-oak influence shows itself here as a toasted wood sweetness that stays well after the sip.

How to Drink The Phoenix Blend

At 104 proof, this bourbon rewards a small splash of water to open the floral and fruit layers, though it drinks comfortably neat thanks to its syrupy texture. On the rocks, it holds its structure well as dilution gradually shifts the profile toward softer caramel tones.

• Old Fashioned: The cinnamon spice and caramel backbone stand up to bitters and sugar without losing complexity.
• Boulevardier: The high-rye component and cherry fruit notes complement sweet vermouth and Campari naturally.
• Kentucky Mule: The peppery finish and warm citrus character play well against ginger beer's bite.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring innovative finishing techniques beyond standard double-barreling
• Gifting someone who appreciates award-winning, higher-proof Kentucky bourbon
• Building a comparative tasting flight alongside other sourced and blended bourbons
• After-dinner sipping on evenings that call for something rich and warming

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Phoenix Blend taste like? It leads with rich caramel and crème brûlée sweetness, transitions into bright cherry and spicy plum at mid-palate, and finishes with mild peppery spice and toasted oak.

How does The Phoenix Blend compare to Kentucky Owl? Both brands were created by Dixon Dedman using sourced Kentucky bourbon, but 2XO's signature double-oak block process adds a layer of toasted wood character that Kentucky Owl's standard aging approach does not employ. The Phoenix Blend also tends to sit at a slightly lower price tier than Kentucky Owl's flagship expressions.

Is The Phoenix Blend good for sipping neat? Yes — its viscous, syrupy mouthfeel and 104-proof strength deliver full flavor without excessive heat, making it well-suited for neat pours, though a few drops of water can further open its floral and fruit notes.

Where is The Phoenix Blend made? The Phoenix Blend is a Kentucky straight bourbon created by blending whiskeys from two unnamed Kentucky distilleries, with the final blending and double-oak finishing overseen by Dixon Dedman and Prestige Beverage Group.

What foods pair well with The Phoenix Blend? Smoked brisket complements the bourbon's toasted oak and caramel; dark chocolate truffles echo its butterscotch sweetness; aged Gouda mirrors the nutty, caramelized notes; pecan pie amplifies the warm baking spice; and grilled stone fruit like peaches highlights the cherry and plum character.

What sizes does The Phoenix Blend come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is The Phoenix Blend worth the price? It positions as a mid-premium bourbon, and its combination of the proprietary double-oak process, 104-proof bottling strength, and multiple international awards places it competitively among other blended and finished bourbons in its tier.

Why The Phoenix Blend?

The defining feature here is the "Two Times Oak" method — charred oak blocks on a stainless steel cord inserted directly into the original barrel — which is a genuinely uncommon approach in an industry crowded with standard double-barrel finishes. Dixon Dedman's track record with Kentucky Owl lends real credibility to the blending decisions behind this release. At 52% ABV, the bourbon carries enough proof to deliver intensity without masking the layered fruit and spice complexity underneath. With a Grand Gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition backing it up, The Phoenix Blend has earned attention on merit rather than marketing alone.