Jacob’s Pardon Cask Collective 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey Review

Jacob’s Pardon
Cask Collective Series
American Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks
Age: 16 Years Old
96.5 Proof
SRP: $124.99 (750mL)
Review

Please enjoy our Jacob’s Pardon Cask Collective 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey review!

Brand History

According to the brand: Jacob’s Pardon’s story dates back nearly a century, when brothers Jacob and Abner Taub turned to bootlegging during Prohibition to support their family. Caught in a 1929 sting and jailed for six years, they were later pardoned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, reigniting a family business that launched a multi-generational legacy.

Jacob’s Pardon marks the Taubs’ return to their roots as rectifiers in the spirits business. Today, third-generation Marc Taub (Jacob’s great-nephew) and his son Jake have been exploring America’s finest whiskey-, bourbon-, and rye-producing territories, cherry-picking select barrels … and befriending America’s foremost spirits expert, F. Paul Pacult, along the way. Jacob’s Pardon honors their resilient spirit in the modern whiskey era, as a brand that embodies brotherhood, friendship, history, craftsmanship, and bold innovation.

The Details – Jacob’s Pardon 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey Review

• Batch Size: 48 barrels
• Mash Bill: 99% corn, 1% malted barley
• Origin: Distilled in Indiana; bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky
• Proof: 96.5 (48.25% ABV)
• Age: 16 years
• Finishing Barrels: 50-year-old Oloroso sherry casks sourced from Bodegas Williams & Humbert

There are several unusual aspects to this whiskey. Most notably, the 99% corn / 1% malted barley mash bill is most often found in higher-aged light whiskeys distilled by MGP (Ross & Squibb). While this mash bill could be used for bourbons or corn whiskeys, those are rarely seen at this age. A light whiskey proofed down to 96.5 would be unusual, but that is my strong suspicion here.

Tasting Notes – Jacob’s Pardon 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey Review

Rested: 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻 Nose: Rich and moderately sweet; buttery butterscotch, dried apricots, vanilla, tart orange peel, and mild dry oak in the background. Hints of dark berries and plums emerge later. Alcohol vapor is moderate and appropriate for the proof.

👉🏻 Taste: Somewhat sweet and syrupy; light butterscotch, soft caramel, a touch of apple, mild oak, dark stone fruits, and tart orange peel.

👉🏻 Finish: Sugary sweetness with butter, butterscotch, sweet dark berries, tart orange peel, and mild tannins. Mild white pepper spice develops as the finish becomes increasingly dry, with dry oak appearing later. Moderately long with gentle warmth.

The Flavor Profile of a Light Whiskey

From start to finish, Jacob’s Pardon 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey displays what I consider the hallmark profile of a light whiskey: sweet and rich flavors balanced with fruit, tannins, dry oak, and mild spice.

That said, we do not know for certain that this is a light whiskey. That would require distillation above 160 proof, followed either by the proof dropping significantly during aging or considerable dilution with water. Since Jacob’s Pardon has released other high-proof light whiskeys with this mash bill, I strongly suspect this is one as well—though it could technically qualify as a corn whiskey if distilled to a lower proof.

As for the Oloroso finish, it adds subtle layers to an already sweet and complex whiskey. The dark plum, stone fruit, and berry notes likely come from this finishing cask, though they remain relatively restrained.

Conclusion – Jacob’s Pardon 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey Review

I am enjoying this whiskey, though its sweet and rich profile makes it one I’d reach for when I’m specifically in the mood for it. Fans of light whiskey will likely appreciate both the flavor profile and, as a change of pace, the lower proof.

Have you tried Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso Finish Whiskey? What did you think? Cheers! 🥃

We hope you have enjoyed our Jacob’s Pardon Cask Collective 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey review! If you would like to read about a bourbon with a similar finish, check out our 15 STARS Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon Review!

Note: This sample was graciously provided by the brand for my review. I appreciate it!

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