333: Laird's Apple Distilling History 1698 - 2022 | Part 1

Cider Chat

America's Oldest Distillery is Laird's & Company

Lisa Laird Dunn and Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller had a sit down chat at the main offices of Laird's & Company in Scobyville, New Jersey. They met in what was once the Laird's family's home ( a couple generations ago), but which is now the main headquarters for the company.

Lisa is a the 9th generation Laird, her son Gerard who you can hear on Part 2 of this two part series and now working on site is a 10th generation Laird. Lisa's father Larrie Laird, who is an 8th generation Laird, will be heard talking about the production and barreling of their apple brandies in Part 2 episode 334.

Laird's has the choice position of being America's first licensed distillers (note the No 1 on the door below). The fact that they are well known for their Apple Jack, made back in 1698 and have survived for over 300 years is commendable and speaks volumes of their family and products and is a cider podcaster's dream interview!

Laird Family in front of door bearing the distilling licensed No 1! Walls behind is black due old still that was situated next door to this room which released gas that coated the building. l to r - Lisa (9th generation), Larrie (8th generation) , Gerard (10th generation Laird)

Larrie, Gerard, Lisa

In this chat

• Lisa Laird Dunn's role at company - Global Ambassador and Chief Operating Officer
• Historical overview of Laird Family history in distilling to present day
• Laird Family time line from 1698 to 2022
• Did Robert Laird give George Washington the Apple Jack recipe as request and noted in Washington's diary?
• Getting a federal license to distill during Prohibition
• Production numbers (capacity) from 1780 to today - to show the growth
• Family anecdotes of growing up a Laird?
• Tips on maintaining a family legacy and keeping future generation engaged?
• Apple Jack distillation technique in 1698 vs today in North

The Lisa Cocktail made with Laird's Straight Apple Jack 86

Contact for Laird's & Company

• Website: https://lairdandcompany.com/

Mentions in this Chat

• CiderDays 2.0 November 4th & 5th, 2022
• Calvados and American Apple Brandy Guided Tasting November 4th
• CiderDays 2.0 Cider Dinner November 5, 2022
• Episode 265 Calvados Tasting with Étienne Dupont | Domaine Dupont

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