Jacob’s Pardon Year Small Batch Recipe #3

A little background

Jacob’s Pardon pays tribute to the storied legacy of Jacob and Abner Taub, two brothers whose Prohibition-era bootlegging ultimately shaped a multigenerational whiskey lineage. After their arrest in 1929 and subsequent pardon by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Taubs reestablished their family business and laid the groundwork for what would become a longstanding commitment to American whiskey. That heritage continues with Jacob’s Pardon Small Batch Recipe #3, created in partnership with Master Blender F. Paul Pacult and the Taub Family as a modern reflection of the family’s enduring craftsmanship.

Jacob’s Pardon 18 Year Small Batch Recipe #3 is an American Light Whiskey distilled at Ross & Squibb (MGP) and bottled by Palm Bay International. Classified as Light Whiskey, it is produced from a mashbill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, aged 18 years, and bottled at cask strength—142.7 proof (71.25% ABV). This expression carries an MSRP of $195 for a 750mL bottle in 2025.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Baking spice, cherry, cereal grain, cinnamon, vanilla, and marshmallow cream.

Palate

Caramel, pear, cinnamon, butterscotch, honey, corn syrup, and oak.

Finish

Cinnamon, white pepper, dry leather, and oak.

In closing

Jacob’s Pardon 18 Year Small Batch Recipe #3 delivers a bold and engaging experience that leans into its high-proof character while showcasing a rich spectrum of flavors. The combination of baking spice (dominantly cinnamon), fruit, caramel-forward sweetness, and sturdy oak creates a profile that remains consistent from nose to finish, supported by a creamy, oily mouthfeel that adds weight and presence. While the 142.7 proof and premium price point may narrow its appeal, those who appreciate robust, hazmat whiskey will find plenty to enjoy. This is an expressive and unapologetic release that rewards enthusiasts who seek intensity, depth, and a distinctive high-proof journey.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Palm Bay International. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.