Jacob's Pardon has launched its first-ever bourbon—a 90-proof, four-grain blend priced at $59.99 suggested retail—bringing the Prohibition-era whiskey brand into the competitive premium bourbon segment for the first time. The expression is now available nationally, representing a significant expansion beyond the brand's previous small-batch, collector-focused Heritage Collection releases.
The Liquid and the Lineup
Master Blender F. Paul Pacult developed the bourbon in collaboration with the Taub family, drawing from distilleries across Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The mash bill leans on corn as the base, with rye, wheat, and malted barley added to build what Pacult describes as layered complexity without sacrificing balance. "Blending takes patience. Countless combinations are evaluated until every element transforms into perfect harmony," Pacult said. "The four-grain approach gives us the ability to build complexity while simultaneously keeping the profile balanced, concentrated, and consistent."
The tasting profile opens with cherry, honey, and orange on the nose, transitioning to caramel, vanilla, and spice on the palate. The finish is described as clean and lingering—characteristics that position the bourbon for both neat sipping and cocktail application, a practical dual-use appeal that on-premise operators and beverage program directors will recognize as an important purchasing consideration at this price tier.
Prohibition Roots, National Ambitions
The brand's backstory is central to its identity. In 1929, brothers Jacob and Abner Taub were arrested for bootlegging whiskey in violation of the Volstead Act. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt pardoned them—an act of clemency that the Taub family has since treated as the founding narrative of their spirits enterprise. Jacob's Pardon launched its Heritage Collection in 2019, introducing the brand to American whiskey collectors through Small Batch #1.
Marc D. Taub, president and CEO of Palm Bay International and founder of Jacob's Pardon, framed the new bourbon as a deliberate evolution. "The Heritage Collection established the foundation for the brand among enthusiasts," he said. "With our first bourbon, we're bringing that same commitment of exceptional quality and delivering a bourbon that bourbon lovers will thoroughly enjoy."
What It Means for Operators
At $59.99 at retail, Jacob's Pardon Bourbon lands firmly in the premium bourbon tier—a category that has shown sustained on-premise growth as guests trade up for craft-narrative spirits. The multi-state sourcing and multi-grain build give bar programs a story to tell, while the 90-proof strength keeps the spirit versatile enough for house cocktails without overpowering a build.
To support menu integration, Pacult also developed a signature serve called Jacob's Revival—2 oz of the bourbon shaken with fresh lemon juice, crème de cassis, and simple syrup, strained over ice and garnished with blackcurrant berries. The recipe gives bartenders and beverage directors a ready-made template that highlights the bourbon's fruit-forward and spice characteristics.
For the broader hospitality trade, the national availability of Jacob's Pardon Bourbon signals Palm Bay International's intent to move the brand from specialty shelves into mainstream on- and off-premise distribution, competing directly with established premium bourbons in the $50–$65 range. More information is available at jacobspardon.com.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
