Jacob's Pardon Small Batch American Whiskey Recipe No. 1

This is a blend created from two distinct mash bills. The first component, comprising 86% of the blend, is derived from barrels of 15-year-old MGP light corn whiskey, featuring a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. The remaining 14% comes from an 8-year-old Tennessee sour mash whiskey, with a mash bill of 70% corn, 22% rye, and 8% barley, bottled at 48.6% ABV. The initial aroma presents a combination of mild butterscotch, rum, and herbal notes, transitioning to floral scents of honeysuckle and orange blossom, with a touch of pink Himalayan sea salt. This is followed by a mix of cereal and fruit, including apple peel, peach ring candy, and Smarties, then milk chocolate-covered toasted peanuts, concluding with subtle oak spices reminiscent of a whole cinnamon stick, ginger, and lightly brewed black tea, accompanied by a faint ethanol warmth. The palate has a thin mouthfeel, beginning with a blend of mild butterscotch, rum, and herbal notes. It then develops into floral notes of rose water, honeysuckle, and orange blossom, alongside a gentle spice from black peppercorns and a pinch of Himalayan sea salt. This subsides into fruit notes of green apple Jolly Rancher, caramelized peaches over vanilla pudding, and lemon drop candy. Next, milk chocolate-covered toasted marshmallow appears, followed by ginger and freshly brewed black tea, with a slight ethanol burn. The finish is short, featuring honeysuckle, orange blossom, milk chocolate-covered peanut brittle, caramelized peaches, and lightly brewed black tea. From the first sniff, it's evident this is a light whiskey, indicated by the mild rum notes mixed with florals, candied fruits, and light oak spices. However, the Tennessee whiskey introduces new flavors like peanuts and toasted marshmallow in the taste. I conducted a side-by-side comparison with my Proof and Wood 25-year. Although the Proof and Wood has only a slightly higher ABV of 51.15%, it is significantly more viscous with bolder flavors. American light whiskey appears quite similar to single grain Scotch and seems to require extended aging to fully develop. These barrels could have benefited from a few more years of maturation or a higher proof to enhance the mouthfeel and flavors, but it remains a very enjoyable drink.

The nose has a light flavor. It brings to mind that melted butter just before it's poured on popcorn. It has the initial scent released when you open the plastic on butterscotch hard candy. Lastly, some cotton candy or candy corn is mixed in the aroma; I can't decide which. It's very smooth on the palate, cool and pleasant. It just offers a small reminder that it is whiskey, with a medium finish. The taste is distinctly corn with some rye spice. I enjoy it! It's not a traditional whiskey but resembles an Armagnac with its fruity flavor. Excellent as a final offering after a meal to conclude the conversation. I had three servings while writing this review. The price reflects the limited release. There are better options available for under $90, but honestly, this is unique enough to justify the cost, plus a really neat bottle that will be repurposed. I would purchase it again. Oh, add orange peel to the nose.

Overall: The aroma is great, but it leaves much to be desired, lacking depth, and is difficult to recommend at $80-$90. I believe this exact pour would be significantly superior if concentrated at 110 proof. The only individual I would suggest this to is someone who truly enjoys lighter whiskeys in the 90 proof range, considers exceptional "smoothness" their main criterion for good whiskey, and/or desires a stylish bottle for display. The same type of person who might consider paying $100 above retail for a bottle worth only $60 (Blanton's) might find this a better choice. Aroma: Rich, sweet, full of molasses and Demerara sugar. It smells almost like a low-ish proof (

The aroma is dominated by burnt sugar. The palate offers butter and cinnamon sugar cookie, but fades very rapidly. The finish is virtually nonexistent, aside from a warmth in the chest. The nose and initial flavor of this spirit are very appealing, but there's no opportunity to relax with it. It leaves you with nothing between sips, so it doesn't have time to express much. It's a shame, as it begins with considerable promise. I set this spirit aside for several months and, without rereading my initial notes, experienced the exact same impressions. The aroma of this spirit is almost reminiscent of well-aged rum, very pleasant, but it's all downhill from there.

Warm cinnamon and smooth vanilla. I hadn't encountered this whiskey before, but it's rich with brown sugar and nutmeg. The finish is of moderate length. This would be wonderful by a fire in the chilly mountains.

Second batch, 54.65% ABV. Eight years old. Smoky aroma. Earthy and grain-forward. Palate: a strong malt foundation, some rye notes, sweet and smooth considering the proof. Dry finish.