Laird's Apple Jack (75cl, 40%)

A blended applejack spirit from Laird & Company, combining apple brandy with neutral grain spirits. The apple brandy is distilled from whole tree-ripened apples, including heritage varieties such as Winesap, and makes up 35% of the blend, with neutral spirits at 65%. Laird & Company holds a federal license dating to 1780 and created this blended applejack category in 1972. Distillation takes place in North Garden, Virginia, while ageing and bottling occur in Colts Neck Township, New Jersey. The nose shows gentle apple notes, a mix of green and red apple character, faint char smoke and subtle vanilla. The palate is bright and tangy with juicy apple flavour, mild sweetness, light wood spices and caramel. The finish is medium in length with lingering caramel and baking spice, fading into dry oak and residual apple sweetness.