Jacob’s Pardon “Cask Collective” Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old
Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old Bottle. Photo courtesy of Palm Beach International.
When I saw the press release for this (here) I was intrigued. The Jacob’s Pardon Batch 3 I had late in 2024 was exceptional, an 8.7/10 with serious hazmat power. Knowing F. Paul Pacult was involved, I expected no less (though I was admittedly surprised that he had chosen something with such a high proof).
This release - Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old - came with both more information and more questions. At 96.5 proof and with a finish, how would this compare to the Batch 3? Was it meant to compare? Probably not - this is a new line from Jacob’s Pardon, focused on finishes, and even a solid 96.5 proof won’t compare to 142.7. So let’s look at this as its own product.
An American-made light whiskey with a mashbill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, I expected buttered popcorn, oak astringency (even if from used casks), and a moderate, potentially light mouthfeel. My guess - strongly held - is also that it started at a high proof, perhaps close to that of the Batch 3. Without knowing what the proofing process was like, I’ll assume it to be simple and not a slow proof.
Overall, this was a tasty dram with plenty of oloroso fruit, nut, and oak presence, one that is a dangerously easy sipper. My reservation is that the whiskey gets lost under the sherry’s strength. We don’t know how long the finish was (in 50-year-old high-quality sherry casks, no less), but oloroso can be powerful. Paired with an already light whiskey - in both production type and in proof - even a short finish could have overwhelmed the whiskey, and I find that in this case it has.
Some air and a second pour does open some dark chocolate and Raisinettes, notes that could be attributed to both the whiskey and the oloroso, so I’ll count that a wash (a lovely one). With more proof to counter the strength of the oloroso, this would be far more balanced. As it is, it will be an enjoyable dram if not one I’d call balanced. Sweet whiskey lovers will be quite happy.
This sample was provided by Lost Lantern at no cost. All opinions are my own.
Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old: Specs
Classification: American Light Whiskey
Producer: LDI/MGP
Mashbill: 99% Corn and 1% Malted Barley
Proof: 96.5º (48.25% ABV)
Age: 16 Years
Location: Indiana (Production) and Kentucky (Bottling)
Jacob’s Pardon “Cask Collective” Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old Price: $124.99
No Official Website
Jacob’s Pardon “Cask Collective” Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old: Tasting Notes
Eye: Honey, toasted grain. Thin rims and legs with small droplets.
Nose: Oloroso is front and center, red fruit juicy and fresh. Barely-there proof, the whiskey underneath a buttery popcorn. Blackberries and raspberries on pastries. Oak spice opens with air to balance the sweetness.
Palate: The oloroso red fruit part is here, coming across close to a ruby port. Flash of front tongue pepper spice, though this thins as it rolls back on my palate. Mixed berries, hint of maple, and pound cake. Mouthfeel is silky and piquant, the proof/pepper lighting up down the center of my tongue, but it’s too thin to carry any of the whiskey’s flavor past the sherry’s power.
Finish: Jammy, ruby port, fresh berries on pancakes with a dab of sweet butter. The whiskey is there in feeling but the 99/1 corn just can’t keep up with the oloroso at this proof.
Overall: The whiskey is lost here, and there’s really no way around that. The sherry is delicious, fruity and fresh, and paired with a stronger whiskey presence it would be a great dram. Unfortunately, for me, it just comes across as a high-proof sherry or an overfinished whiskey. If you like sherry bombs or super sweet/fruity whiskies, this will be right up your alley.
Final Rating: 5.8
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10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary
8 | Excellent | Exceptional
7 | Great | Well above average
6 | Very Good | Better than average
5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary
4 | Has promise but needs work
1-3 | Let’s have a conversation
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