Jacob’s Pardon Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey Review

Distillery: Bardstown Bourbon Company

Proof: 96.5.1 (48.25% ABV)

Age: Sixteen Years plus additional finishing in Olosoro sherry casks

Mashbill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley

MSRP: $125

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A Silver-Level Pour Wrapped in a Gold-Level Story

Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso 16 starts with a 16-year-old light whiskey—distilled from a 99% corn mash bill but its defining feature is a secondary finish in rare 50-year-old Oloroso sherry casks from Bodegas Williams & Humbert in Jerez, Spain.

The old casks, seasoned over decades with sherry, carry deep concentrations of oxidized wine, dried fruit sugars, and seasoned wood tannins.  For whiskey enthusiasts, using barrels of this age are nearly unheard of in American whiskey production.

Only 48 barrels were chosen for this release.  Bottled at 96.5 proof and priced at $125, it’s part of the new “Cask Collective” series.

Jacob’s Pardon Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.8/5

Toasted marshmallow.  Candied almond.  Orange marmalade.  Faint tropical notes.  With some time in the glass–butterscotch.

Strengths:  Warm and inviting notes that show off the sherry’s influence without dominating the underlying whiskey.  The Nose develops and grows with time in the glass.

Rating Justification:  The Nose is muted by the lower proof.  Pleasant and balanced with clear signs of age and a finesse that drives expectations for the pour..  Lacks a boldness that might elevate it into higher-tier territory.

Palate – 3.7/5

Silky mouthfeel.  Grilled pineapple.  Toffee.  Vanilla bean.  Old wood..

Strengths:  The Palate has good mouthfeel for a light whiskey.  Sherry cask influences are highly noticeable.

Rating Justification:  A sip that’s easy to appreciate, especially for fans of secondary finishes—but it doesn’t challenge the palate or leave a major impression.  Flavors are not really cohesive and don’t quite build or evolve.

Finish – 3.8/5

Gradual and tapered.  Bittersweet cocoa.  Pepper.  Light wood.

Strengths:  Sherry-driven notes that linger and close out the pour.

Rating Justification:  A graceful close that fits with the Palate and Nose but falls short of memorable.  Doesn’t fully elevate—the flavor arc settles rather than extends.  A bit more spice kick would help.

Value – 3.6/5

At $125, Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso 16 carries a price tag that reflects its limited release, 16-year age statement, and the use of 50-year-old finishing barrels from a world-class sherry house.  For enthusiasts who value unique cask finishes, that detail alone carries weight.  However, the light whiskey base and 96.5 proof delivers a final product that drinks more like a gentle sipper than a powerhouse.  Because of that, it may not justify the cost for enthusiasts seeking bold flavor.

Strengths:  Rare finishing barrel pedigree.  The use of 50-year-old Oloroso casks adds collector appeal.

Rating Justification:  For those intrigued by barrel history and subtlety, this bottle may feel fairly priced. For others, the drinking experience doesn’t match up.  Proof and intensity are modest, which can make the price feel steep.

Jacob’s Pardon Sherry Cask Finished Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Jacob’s Pardon Oloroso 16 is a refined whiskey built on a truly rare secondary finishing.  The 50-year-old Oloroso casks from Williams & Humbert provide a level of sophistication.  But, the base spirit’s softness and the restrained proof prevent the expression from achieving a standout profile.  This pour will appeal to those who value barrel heritage and subtle evolution, but it lacks the intensity, transformation, or wow factor to push it into Gold territory.  A solid Silver-tier pour.

Verdict – 3.75/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3