Applejack and apple brandy are not the same. While both are derived from apples, they have distinct differences in their production and composition.
Applejack is a specific type of apple brandy that is made by blending apple brandy with neutral grain spirit. It typically has a lower apple brandy content and a higher proportion of neutral spirit. For example, Laird's Applejack, a popular brand, has a 35% apple brandy content that is mixed with 65% neutral grain spirit. This blending process gives Applejack a different flavor profile and character compared to traditional apple brandy.
Apple brandy, on the other hand, is a type of brandy that is made exclusively from apples. It is produced by fermenting apple cider and then distilling it. The resulting spirit is aged in barrels, often oak, to develop its flavor and complexity. Apple brandy is typically made using a higher concentration of apple cider, resulting in a stronger apple flavor.
In terms of taste, Applejack may have a more subdued apple flavor due to the dilution with neutral spirit. It can also have a lighter body and a smoother finish compared to apple brandy, which tends to have a richer, fuller-bodied taste.
It's worth noting that the term “applejack” can sometimes be used more broadly to refer to any apple-based spirit, regardless of its composition or production method. This can lead to confusion, as there are variations in the production methods and ingredients used by different producers.
While both Applejack and apple brandy are derived from apples, they have distinct differences in their production process and composition. Applejack is a type of apple brandy that is blended with neutral spirit, resulting in a different flavor profile compared to traditional apple brandy.