Jacob's Pardon Small Batch American Whiskey Recipe No. 2 (750Ml)

Taste and Flavor Profile

The moment this whiskey touches your palate, you are met with an intricate layering of flavors that reveal themselves in waves. The initial sip delivers notes of caramelized brown sugar, honey, and toasted oak, setting the stage for a smooth yet bold experience. Mid-palate, hints of ripe stone fruit—peach and apricot—meld with subtle spice, creating a balance between sweetness and warmth. A touch of vanilla, baking spice, and roasted nuts round out the profile, making each sip both comforting and complex.

Aroma & Bouquet

On the nose, Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 greets you with an inviting bouquet of butterscotch, maple syrup, and toasted oak. There’s an underlying note of orange zest and cinnamon, adding a layer of brightness to the aroma. As the whiskey opens up, deeper notes of leather and tobacco emerge, reflecting its well-aged character. This aromatic complexity makes it a whiskey that invites slow savoring, allowing each scent to unfold over time.

Smooth & Finish

One of the standout qualities of Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 is its incredibly smooth character. The whiskey glides across the palate effortlessly, thanks to its carefully aged and well-balanced blend. The finish is long and lingering, leaving traces of dark chocolate, nutmeg, and a light smoky oakiness. Unlike some American whiskeys that can end with a sharp bite, this one fades gracefully, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a refined, lasting impression.

Craftsmanship and Distillation

Jacob’s Pardon is crafted using a meticulous small-batch process, ensuring that every bottle maintains the highest quality. The whiskey is aged in charred American oak barrels, allowing the spirit to develop deep and nuanced flavors over time. The brand takes pride in blending different aged stocks, carefully selecting barrels that contribute the perfect mix of richness, spice, and smoothness. Each batch is a labor of love, reflecting a dedication to preserving and elevating traditional American whiskey-making techniques.

How to Enjoy

While Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 is excellent neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its complexity, it also shines with a few drops of water, which help to unlock even more of its nuanced flavors. For those who enjoy whiskey on the rocks, a large ice cube will chill the spirit without overly diluting it. It also makes for an exceptional base in classic whiskey cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where its caramel and spice notes can complement the bitters and vermouth beautifully.

Food Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes, enhancing both sweet and savory flavors.

• Meats: The whiskey’s caramel and spice notes complement grilled meats like bourbon-glazed ribs, smoked brisket, or a perfectly seared steak.
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese work well with its deep, oaky flavors.
• Desserts: For a sweet pairing, try it with pecan pie, dark chocolate truffles, or bread pudding, where the whiskey’s vanilla and nutty notes enhance the dessert’s richness.

Who Is It For?

Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 is an excellent choice for seasoned whiskey drinkers who appreciate well-aged, complex spirits with a rich backstory. It’s perfect for those who enjoy sipping whiskey neat or on the rocks and value small-batch craftsmanship. If you’re a fan of nuanced flavors and a smooth yet bold profile, this whiskey is sure to become a favorite in your collection.

Who Is It Not For?

While this whiskey is an outstanding choice for those who love depth and complexity, it may not be ideal for those who prefer lighter, sweeter, or lower-proof whiskeys. If you enjoy mild or ultra-smooth bourbons with minimal spice and oak influence, Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 might feel too bold for your palate. Likewise, those looking for a budget-friendly everyday sipper may find this more of a special occasion whiskey.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 stands out for its exceptional balance of smoothness, spice, and rich depth of flavor. What truly sets it apart, however, is its unique story—rooted in the Prohibition era and resurrected as a modern whiskey brand. The combination of historical significance, expert blending, and a meticulous small-batch production process makes it a rare gem among American whiskeys.

Awards & Recognition

This whiskey has earned critical acclaim from whiskey experts and enthusiasts alike. While relatively new to the market, Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 has already received praise for its craftsmanship and flavor complexity, securing high ratings in whiskey competitions and industry reviews. Its reputation continues to grow as more connoisseurs discover its remarkable character.

Compare with Similar Items

• Jacob’s Pardon No. 1: The first release had a slightly different grain bill and aging process, making No. 2 a refined evolution of the original with deeper complexity.
• Blanton’s Single Barrel: While both offer smooth, nuanced profiles, Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 leans more towards spice and oak, while Blanton’s emphasizes caramel and vanilla.
• Michter’s US*1 Small Batch Bourbon: Both are high-quality small-batch releases, but Jacob’s Pardon carries a bolder, more oak-forward profile with a richer mouthfeel.
• WhistlePig 10-Year Rye: WhistlePig offers a rye-heavy spice, while Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 balances its spice with caramelized sweetness and fruit notes.

Brand Legacy and Heritage

Jacob’s Pardon is a whiskey brand built on the foundation of redemption, resilience, and a deep respect for history. The brand’s name pays homage to Jacob, a real-life moonshiner who was granted a presidential pardon for his distilling activities during Prohibition. By reviving his spirit—both figuratively and literally—the brand bridges the gap between America’s bootlegging past and its modern whiskey renaissance. This legacy of second chances and masterful craftsmanship is embedded in every bottle, making Jacob’s Pardon No. 2 more than just a drink—it’s a piece of American whiskey history.