Laird's Jersey Lightning 100-proof unaged apple brandy

[Kpiz]

As it so often does, my curiosity got the best of me and I bought a bottle of Laird's "Jersey Lightning" recently. This is essentially an unaged version of their normal 100-proof aged apple brandy. I am a big fan of the aged version and thought it would be interesting to try the same stuff before it goes into the barrel. The Laird's website indicates that this was first released about two years ago, but I have only seen it in California (or anywhere) recently. I'm not sure if it only recently appeared here or if it took that long to come to my attention, but given that my interest apple-based spirits is at an all-time high, perhaps the latter is more likely.

 

When tasting this neat, I was struck by the lack of apple flavor compared to their aged apple brandy. I find the aged version to have ample apple flavor, so I figured their unaged spirit would as well, but the apple is less pronounced. It is certainly possible that the flavor is there but it is simply hidden by some of the harsher, new-make flavors. It's also possible that the oak aging lends the spirit some sweetness that pairs with the other flavors to round out the apple flavor. I was expecting a more pure fruit flavor, such as that found in high quality German, Austrian, or French eau de vie or in the incredible rakija found in the Balkans. Nearly all of those other products are made with other fruit, however, so perhaps the apple does not lend itself to unaged brandy the way other fruits do (such as plums and apricots). The Jersey Lightning certainly isn't bad, just seems more suited to cocktails.

 

So with that in mind, I made a cocktail. The Jersey Lightning seemed like it could be a substitute for blanco tequila, so a margarita seemed like a natural choice:

2oz Laird's Jersey Lightning

1oz lime juice

0.5oz agave nectar

Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass

 

The higher proof was evident, given that I usually use 80-proof tequila. The apple flavor from the brandy came through once the sourness from the limes subsided a bit and was a really nice extra dimension. Overall a solid drink and one I'll probably make again (and again and again until my bottle is gone).

 

Has anyone else tried Jersey Lightning, and if so, what'd you think?

[NightCru]

I haven't tried it, I couldn't get past the price being the same as the aged version but I am glad you tried it and shared your thoughts!  I too love the aged version and also agree that it has really great apple flavor.  I would have expected the new make too so I'm surprised as well, you brought up a lot of good possibilities for why that would be. I guess I really have nothing to add other than I appreciate you taking one for the team here and giving it a shot.

[Kpiz]

4 hours ago, NightCru said:

I haven't tried it, I couldn't get past the price being the same as the aged version

 

I agree, I was a bit annoyed at the price. Similar to Heaven Hill charging the same for the TryBox series as for aged whiskey, I suppose...not that that makes it alright.

 

4 hours ago, NightCru said:

I appreciate you taking one for the team here and giving it a shot.

Happy to do it. Although given the lack of activity on this thread, I'm not sure how many people were actually considering buying this (besides maybe you). I'll certainly be revisiting it as I think some air time may let the fumes dissipate and the apple shine through. That's what I'm hoping, at least.

[tanstaafl2]

On ‎10‎/‎7‎/‎2016 at 8:54 PM, Kpiz said:

Happy to do it. Although given the lack of activity on this thread, I'm not sure how many people were actually considering buying this (besides maybe you). I'll certainly be revisiting it as I think some air time may let the fumes dissipate and the apple shine through. That's what I'm hoping, at least.

 

Well, I would try it if offered! But I haven't seen it in Atlanta and don't really expect to. I wonder how it might compare to the Zang 00 eau de vie.

 

Speaking of which we need to communicate to make that a possibility for both of us!

[Kpiz]

30 minutes ago, tanstaafl2 said:

 

Well, I would try it if offered! But I haven't seen it in Atlanta and don't really expect to. I wonder how it might compare to the Zang 00 eau de vie.

 

Speaking of which we need to communicate to make that a possibility for both of us!

Good call, Bruce - it would be cool to compare the two, especially since they're both 100 proof. Let's make it happen!