A crisp apple flavor is present, followed by notes of sweet apricot, caramel, and oak, leading to a medium to long finish with a dry, baked spice. This is an interesting product given the history of the distillery and the style of apple brandy. I'd strongly suggest choosing this over the less expensive lairds applejack. That one is mostly grain and it's quite apparent, whereas this one is a great sipper and smooth for a spirit over 80 proof. I particularly enjoy it on a cold day, as the finish provides a real sense of warmth.
Laird's Straight Applejack 86
Brandy Brandy New Jersey No age statement 43% ABV
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About this bottle
Laird's Straight Applejack 86 is a 100% apple brandy. Named for its 86 proof (43% ABV) bottling strength, it falls between their standard 80-proof Applejack and their 100-proof Apple Brandy. This expression carries no age statement. The '17' on the label signifies the quantity of fresh apples, 17 pounds, required to produce one bottle. A national rollout commenced in September 2017.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 8 parsed reviews.
A truly excellent American apple brandy from the oldest distillery in America. Delightful apple crispness with warm cinnamon and baking spices on the nose. The flavor is full of mildly tart apple notes, reminiscent of warm cider. The finish is pleasant and concludes with nice warm baked apple pie notes. A superb drink on its own or a fine example of a great apple brandy in a cocktail like an applejack rabbit.
Initial taste: Caramel, Woody (like twigs), Toasted bread, Strong alcohol presence for an 86 proof. Second taste: A touch of apple, tart rather than sweet. Lingering flavor: Sweetness appears at the end
Reminiscent of apple cider, with hints of cinnamon, and surprisingly smooth with good flavor. The alcohol burn is less intense compared to their other selections.
A gentler option from Laird. It's not as bold as the BiB but would work in cocktails.
It's somewhat like woody apple juice, but in a good way.
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Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.