Apple Brandy

What is Apple Brandy?

Apple brandy is a distinctive type of Brandy & Cognac made by distilling fermented apple cider or apple wine. This spirit captures the essence of ripe apples, resulting in a fruit-forward flavor profile that can range from crisp and bright to rich and complex. To be classified as apple brandy, the spirit must be distilled exclusively from apples and typically aged in oak barrels, which imparts additional depth and character to the final product.

What makes Apple Brandy unique?

Apple brandy stands out from other brandies and cognacs due to its distinctive fruit base. Unlike grape-based brandies, apple brandy (also known as applejack or calvados) is distilled from fermented apple cider, resulting in a spirit that captures the essence of crisp, ripe apples. This fruity foundation gives apple brandy a refreshing sweetness and subtle tartness that sets it apart from its grape-derived cousins, making it a versatile spirit for both sipping and mixing in cocktails.

How do you drink Apple Brandy?

Apple brandy is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference and the specific brand. It's often sipped neat or on the rocks to appreciate its full flavor profile, but it also shines in cocktails. Apple brandy is a key ingredient in classic drinks like the Jack Rose and the Applejack Old Fashioned, as well as in warming winter cocktails and festive fall punches.

This spirit is particularly well-suited for autumn and winter gatherings, making it perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights by the fire, or as an after-dinner digestif. Its rich apple flavor and warming qualities make it a natural choice for cool weather sipping, though creative bartenders have found ways to incorporate it into refreshing summer drinks as well.

How do I choose a good Apple Brandy?

When selecting an apple brandy, consider the style you prefer: French Calvados offers complex, aged flavors, while American apple brandies can range from bold and fruity to smooth and oak-influenced. For cocktails like the Jack Rose or Applejack Rabbit, opt for a younger, more assertive apple brandy that will stand up to other ingredients. If you plan to sip it neat, look for well-aged expressions with deeper complexity and a smoother finish.

How is Apple Brandy made?

Apple brandy starts with fresh apples that are crushed and fermented into hard cider. This cider is then distilled in copper pot stills, concentrating the alcohol and apple flavors. The resulting spirit is typically aged in oak barrels, which adds complexity and smooths out the rough edges, creating a rich, warming brandy with pronounced apple character.

Nutritional Information

Typical Calorie Range per Ounce: 65-80 calories

Typical Carbohydrate Range per Ounce: 0-1 grams

Typical Sugar Range per Ounce: 0-1 grams

Typically Gluten Free: Yes

While apple brandy is typically gluten-free, we recommend checking the specific product label or contacting the manufacturer to confirm, as production methods and ingredients can vary between brands.

Scrolled this far? Your reward? Apple Brandy Trivia!

1. The oldest known distillery in the United States, Laird & Company, has been producing apple brandy since 1780 and once supplied their spirits to George Washington's troops during the Revolutionary War.
2. In France's Normandy region, farmers traditionally received part of their wages in apple brandy (Calvados). This practice, known as "le trou normand," allowed workers to take a brandy break midday to reinvigorate themselves for the afternoon's labor.
3. During Prohibition, some clever American orchardists sold concentrated apple cider with specific instructions on how not to let it ferment and distill into brandy - a cheeky workaround that allowed home brewers to produce their own apple spirits legally.