Applejack?

[Bill Hayes]

I have been gifted a bottle of Applejack for Christmas. Not knowing much about it, I wonder if our friends from the USA can tell me the best way to drink it. I have looked at a few cocktail recipes but I'd like to taste the Applejack for what it is. I have read that you can drink it cold, straight - maybe over ice. Any recommendations appreciated. Cheers

[Thig]

I have had a few bottles of Applejack, Lairds and Cornelius come to mind.  I prefer it slightly chilled and straight, no ice and no water but that is the way I drink my bourbon which is what I usually drink.  If you get it too cold I think the coldness numbs the tongue too much and you don't taste the flavors as well. It would probably be good in cocktails I just don't know what to recommend there.

[LGC]

It’s just high proof liquor flavored with sugar, cider, etc. Drink it straight, or mix it to cut it.

[markmcc]

Classic use for applejack is in cocktails rather than straight -- it's not quite as elegant as a calvados or a straight apple brandy. 

Jack Rose is the most canonical. Basically, a sour with applejack. My ratio:

2 oz. Applejack
.75 oz. grenadine
.75 oz. lemon juice

I like a dash of bitters as well, prefer Peychaud.

[ianperrymccarthy]

Second on the Jack Rose - though I bring the grenadine down to .5oz, and use lime instead of lemon.