Apple Brandy vs Applejack

Apple brandy and applejack are two types of alcoholic drinks made from apples. People often mix them up because they are similar.

Although they are similar in some ways, there are clear differences that make them different from each other. In this article, we will talk about apple brandy and applejack, and how they are different. We’ll look at their past, how they are made, and what they taste like.

Apple brandy is a type of alcohol made from fermented apple juice or cider. It is a type of alcohol that is popular in many European countries like France and Germany. In the United States, apple brandy has been made for a long time since colonial times, and it used to be a very popular alcoholic drink in the country. Currently, only a few skilled distillers make apple brandy in limited amounts.

Applejack is a type of apple brandy made in a different way. This is created by freezing and distilling strong apple cider, which is called jacking. This process makes the alcohol and flavors stronger, creating a spirit with more alcohol and a stronger apple taste than regular apple brandy. Applejack used to be a popular drink in the United States, but people stopped liking it after Prohibition. Now there is only a little bit of it made.

The Basics: Apple Brandy vs Applejack

Apple brandy and applejack are both apple-based spirits that have a long history of production in the United States. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two.

Applejack

Applejack is a type of liquor that is made by freeze distillation. This process involves leaving fermented apple cider outside in the winter, where the water in the cider freezes, leaving behind a concentrated, more alcoholic liquid. The resulting spirit is then aged in oak barrels, which gives it a distinctive flavor and color.

Applejack is typically made using a blend of apple brandy and neutral grain spirit, which is a type of alcohol made from grains like corn or wheat. This helps to keep the cost of production down and also allows distillers to create a consistent product.

Apple Brandy

Apple brandy, on the other hand, is made by distilling fermented apple cider. This process involves heating the cider until the alcohol evaporates, then condensing the vapors back into a liquid form. The resulting spirit is then aged in oak barrels, which gives it a rich, complex flavor.

There are several different types of apple brandy, including American apple brandy, straight apple brandy, and traditional apple brandy. American apple brandy is made using a blend of apple brandy and neutral grain spirit, similar to applejack.

Straight apple brandy, on the other hand, is made entirely from apple brandy and must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years. Traditional apple brandy, also known as eau de vie or apple liquor, is made using a different type of distillation process and is not aged in oak barrels.

Alcohol Content

Both applejack and apple brandy have a relatively high alcohol content, typically ranging from 30% to 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). However, the exact alcohol content can vary depending on the specific brand and type of spirit.

Aging Process

Both applejack and apple brandy are aged in oak barrels, which helps to impart flavor and color to the spirit. However, the aging process can vary depending on the specific type of spirit. For example, traditional apple brandy is not aged in oak barrels at all, while straight apple brandy must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years.

The History and Origin

Apple brandy and applejack have a rich history in the United States. George Washington himself was a fan of apple brandy, and even distilled it at his Mount Vernon estate. In colonial times, apple brandy was a popular beverage, and it was often used as a form of currency.

William Laird, a Scots American who settled in Monmouth County, New Jersey, is credited with producing the first apple brandy in the United States in 1698. The drink was once known as Jersey Lightning and became a popular beverage in the region. Within about a century-and-a-half, the state was dotted in applejack distilleries.

During Prohibition, applejack became a popular drink due to its ease of production and the fact that it could be made at home. It was also used as a substitute for whiskey, which was harder to come by during the era.

Applejack and apple brandy have gone through difficult times in the last 70 years, with many people in the United States turning their back on brown liquors during the mid-20th century. However, the popularity of craft distilling has led to a renewed interest in these spirits.

Today, apple brandy and applejack are made by distilleries across the United States, and they are enjoyed by many as a unique and flavorful alternative to other spirits.

Popular Apple Brandy and Applejack Cocktails

Apple brandy and applejack are versatile spirits that can be used to make a variety of cocktails. Here are some popular apple brandy and applejack cocktails:

Jack Rose

The Jack Rose is a classic applejack cocktail that has been around since the early 1900s.

It is made with applejack, grenadine, and lemon juice. The grenadine gives the cocktail a pink color and a sweet flavor that balances out the tartness of the lemon juice. The Jack Rose can be served straight up or on the rocks.

Pink Lady

The Pink Lady is a gin-based cocktail that also includes applejack. It is made with gin, applejack, grenadine, lemon juice, and egg white. The egg white gives the cocktail a frothy texture and a silky mouthfeel. The Pink Lady is a sweet and sour cocktail that is perfect for those who like their drinks on the sweeter side.

Applejack Punch

Applejack Punch is a refreshing cocktail that is perfect for summer. It is made with applejack, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. The lemon juice and soda water give the cocktail a fizzy and refreshing taste that is perfect for hot summer days. The Applejack Punch can be garnished with fresh fruit for an extra burst of flavor.

Applejack and Soda

Applejack and Soda is a simple and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of applejack without any added flavors. It is made with applejack and soda water. The soda water gives the cocktail a fizzy and refreshing taste that is perfect for any occasion.