Applejack Ingredients Explained: What Neutral Spirits Mean for Your Glass

Laird & Company
Dec 11
4 min read

If you’ve ever picked up a bottle of Laird's Blended Applejack and noticed the term ‘neutral spirits,’ you might have paused and wondered what it means for your drink. At Laird’s, we believe understanding what’s in your glass enhances every sip. This guide will break down the ingredients in applejack, explain why some bottles include neutral spirits, and help you decide which style is right for your taste and cocktails.

Let’s define what’s really inside your bottle

Applejack is a uniquely American spirit with roots stretching back to colonial times. Traditionally, it was produced through freeze distillation of cider, concentrating the apple flavor and alcohol naturally. Today, applejack comes in two main types: straight apple brandy and blended applejack.

Straight applejack is made entirely from apples. There are no added neutral spirits, allowing the apple flavor to shine through in a rich, full-bodied profile. For example, Laird’s Straight Applejack 86 is crafted from 100% apple brandy, giving it deep baked apple, caramel, and oak notes that make it perfect for sipping or crafting classic cocktails like the Jack Rose.

Blended applejack, on the other hand, combines apple brandy with neutral spirits—essentially pure ethanol with no added flavors. A common ratio, such as Laird’s Blended Applejack, uses 35% apple brandy and 65% neutral spirits. This creates a smoother, lighter-bodied applejack that mixes effortlessly into cocktails while still carrying a hint of apple aroma and flavor.

Understanding this distinction helps you choose a bottle that suits your taste and intended use.

Here’s why some applejack contains neutral spirits

You may wonder why distillers choose to blend apple brandy with neutral spirits rather than offering pure apple brandy exclusively. There are several reasons:

Cost and consistency: Producing 100% apple brandy requires large quantities of apples, fermentation time, and long aging periods. Neutral spirits are more economical and ensure a consistent product year after year. Blended applejack can be priced accessibly without compromising quality.
Flavor versatility: Neutral spirits lighten the body and soften the flavor of applejack. This makes blended applejack a great option for cocktails, where the spirit should complement rather than dominate other ingredients. Think of it as a balance between pure apple flavor and mixability.
Blended Applejack’s origin: Laird’s created its Blended Applejack in response to shifting consumer preferences in the 1960s and 1970s, when lighter, more approachable spirits grew in demand. This style allowed the brand to offer a versatile applejack that matched the tastes of that era while still preserving the recognizable apple character Laird’s is known for.

In short, the addition of neutral spirits is not about cutting corners—it’s a practical choice that affects taste, texture, and affordability while respecting the craft of applejack production.

Should you care if your applejack has neutral spirits?

Whether or not neutral spirits matter depends on your priorities: flavor intensity, drinking style, and use in cocktails. Here’s how the two styles compare:

Straight Applejack: Offers a rich, bold apple flavor with pronounced depth from barrel aging. Ideal for sipping neat, enjoying over ice, or making cocktails where applejack is the star ingredient. If you want a robust apple experience, Laird’s Straight Applejack 86 delivers a pure taste of America’s oldest apple spirit.
Blended Applejack: Smooth, lighter, and approachable, blended applejack mixes easily with citrus, ginger, or other cocktail ingredients. Its lighter body makes it less intense for new applejack drinkers or casual cocktail enthusiasts. Laird’s Blended Applejack provides the iconic apple flavor without overwhelming the palate.

If you value a bold apple character and the aroma of barrel-aged spirits, straight applejack is your choice. If you want a versatile, easy-drinking option for cocktails, blended applejack fits perfectly. Many home bartenders keep both on hand for different occasions.

What you need to know about choosing the right applejack for you

To simplify your decision, here’s a quick comparison of Laird’s two most popular applejack styles:

Feature	Laird’s Straight Applejack 86	Laird’s Blended Applejack
Ingredients	100% Apple Brandy	35% Apple Brandy, 65% Neutral Spirits
ABV	43% (86 Proof)	40% (80 Proof)
Flavor Notes	Rich baked apple, caramel, oak	Smooth apple aroma, lighter body
Best Uses	Neat, on ice, classic cocktails	Mixed cocktails, easy sippers
Price	Fair price	More affordable

Tips for choosing:

First-time applejack drinkers may prefer the approachable flavor of blended applejack.
Cocktail enthusiasts seeking authentic, bold apple flavor should try straight applejack.
Keep both bottles on hand to accommodate different recipes and occasions.

FAQ: What else do people ask about applejack ingredients?

Is applejack gluten-free? Yes. Applejack is made from apples and distilled spirits, so it contains no gluten ingredients.

What’s the difference between applejack and apple brandy?Applejack and apple brandy refer to the same spirit when made from 100% apple brandy. The only exception is Laird’s Blended Applejack, which includes a portion of neutral spirits. All other Laird’s applejack and apple brandy products are distilled entirely from apples.

Can I use blended applejack in classic cocktails? Absolutely. Blended applejack is ideal for cocktails like the Applejack Sour, Apple Mule, or Old Fashioned because its smoothness balances other ingredients.

How should I store applejack? Store in a cool, dark place with the bottle sealed. Both straight and blended applejack are shelf-stable after opening, though straight applejack may develop subtle flavor nuances over time.

Ready to taste the difference? Explore our full lineup or find your perfect bottle of Laird’s Applejack near you:

Each bottle carries a legacy of American distilling, crafted with care since 1780. Enjoy responsibly.