334: Laird's & Co. Apple Jack & Brandy Barrel Aging | Part 2
Aug 31, 2022
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Gerard from Laird's & Co. joins the podcast to discuss the current state and future of the company. They talk about Laird's product line, the oak barrels used for aging, and their Virginia based distillery. They also clarify misconceptions about their Apple Brandy and share plans for a museum and tasting room. If you're interested in the history of Laird's, check out Part 1 in Episode 333.
Layers and Company uses apples sourced from Virginia to produce their apple brandy and applejack, ensuring the best quality and flavor.
The growing interest in classic cocktails and fresh ingredients has led to an increased demand for Layers and Company's apple brandy in cocktails, appealing to a younger generation of cocktail enthusiasts.
Layers and Company plans to venture into cider production, pressing their own apples and aging the cider in their apple brandy barrels, aiming to expand the awareness and appreciation for both their brandy and quality ciders.
Deep dives
Kroger brand products offer proven quality at low prices
Kroger brand products from Bakers are known for their exceptional quality and affordable prices. With a money-back quality guarantee, customers can trust that every dish made with Kroger brand products will be a favorite.
Layers and Company's apple brandy and applejack production
In this podcast episode, Lisa Laird Dunn, the global ambassador and COO of Layers and Company, discusses the production of their apple brandy and applejack. They use apples sourced from Virginia, which are fermented and distilled in North Garden. With a pot still and rectifying column, they ensure the best quality and flavor of their brandy.
Growing popularity of cocktails with apple brandy
The resurgence of classic cocktails and fresh ingredients has led to a growing interest in apple brandy. Layers and Company has witnessed increased demand for their brandy in cocktails. Their apple brandy, such as the Layers Applejack, imparts a unique aroma and adds depth to cocktails, appealing to a younger generation of cocktail enthusiasts.
Plans for expanding cider production
Layers and Company has plans to venture into cider production. They will be pressing their own apples and working with a local cidery in the fermentation process. The cider will then be aged in their apple brandy barrels, creating a unique and distinctive product. This move aligns with the growing demand for quality ciders, and the company aims to further expand the apple brandy category as well.
Layers and Company's commitment to tradition and education
Layers and Company is dedicated to preserving tradition and educating consumers about their products. They take pride in their historical family-owned business and are planning to build a visitor center and tasting room that showcases the history and production process of apple brandy. Through word of mouth and consumer education, they hope to expand the awareness and appreciation for their brandy and contribute to the growth of the category.
How the Laird Family honed the making of Apple Jack
In Part 1 of this two part series on Laird's & Company, we met with 9th generation Lisa Laird Dunn. Lisa is the COO and Global Ambassador of this family business. In that episode #333 Lisa shared the family's 324 year history beginning in 1698 to present day. In this episode, we meet both Lisa's son Gerard and her father Larrie Laird. Gerard joined his mother to discuss the current state and future of Laird's and Larrie brings us into the massive barrel room for a walk about aging casks of Laird's famous Apple Brandies and Apple Jack.
Lisa (9th generation), Gerard (10th generation), Larrie (8th generation)
In this chat
Laird’s product line – Apple Jack to Apple Brandy
Let’s talk oak barrels - How many and the kind? Oldest in use?
Laird’s Virginia based distillery in North Garden – lets discuss this location and sourcing local apples
Listeners hold southern apple in high esteem and would love to know varieties used and orchards
What Laird’s Apple Brandy is and what it is not
American’s misconception of Apple Brandy - It is NOT flavored apple brandy.
Next steps for Laird's & Company
A museum, visitor center and tasting room
Cider barrel aged in Laird's brandy barrels.
Listen to Part 1 on the Laird's Family history in Episode 333