🍏 Ragtime Applejack (45% ABV): A Bold Taste of American Heritage in Every Sip
If you’re the kind of spirits enthusiast who enjoys a good story with your drink, Ragtime Applejack is a bottle you need to explore. With a 45% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), this bold and flavorful spirit carries the legacy of traditional American applejack into the modern era—with a Brooklyn twist.
Crafted by Ragtime Distillery in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, this applejack is more than just a strong drink. It’s a tribute to early American distilling, when farmers used surplus apples to create warming spirits that carried them through harsh winters. Today, Ragtime Applejack brings that frontier spirit into the craft distilling movement, producing a robust, flavorful liquor that stands up to both tradition and innovation.
🏭 A Brooklyn-Made American Classic
Ragtime Applejack is produced by New York Distilling Company, best known for its Ragtime Rye and a lineup of innovative, small-batch spirits. The distillery takes inspiration from colonial American recipes while incorporating the meticulous standards of modern distillation.
This applejack is made by blending apple brandy with neutral grain spirits, a method that nods to the classic production process while still delivering a clean, balanced profile.
🔍 Alcohol Percentage: 45% ABV (90 Proof)
At 45% ABV, Ragtime Applejack packs a solid punch—but don’t let the number intimidate you. This isn’t just about strength; it’s about flavor, complexity, and presence in a glass.
You get enough heat to warm your palate, but the alcohol never overwhelms. Instead, it acts as a carrier for bold apple notes, soft vanilla, and warming spice—making this a standout for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.
👃 Aroma & First Impressions
Before you even take your first sip, Ragtime Applejack makes its presence known. The nose is vibrant and welcoming:
🍏 Fresh apple skins
🥧 Baked pie crust
🌰 Hints of toasted oak and spice
There’s a wonderful balance between fruit and barrel—a quality that separates this applejack from overly sweet or overly sharp competitors.
🥃 Tasting Notes: Bold, Crisp, and Satisfying
Front Palate:
Right from the start, you’ll notice crisp green apple and vanilla warmth, with a silky texture that coats the tongue.
Mid-Palate:
This is where the spice kicks in—think cinnamon and clove, balanced with the soft sweetness of ripe orchard fruit. The flavor is deep, but never overpowering.
Finish:
Long, dry, and slightly smoky. A whisper of charred oak lingers alongside dried apple peel and soft peppery warmth. The finish is elegant, making this a pleasure to sip slowly.
🍸 Best Ways to Enjoy Ragtime Applejack
Versatility is one of Ragtime Applejack’s biggest strengths. You can enjoy it in a variety of ways depending on the setting and your mood:
Style | Why It Works |
---|---|
Neat | Emphasizes apple-forward flavor and warm finish |
On the Rocks | Adds chill, softens spice, highlights vanilla & oak |
Hot Toddy | A classic use—adds depth to a warm winter drink |
Applejack Sour | The boldness balances well with lemon & egg white |
Jack Rose | A traditional cocktail made for this kind of spirit |
📦 Packaging & Bottle Info
Size: 750ml standard bottle
ABV: 45%
Label Design: Vintage Americana with a modern Brooklyn edge
Cork Stopper: Yes
Distillery: New York Distilling Company
It looks as good on your shelf as it tastes in your glass.
🧠 History of Applejack in the U.S.
Applejack has deep roots in American drinking culture. In fact, it’s often referred to as America’s first spirit, dating back to the 1600s. Early colonists used a process called “jacking” (freezing cider to concentrate the alcohol) to create this hardy spirit.
Brands like Laird’s popularized the style over centuries, but Ragtime Applejack brings it into the 21st century with more refined techniques and an urban twist, showing that tradition doesn’t have to be old-fashioned.
⭐ Why Ragtime Applejack Stands Out
There are several apple-based spirits on the market, but Ragtime Applejack distinguishes itself with:
🍎 Authentic apple character without artificial sweetness
🌿 Craft distilling with a local, hands-on approach
🔥 High ABV for complexity, not just strength
🍹 Cocktail versatility without losing its identity
It bridges the gap between brandy, whiskey, and fruit liqueur lovers, offering something new without losing its historical soul.
🧾 Final Thoughts: Who Is Ragtime Applejack For?
If you’re someone who enjoys bold spirits with real character and a sense of origin, Ragtime Applejack is absolutely worth adding to your collection. Whether you’re:
A home mixologist looking for a unique base spirit,
A whiskey lover curious about American apple brandy,
Or someone who appreciates heritage with a modern twist,
…this is a bottle that delivers.
It’s more than just strong—it’s smart, flavorful, and proudly American.
So raise your glass to tradition, innovation, and a spirit that tastes like both. 🥂
Cheers to Ragtime Applejack—boldly Brooklyn, deeply American.