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Cocktail Collective
Oct 43 min read

National Applejack Month: Rediscovering America’s Oldest Spirit

October is National Applejack Month, a time to celebrate a genuine American spirit that is the quintessential spirit that best portrays the rough time between cowboys and the industry boom. Applejack is acknowledged as one of the earliest home-distilled beverages in the United States, has a rich heritage intertwined with the country's apple orchards, and dates back to the popularity of bourbon and rye. So, let's talk about this spirit that can best be described as an angry apple that punches you in the face and makes you feel warm and fuzzy.


Vintage bottles of Applejack

What Is Applejack?


Chat GPT was almost too kind when asked to describe the flavor profile and taste of Applejacks response:


"Applejack has a rich, bold flavor that combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth and complexity of aged brandy. It offers a balance of fruity and spicy notes on the palate, with the apple flavor taking center stage, complemented by hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak from barrel aging. Depending on age, the apple flavor can be bright and fresh or more mellow and baked, reminiscent of a warm apple pie. The finish is smooth and slightly dry, with a warming, whiskey-like kick that lingers. Overall, apple applejack is like autumn in a glass—earthy, fruity, and subtly spiced."


While it's right, those notes and profiles are there. They are only precisely noticeable after a few drinks and when you cannot feel your lips. Based on all my reading, Applejack is essentially apple moonshine (sans corn or any grain), though Applejack is kind of Moonshine's fancy older brother. Applejack, a unique brandy made from fermented apple cider, stands out from its European cousin, Calvados. Unlike Calvados, which is distilled from apples alone, historically, Applejack underwent a process called 'freeze distillation' or 'jacking.' This intriguing process involved leaving hard cider outside in winter, where the freezing temperatures would separate the water from the alcohol, resulting in a potent, rough spirit—hence the name 'applejack.'


Compared to Moonshine, Applejack has historically been legal and commercially produced, mainly by pioneers like Laird & Company, credited with making America's first commercial distillery. Modern Applejack is distilled and aged in barrels, giving it a more mellow flavor profile and greater complexity.


A Spirit Born of Necessity


Just picture the untamed wilderness that would later become America. Everything seemed out to get you, and it made life extremely challenging if it didn't succeed. It's estimated that 30 out of every 1,000 colonists perished within the first few months of their arrival. In early colonial America, apples and hard cider were plentiful, but distillation was time-consuming. By the 18th century, Applejack had become a staple in households. Like many spirits, Applejack was thought to have medicinal properties. Colonists used it to alleviate conditions such as colds and indigestion and even as a disinfectant. It was often recommended as a tonic or stimulant, and its warming effect made it a popular remedy during the winter months. It was utilized for almost everything, from rituals to cooking and preservation. In colonial New Jersey, it served as currency to pay road construction crews, earning it the nickname "Jersey Lightning."


Applejack's heyday lasted until the mid-19th century, when whiskey production became more accessible and cheaper thanks to industrial advances. However, Applejack never completely vanished and is now experiencing an exciting resurgence, mainly thanks to the craft spirits movement. This revival is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic American spirit, connecting us to its rich history and promising future.


If You Don't Like It Neat…


A Jack Rose is a classic cocktail that was a favorite of authors John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway. It was popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and was also included in David A. Embury's 1948 book The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces applejack or apple brandy

  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

  • 1/2 ounce grenadine

  • Garnish: lemon twist


Preparation

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. 


Garnish

Optionally, squeeze a lemon twist over the drink's surface to release fragrant oils and rub the rim of the glass with the skin side of the lemon twist. You can also garnish with an apple fan. 



Why Celebrate Applejack?

Applejack has had a recent craft revival, thanks to cocktail and spice connoisseurs and aficionados. It's the perfect drink for those who appreciate tradition but are also open to modern twists. Whether you like it neat or mixed in a classic Jack Rose cocktail, Applejack is a spirit that deserves to be celebrated. Join the community and raise a glass to Applejack this month and every month.

Cheers!



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