Laird's Brandy
American apple brandy, licensed since 1780 and poured ever since.
The story behind Laird's
William Laird came from Scotland to New Jersey in 1698 and made apple spirits for his own table. In 1780 his descendant Robert Laird recorded the first commercial sale and took U.S. Distillery License No. 1, a number the family still holds. Laird's has been at it ever since, which makes it the oldest distilled spirits company in the country.
Aging, blending and bottling happen in Scobeyville, Colts Neck, Monmouth County. Since 1975 the actual distillation moved to North Garden in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, after New Jersey's apple orchards thinned out. The apples are still fresh and tree ripened, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Granny Smith, Gala and Pink Lady, pressed to cider and fermented with no added sugar.
Explore the Laird's range
Two styles run through the lineup: blended Applejack built for mixing, and straight apple brandy for sipping. Proof climbs as the barrels get older.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laird's Applejack 750mL | Blended Applejack | 80 | 35% apple brandy, 65% grain spirit; light and mixable |
| Laird's Apple Brandy 750mL | Straight Apple Brandy | 86 | 100% apples, 3 years in charred oak |
| Laird's Straight Applejack 86 | Straight Applejack | 86 | Pre-Prohibition style, all apple, three year age |
| Laird's Bottled-in-Bond | Straight Apple Brandy | 100 | Bonded standards, minimum four years in oak |
| Laird's 7 1/2 Year Old | Straight Apple Brandy | 80 | Seven and a half years in charred oak |
| Laird's 10th Generation | Straight Apple Brandy | 100 | Hand-selected barrels, five years old |
| Laird's 12 Year Old Rare | Straight Apple Brandy | 88 | Limited hand-bottled release, deep apple and oak |
Which Laird's is right for you?
Pricing here starts friendly and climbs with age. The Laird's Applejack 375mL is $10.99, the 750mL is $19.99 and the liter is $24.99, all blended and all built for cocktails. Step up to the Laird's Apple Brandy 750mL at $25.39 for 100% apple distillate. Older straight expressions run higher, and the 12 Year Old sits at the top of the shelf. Call the store at (631) 343-7200 for current availability before you drive over.
Cheap enough to pour freely into a Jack Rose or ginger beer highball.
All apple, three years in oak, honest at 86 proof without breaking $30.
Hand-bottled limited release for the back of the cabinet.