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

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

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist August 24, 2022 Duration: 1:05:24

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!

ep: 333 Laird's No 1 License Barrel room door 300x200 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)

333Laird barrel hall 300x200 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

333 Lisa cocktail 200x300 The Lisa Cocktail made with Laird's Straight Apple Jack 86

Contact for Laird's & Company

Mentions in this Chat

Buy Tickets to calvados and Brandy Tasting

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Find this episode and all episodes at the page for Cider Chat's podcasts.


There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 501

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