Laird's Straight Applejack 86

Laird's Straight Applejack 86 shines when sipped neat or with a single large ice cube, allowing its rich apple and oak flavors to unfold. This versatile spirit also excels in classic whiskey-based cocktails, particularly those with warming spices, and pairs beautifully with hearty autumn fare like roasted pork or apple desserts, making it an ideal choice for cool weather enjoyment.

Nose: Ripe red apples and baked fruit tarts lead, followed by hints of oak, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. Light caramel and subtle nutty notes emerge as the spirit opens up.

Palate: Smooth entry with a rich apple flavor, reminiscent of apple pie filling. Toasted oak and warm baking spices add depth. A slight sweetness balances the alcohol warmth. Notes of dried fruit and a hint of leather appear mid-palate.

Finish: Medium to long finish. The apple flavor lingers, accompanied by oak tannins and a gentle spice. A subtle dryness develops, with faint hints of caramel and nuts on the fade.

Laird's Straight Applejack 86 is crafted by distilling fermented apple cider in copper pot stills, then aging the spirit in charred oak barrels for at least two years. What's fascinating about this process is that it combines traditional apple brandy production methods with American whiskey aging techniques, resulting in a unique spirit that bridges the gap between fruit brandy and barrel-aged whiskey.

• Laird's Straight Applejack 86 is produced by America's oldest licensed distillery, which has been in continuous operation since 1780 and received the first commercial distilling license (#1) from the U.S. Treasury Department.
• During Prohibition, Laird's was one of only six distilleries allowed to continue producing apple brandy for "medicinal purposes," thanks to a special government permit.
• George Washington once requested the Laird family's applejack recipe, and the company still has a copy of his handwritten request in their archives. While they didn't share the exact recipe, they did provide the general method for making applejack.