Review: Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old

Palm Bay International began bottling well-aged American light whiskey in 2020 with Jacob’s Pardon, but a new chapter began on May 20, 2025, with the introduction of finishing casks in the debut of its Cask Collective Finish Series.

The first release in this series is Jacob’s Pardon Cask Collective 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask-Finished Whiskey. It starts with light whiskey distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a mashbill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. After aging for at least 16 years, the whiskey was transferred into 50-year-old oloroso sherry casks sourced from the historic Bodegas Williams & Humbert in Spain. The finishing period in these casks is undisclosed.

For this inaugural release, 48 barrels were selected and batched by Master Blender and longtime journalist/reviewer F. Paul Pacult. While light whiskey is typically known for its high proof, this release takes a different approach, bottled at a notably lower 96.5 proof. This departure from the norm, along with the use of oloroso sherry casks—an uncommon choice for light whiskey—gives this expression some intrigue.

The combination of extended aging, rare finishing casks, and a thoughtfully restrained proof creates an intriguing proposition. Could this unexpected take on light whiskey capture the attention of seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike?

Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso Sherry Cask Whiskey 16 Years Old Review

The nose opens with a strong presence of vanilla extract and roasted almonds. The nuttiness moves into overripe papaya and the baked spice character of gingerbread cookies. From the first impression, this is clearly outside the usual profile for light whiskey.

The palate brings burnt orange peel alongside sultanas and caramel. As it develops, a flavor combination similar to peach cobbler comes through, with a dense mouthfeel that’s unexpected for this style. The influence of the oloroso sherry casks adds heft to the base spirit in a way that’s both interesting and well-integrated.

The finish carries prunes, roasted almonds, and soft leather, all holding together cleanly. Pacult’s blending is confident and well-judged. I’ve had my share of light whiskeys, most of them at higher proof, and while lower-proof offerings often rely on finishing casks for complexity, they’re usually based on much younger whiskey. Here, the 16 years of age give the spirit enough presence to match the cask finish without being overshadowed.

Jacob’s Pardon Cask Collective 16-Year-Old Oloroso Sherry Cask-Finished Whiskey is a well-executed bottle that delivers more than most would expect from its category. Still, the $125 price tag combined with a sub-100 proof may keep some consumers from giving it the attention it deserves. That’s unfortunate, because this release offers a fresh take on light whiskey that rewards patience and an open mind.

96.5 proof.

A- / $125

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