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Brien -- got me!

Actually, until somewhat recently "applejack" and "apple brandy" were the same thing; it wasn't until the 1970s that Laird's began mixing neutral spirits into their applejack, to create a lighter flavored product.

I recently picked up this bottle of Clear Creek Apple Brandy -- aged only two years, as compared to their 8-year-old Eau de Vie de Pomme -- and on the spur of the moment decided to give it a try in this drink. It works very well -- the apple brandy still has a little fire to it due to its youth, and has a brighter apple flavor than the applejack, which tastes more like a fruity whiskey.

For most applejack cocktails I've taken to using Laird's 100-proof Apple Brandy, since that's closest to the product that was available pre-1970s, when applejack played more prominence in the bar room. It's a little more mellow than the Clear Creek Apple Brandy, and makes a richer-flavored cocktail than the Laird's applejack. But this Clear Creek brandy should prove interesting, and it's absolutely delicious in the Northern Spy.