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.
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insights INSIGHT
Laird's Distillation Method
Laird's uses a hybrid pot still with a rectifying column for continuous distillation.
This approach produces a finer brandy preserving true apple essence at high proof.
insights INSIGHT
Virginia Apples Define Flavor
Laird's sources predominantly Virginia apples from nearby orchards for distillation.
The applejack and brandy use the same apple blends, focusing on seasonal variations for flavor.
insights INSIGHT
Aging in Used Oak Barrels
Laird's ages their apple brandy in once-used American oak bourbon barrels.
Using new barrels overwhelmed the delicate apple brandy flavor, so they stick to used barrels to preserve apple characteristics.
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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
Cider Chat 