Laird’s 12 Year Old Rare Apple Brandy

Laird's 12 Year Old Rare Apple Brandy shines when sipped neat in a snifter, allowing its complex flavors to unfold, though it also makes an excellent base for spirit-forward cocktails that showcase its depth. This brandy is perfect for cool autumn evenings, paired with rich, savory dishes like roasted pork or a cheese board featuring sharp aged cheddars and creamy brie.

Nose: Rich aromas of baked apples and cinnamon, with hints of oak and vanilla. A subtle nuttiness emerges, reminiscent of toasted almonds. Faint notes of caramel and dried fruit add complexity.

Palate: Smooth and full-bodied. Flavors of ripe apples and pears are balanced by warm baking spices. Oak influence is prominent, bringing tannins and a touch of tobacco. Caramel sweetness and a slight nuttiness round out the taste.

Finish: Long and warming. Apple notes linger, accompanied by oak spice and a gentle heat. A pleasant dryness develops, with hints of leather and dried fruit. The finish tapers off with a subtle apple skin tartness and residual oak tannins.

Laird's 12 Year Old Rare Apple Brandy is crafted using a blend of American apple varieties, which are fermented, distilled in copper pot stills, and then aged for a minimum of 12 years in charred oak barrels. What makes this process unique is Laird's commitment to using 100% apples (no neutral grain spirits) and their patience in allowing the brandy to mature for over a decade, resulting in a rich, complex spirit that captures the essence of American apple orchards.

• Laird's 12 Year Old Rare Apple Brandy is made by America's oldest licensed distillery, which has been operating since 1780 and received the first commercial distilling license (#1) from the U.S. government after the Revolutionary War.
• This apple brandy is aged for a minimum of 12 years in charred oak barrels, making it older than many well-known scotch whiskies and bourbons on the market. The extended aging process results in a rich, complex spirit that rivals cognacs in depth and character.
• During Prohibition, Laird's was one of the few distilleries allowed to continue producing apple brandy, as it was considered a medicinal product. The company's long-standing reputation and political connections helped secure this rare exemption, allowing them to preserve their centuries-old craft.