Jacob's Pardon 8 Year Bourbon 750ML
Jacob's Pardon 8 Year Bourbon 750ML is a blended American whiskey bottled at 750ml that combines aged MGP and Tennessee stocks, with proof varying by batch (97.1–109.3 proof). This expression earned Gold at the New York International Spirits Competition, reflecting the skill of master blender Paul Pacult in marrying two distinct whiskey traditions into a singular, layered bourbon. Quick Facts: ABV: 48.6–54.65% (varies by batch) | Origin: Indiana & Tennessee, USA | 8 Year Age Statement | Blended by Paul Pacult (sourced from MGP & George Dickel) Production & Heritage Jacob's Pardon is a rectified and blended whiskey assembled by renowned spirits critic and author Paul Pacult. The blend draws 86% of its composition from a 15-year-old MGP light corn whiskey (99% corn, 1% malted barley) aged in used barrels, combined with 14% from an 8-year-old Tennessee sour mash whiskey (70% corn, 22% rye, 8% barley) matured in new charred oak. The age statement reflects the youngest component, while the interplay between the mellow, grain-forward light whiskey and the spicier, oak-driven Tennessee stock creates a profile unlike typical single-source bourbons. Tasting Notes Aroma: Buttered sweet corn and brown sugar lead the nose, followed by espresso undertones and a bright lift of sugar cookie dough. Subtle lemon and light floral notes emerge with time in the glass. Taste: The palate opens buttery and creamy, with honey and toffee giving way to a tangy, spice-driven mid-palate. Baked ham, vanilla bean, and cinnamon bun flavors develop through the center, while a dusting of black pepper keeps the sweetness honest. The high corn content from the MGP component gives the whiskey a distinctly lush, almost dessert-like quality. Finish: Long and pleasantly sweet, with lingering biscuit, toasted grain, and gentle wood tannins. The finish tapers gradually, leaving a warm, cereal-like echo that invites the next sip. How to Drink Jacob's Pardon Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point — the blend's layered construction rewards slow, attentive sipping, and a splash of water can open up the floral and citrus aromatics. For cocktails: an Old Fashioned showcases the whiskey's natural toffee and vanilla sweetness against bitters; a Whiskey Sour plays off its tangy, bright character and buttery texture; and a Brown Sugar Milk Punch amplifies the creamy corn and biscuit notes into a rich dessert drink. Best For Whiskey enthusiasts exploring blended American whiskey beyond single-barrel releases Gifting to a collector who appreciates the craft of sourcing and blending After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar Side-by-side tastings comparing sourced blends to single-distillery bourbons Frequently Asked Questions What does Jacob's Pardon 8 Year taste like? It delivers a buttery, creamy profile dominated by honey, toffee, vanilla bean, and cinnamon, with a spice-driven backbone of black pepper and baked ham that balances the sweetness. The finish is long and biscuity with gentle oak. How does Jacob's Pardon compare to Barrell Craft Spirits? Both brands specialize in sourcing and blending aged American whiskey stocks, but Barrell typically bottles at cask strength, resulting in a bolder, more intense delivery. Jacob's Pardon, particularly in its lower-proof batches, offers a smoother, more approachable experience, though the higher-proof Batch 2 (109.3 proof) narrows that gap considerably. Is Jacob's Pardon 8 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — Paul Pacult designed this blend specifically for contemplative sipping, and the marriage of soft light whiskey with spicier Tennessee stock creates enough complexity to reward a neat pour without overwhelming the palate. Where is Jacob's Pardon made? Jacob's Pardon is blended in the United States using whiskey sourced from MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and George Dickel's distillery in Tullahoma, Tennessee. The blending and bottling are overseen by Paul Pacult. What foods pair well with Jacob's Pardon 8 Year? Glazed ham complements the whiskey's baked-ham and brown sugar notes; pecan pie mirrors its toffee and toasted grain character; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the buttery sweetness; crème brûlée echoes the vanilla and caramel; and cornbread with honey butter reinforces the dominant corn backbone. What sizes does Jacob's Pardon come in? Jacob's Pardon 8 Year is available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is Jacob's Pardon 8 Year worth the price? Positioned in the premium tier — Drinkhacker rated it A- at a $90 price point — it competes with other well-regarded blended American whiskeys in the $80–$100 range. The inclusion of 15-year-old MGP stock and Paul Pacult's blending credentials provide tangible value beyond typical sourced bourbons at this level. Why Jacob's Pardon? What separates Jacob's Pardon 8 Year from the crowded field of sourced American whiskey is the deliberate tension in its blend: 15-year-old light corn whiskey aged in used cooperage contributes soft, grain-forward sweetness, while 8-year-old Tennessee sour mash from new charred oak delivers the tannic structure and rye spice. Paul Pacult — one of the most published spirits critics in the United States — staked his reputation on this project, lending a level of editorial rigor to the blending process that few producers can claim. Gold medals at the New York International Spirits Competition and the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition validate the result. For drinkers who believe great whiskey can come from a blending tank as readily as a single barrel, this expression makes a compelling case.