E & J Apple Flavored Brandy – Smooth Brandy with a Crisp Apple Twist

Updated → September 2025

E & J Apple Flavored Brandy blends the smooth warmth of classic brandy with a crisp apple liqueur for a refreshingly fruity twist. In this comprehensive guide, discover the rich flavors of this apple-infused spirit, how it compares to other apple drinks, the best ways to enjoy it, and why it’s a must-try for brandy lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

What Is E & J Apple Flavored Brandy?

E & J Apple Flavored Brandy is a flavored spirit that combines E&J’s renowned smooth brandy with the enticing taste of apple. Essentially, it’s the classic California brandy you know and love—distilled from grapes and aged to perfection—infused with a bold apple liqueur. The result is a golden amber brandy that bursts with crisp, sweet apple flavor while retaining the warm, mellow characteristics of traditional brandy. This modern twist on a time-honored spirit offers an approachable flavor profile, making it popular among both seasoned brandy aficionados and those new to brandy. Sipping this apple-infused brandy gives you the comforting essence of oak-aged brandy accompanied by the refreshing bite of ripe apples in every sip.

The Story Behind E & J Brandy

The E&J name comes from Ernest and Julio Gallo, the legendary winemaking family behind E&J Distillers. E&J Brandy first hit the scene in 1975, and it quickly became America’s favorite brandy for its smooth taste and great value. By the early 1980s, E&J was the country’s best-selling brandy, often dubbed “the world’s most popular American brandy.” Building on this success, E&J expanded its lineup over the years beyond the classic VS (Very Special) to include aged expressions like VSOP and XO, as well as innovative flavors. The introduction of flavors such as Peach, Vanilla, and Apple in the mid-2010s was a nod to changing tastes and a younger generation of spirits drinkers. In fact, E&J Apple was launched around 2015 as part of this flavor wave. It represented E&J’s commitment to keeping brandy exciting and relevant – blending tradition with a fresh twist. Today, E&J Apple carries forward the Gallo legacy of quality, while enticing new fans with its fruity spin on a classic spirit.

Flavored Brandies in the Modern Market

Flavored spirits have taken the market by storm in recent years, and brandy is no exception. Just as flavored vodkas and whiskeys (think cinnamon or honey whiskies) grew in popularity, brandy producers introduced fruit-infused options to attract curious drinkers. Flavored brandies like E & J Apple Flavored Brandy are a prime example of this trend. They offer a bridge between the rich, old-world charm of brandy and the fun, approachable flavors that appeal to modern palates. In the case of E&J Apple, the brand capitalized on the public’s love for all things apple – from apple pies to popular apple-flavored whiskeys – by delivering that flavor in a smooth brandy base. The result has been a hit at parties and gatherings, especially among those who might find straight brandy a bit intimidating. Other brands have followed suit with their own flavored brandies (peach, cherry, etc.), but E&J’s offering remains one of the go-to choices due to the company’s reputation. This surge in flavored brandies has helped rejuvenate the brandy category, introducing it to a younger crowd and proving that even a traditional spirit can adapt and thrive in the modern market.

Tasting Notes: Apple, Vanilla, and Caramel

One sip of E&J Apple and your senses are greeted with a medley of inviting aromas and flavors. On the nose, you’ll immediately notice the scent of fresh apples – think crisp green apple with a hint of sweetness, almost like a blend of apple cider and candy apple. Beneath that fruitiness lies a subtle layer of vanilla and caramel, notes inherited from the brandy’s oak barrel aging and the addition of apple liqueur. Take a sip, and the flavor opens with a juicy apple burst, delivering a sweet-tart apple taste right up front. It’s akin to biting into a ripe, sweet apple but with a warming twist. Mid-palate, the smooth vanilla and caramel from the brandy base come forward, adding depth and a silky sweetness reminiscent of caramel-dipped apples or apple pie à la mode. The finish is pleasantly crisp and clean – the apple notes linger briefly, but they don’t overwhelm. Instead, you’re left with the gentle warmth of brandy on the throat and a whisper of spice and oak. Overall, E & J Apple Flavored Brandy is sweet without being cloying, balancing fruit and oak, and it’s remarkably smooth – a testament to E&J’s blending expertise.

How E & J Apple Is Made

The creation of E&J Apple starts with the same foundation as E&J’s classic brandy. E&J distills select California wine grapes to craft a brandy that is then matured in oak barrels, developing its signature smoothness, amber color, and notes of vanilla from the wood. What sets the apple version apart comes after this aging process. The matured brandy is carefully blended with a bold apple liqueur made from natural apple flavors (and in all likelihood, real apple essence). This infusion process is where the spirit gets its crisp apple character. By blending rather than re-distilling, the producers ensure that the vibrant apple taste remains front and center. The final spirit typically clocks in around 60 proof (30% ABV), slightly lower in strength than the unflavored brandy (which is usually 80 proof). This lower ABV, thanks to the added liqueur, contributes to E&J Apple’s mellower profile – it’s strong enough to remind you you’re sipping a spirit, but gentle enough to enjoy straight or mixed without a harsh burn. Throughout production, quality is key: E&J’s distillers taste and tweak the blend to strike the perfect balance between the rich, oaky brandy base and the sweet-tart apple infusion. The end result is a consistently smooth flavored brandy that bears the E&J stamp of craftsmanship, with a fresh new twist.

E & J Apple vs. Classic Brandy

How does E & J Apple Flavored Brandy stack up against a classic brandy like E&J VS? The most obvious difference is flavor: E&J Apple bursts with a pronounced apple taste, whereas traditional brandy offers the pure essence of distilled grapes with notes of oak and spice. A sip of classic brandy will give you a dry warmth, hints of oak, maybe some raisin or caramel tones from barrel aging. In contrast, E&J Apple greets you with sweetness and fruitiness first and foremost, thanks to that apple infusion. Another key difference lies in sweetness and smoothness. The apple variant is sweeter on the palate, which can make it feel smoother and more approachable, especially for those who find straight brandy a bit strong. Regular brandy, at ~40% ABV, has more of an alcoholic kick, while E&J Apple, at around 30% ABV, is a touch gentler. In terms of usage, classic brandy is often sipped neat or used in more traditional cocktails (like a Brandy Old Fashioned or Sidecar). E&J Apple, meanwhile, shines in casual sipping and fun mixes – it’s the kind of spirit you might pour over ice for an easy dessert-like drink or mix with soda for a quick highball. That said, both share the same quality DNA. The apple version still carries the base notes of E&J’s brandy (vanilla, oak, smooth finish) beneath the fruit. In summary, if you love the refined character of brandy but want something a bit more playful, E&J Apple delivers that in spades, whereas the classic E&J gives you the straight-up brandy experience.

E & J Apple vs. Applejack and Other Apple Brandies

It’s easy to confuse apple-flavored brandy with true apple brandy, but they’re quite different. Applejack and Calvados are examples of traditional apple brandies – these are distilled from fermented apple cider (essentially turning apples directly into brandy) and have been around for centuries. Laird’s Applejack, for instance, carries the robust essence of apples because it is apple-based. In flavor, applejack and Calvados tend to be less overtly sweet; they have a warm, woody character with a dry apple cider note and often a higher alcohol content (typically 40% ABV or more). Now, E & J Apple Flavored Brandy takes a different approach: it starts as a grape-based brandy and gets its apple flavor from added liqueur, not from distilling apples themselves. This means E&J Apple tends to have a juicier, candied apple taste compared to the more subtle, oak-tinged apple profile of applejack. If you imagine applejack as a whiskey-like spirit with a hint of apple, E&J Apple is more like a smooth brandy wearing a coat of sweet apple flavor. For someone who loves the idea of apple in their drink but finds applejack too dry or strong, E&J Apple is an excellent alternative – it’s sweeter and easier on the palate. Conversely, a Calvados connoisseur might consider E&J Apple more of a flavored liqueur than a pure apple spirit. Both have their place: applejack shines in classic cocktails like the Jack Rose, while E&J Apple is fantastic for quick mixed drinks and modern twists. The good news is if you enjoy one, the other offers a new way to experience apple in your glass, just with a different style and production method.

E & J Apple vs. Apple Whiskey (Crown Royal Apple, etc.)

Apple-flavored whiskeys like Crown Royal Regal Apple or Jim Beam Apple have a huge following, so how does our apple brandy compare? The concept is similar: take a popular spirit (whiskey or brandy) and infuse it with apple flavor. However, the base spirit makes a noticeable difference in taste. Apple whiskeys begin with whiskey – for example, Crown Royal Apple starts with Canadian whisky, and Jim Beam Apple with bourbon – which means the apple flavor is layered on top of notes of oak, spice, and grain. In E & J Apple Flavored Brandy, the base is grape-based brandy, which is inherently smooth and slightly sweet with vanilla and caramel tones. As a result, E&J Apple often comes across as softer and silkier than an apple whiskey. The apple flavor in both types of spirits is usually sweet and pronounced, but with brandy you might detect more of that caramelized apple vibe (think baked apples), whereas with whiskey you’ll get a bit of spiciness (imagine spiked apple cider). In terms of strength, many apple whiskeys are around 35% ABV, quite close to E&J Apple’s ~30% ABV, so they’re all easy-sipping. If you enjoy Crown Royal Apple shots or Jack Daniel’s Apple in a cocktail, you’ll likely enjoy E&J Apple just as much – it can be used almost interchangeably in mixed drinks. The key difference is the finish: whiskey’s grain and oak bite versus brandy’s velvety finish. Some drinkers describe E&J Apple as a “smoother” or “more refined” apple taste, while apple whiskey fans might call their choice “bolder.” It really comes down to personal preference. The good news is, both styles are fun and flavorful. In fact, if you line up a shot of Crown Apple and a shot of E&J Apple side by side, you’ll find they share that candy-apple sweetness; the distinction is that one hints at cinnamon and oak (the whiskey) and the other at caramel and vanilla (the brandy). Why not enjoy both and expand your apple liquor repertoire?

E & J Apple vs. Other Flavored Brandies

E&J isn’t the only player in the flavored brandy game. Paul Masson, for example, offers a Grande Amber Apple brandy, and Christian Brothers has its own Apple flavored brandy. So what sets E & J Apple Flavored Brandy apart from these contemporaries? One big factor is heritage and expertise. E&J, backed by the Gallo family, has decades of brandy-making experience and a reputation for quality at a great price. That legacy often translates into a smoother blend and a more balanced flavor in the bottle. Many customers find that E&J Apple’s apple flavor tastes more natural and well-integrated, whereas some competing brands might come off a tad more artificial or syrupy. In terms of sweetness and strength, most of these flavored brandies are in a similar range (around 30–35% ABV and fairly sweet). Paul Masson’s Apple, for instance, is known for a juicy green apple flavor, but it might be slightly lower proof, making it very dessert-like. Christian Brothers’ version is also praised for smoothness, emphasizing natural apple flavor blended with their rich brandy. The differences can be subtle and often come down to personal taste—some might prefer Paul Masson’s take, others swear E&J’s is the best. E&J Apple does have the advantage of name recognition; it’s often the first brandy of this style that people try. Importantly, E&J also offers other flavors (like Peach and Vanilla), and fans of one flavor often trust the brand enough to try the others. In summary, while there are several apple brandies on the market, E&J Apple holds its own thanks to a trusted brand backing it and a well-crafted balance of brandy-to-apple flavors. It’s a top contender in the flavored brandy category and, for many, the benchmark by which others are measured.

Serving E & J Apple: Neat or On the Rocks?

One of the great things about E & J Apple is its versatility, even when it comes to simple serving styles. If you prefer to savor the pure flavor, try it neat. Pour a measure into a snifter or tumbler at room temperature – this way, you’ll experience the full aroma of apples and vanilla rising from the glass. Sipping it neat allows you to appreciate the brandy’s warmth and the way the apple sweetness unfolds with each taste. Because E&J Apple is a bit lower in alcohol than straight brandy, many find it exceptionally smooth on its own. Now, if you’d like to mellow the sweetness and bring out even more refreshment, serving it on the rocks (over ice) is a fantastic choice. A couple of ice cubes will chill the brandy and slightly dilute it as they melt, which can help accentuate the crisp apple finish. The cold temperature also makes the drink extra refreshing – picture a sunny afternoon and a glass of apple brandy on ice, almost like adult apple cider! Some people even like to toss a thin slice of fresh apple into the glass as a garnish, which adds a little visual flair and a boost of aroma as you sip. Whether neat or on the rocks, E&J Apple is an easy sipper. There’s no heavy burn to brace for, just a gentle warming. If you’ve never tried brandy straight before, this apple-infused version is a friendly introduction. Tip: if you find it a tad sweet neat, a small ice cube or a splash of cold water can open it up nicely. There’s no wrong way – try it both ways and see which you prefer!

Mixing Cocktails with E & J Apple

Thanks to its sweet and fruity character, E & J Apple Flavored Brandy is a dream to mix into cocktails. It effortlessly adds an apple twist to both classic and inventive drinks. For a simple and delicious highball, mix E&J Apple with ginger ale – the spicy ginger notes pair perfectly with the apple, creating a refreshing Apple Ginger Ale cocktail. Just fill a glass with ice, pour one part E&J Apple and three parts ginger ale, and garnish with a lime wedge or apple slice. Prefer something bubbly? Try an Apple Spritz: a shot of E&J Apple topped with sparkling apple cider or even just club soda and a squeeze of lemon makes for a light, fizzy sipper. Fans of whiskey’s famous “Washington Apple” shot will be pleased to know you can create a similar concoction with E&J Apple: shake E&J Apple with a splash of cranberry juice and ice, then strain into a glass – you’ll get a tart, juicy shooter that goes down easy. Another idea is to put an apple spin on classic brandy cocktails. For instance, an Apple Sidecar is a fun variation – combine E&J Apple, a bit of orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau), and lemon juice, then shake with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed glass. The lemon balances the sweetness and the apple flavor adds a new dimension to this Prohibition-era drink. If you’re into warm cocktails for the colder months, E&J Apple shines in a hot toddy or mulled cider; add a shot to hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick and you have a cozy autumn/winter warmer. And let’s not forget, E&J Apple works great in fruity punches or sangrias – mix it with white wine, apple slices, and a bit of cinnamon for a crowd-pleasing fall punch. Essentially, you can get creative: swap E&J Apple anywhere a recipe calls for brandy or even where it calls for apple whiskey. Its balanced flavor means it plays well with a variety of mixers, from colas and citrus sodas to juices like cranberry, pineapple, or lemon. The possibilities are ample, and experimentation is half the fun. Cheers to crafting your new favorite apple cocktail!

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

When it comes to pairing E & J Apple with food and occasions, think about what goes well with apples and sweet, smooth spirits. Dessert time is a natural fit – serve a small glass of E&J Apple alongside a slice of warm apple pie or caramel cheesecake, and you have a match made in heaven (apple on apple action, with caramel and vanilla notes bridging the flavors). Similarly, apple brandy complements other fruit-forward desserts like pear tarts, cinnamon donuts, or even vanilla ice cream; try drizzling a tablespoon of E&J Apple over vanilla ice cream for an adults-only dessert topping. If you’re crafting a cheese board, include E&J Apple as part of the experience: its sweetness and fruitiness pair wonderfully with sharp cheddars or aged goudas. The contrast of sharp, salty cheese and the sweet apple spirit can really get your taste buds dancing. As for occasions, this brandy truly shines in the fall and holiday season – it just has that festive vibe. Imagine sipping an E&J Apple cocktail at a tailgate party during apple-picking season, or toasting with it at Thanksgiving dinner as an alternative to wine. It’s also a hit for casual gatherings like barbecues or game nights, where you can serve easy apple punch or cocktails and please a crowd. The approachable flavor makes it a good choice when entertaining guests who might not be into heavier liquors; most people find something familiar and likable about apple. That said, don’t confine it to autumn – it’s equally delightful in summer as a refreshing mixed drink base (think apple-lemonade or spiked iced tea with apple brandy). Essentially, E&J Apple is a versatile companion: treat it as a dessert course beverage, a party punch ingredient, or a cozy-nightcap by the fireplace. It adapts to casual and celebratory moments alike. Whenever you want to add a little “apple pie” comfort to the menu, this brandy has you covered.

Availability and Pricing

The good news for fans of E & J Apple Flavored Brandy (or those eager to try it) is that it’s widely available and won’t break the bank. As a product of a major brand, you can find E&J Apple in most well-stocked liquor stores across the country. It’s also carried in a range of sizes, which is great depending on your needs. If you’re just looking to taste it or need a party favor, keep an eye out for the mini 50 mL shooter bottles – at our store they’re priced at about $0.99, an absolute steal for a trial size. The standard 750 mL bottle (the one you’re most likely to see on shelves) is very affordable, usually in the low-to-mid teens. Here at Union Wine & Liquor, for instance, a 750 mL bottle goes for roughly $12.99, which is excellent value for a quality spirit. For those who find themselves loving it and want to stock up, E&J Apple also comes in larger 1.75 L “handle” bottles. These big bottles often run around the mid-$20s – at our shop around $26.99 – offering an even better per-ounce deal. In terms of availability, we keep it in stock year-round, as do many retailers, because it’s a consistent seller. You won’t have to wait for a limited release or hunt down a specialty shop; grabbing a bottle is as easy as a quick trip to Union Wine & Liquor (or even easier, placing an order on our website for pickup or delivery!). Online ordering and delivery services in many areas also carry E&J Apple given its popularity. One more thing to note: because it’s affordable, E&J Apple is a fantastic option for parties or big-batch cocktails. You can treat your guests to something unique without blowing your budget. In summary, availability is plentiful and pricing is very wallet-friendly – yet another reason why E&J Apple has become a go-to flavored spirit for so many people.

Why Choose E & J Apple Brandy?

With so many spirits and flavors on the market, you might wonder what makes E & J Apple stand out as a must-try. There are plenty of great reasons to pick up a bottle. First off, it offers a unique twist: it’s the perfect marriage of a classic spirit with a modern flavor. If you’re someone who appreciates tradition but also loves something fun and new, E&J Apple literally brings you the best of both worlds. You get the credibility and craftsmanship of E&J’s brandy – remember, this is from the makers of America’s most popular brandy, known for quality since the 1970s – and you get the delightful, crowd-pleasing flavor of apple that’s so in vogue. Another reason to choose E&J Apple is its sheer versatility. Not every spirit can transition from sipping straight to mixing in cocktails as smoothly as this one does. It’s like a chameleon in your liquor cabinet: pour it for a quiet sipping session and it feels comforting and mellow; shake it up in a party punch and it turns bright and playful. Also, consider approachability. Some people shy away from dark spirits like brandy or whiskey because they anticipate a strong, acquired taste. E&J Apple breaks that barrier – it’s incredibly easy to drink, even for beginners, thanks to the touch of sweetness and lower proof. This makes it a fantastic “bridge” spirit for someone who’s exploring beyond sweet liqueurs or beers, for example. From an entertainment standpoint, it’s a conversation starter, too. Bring a bottle to a gathering and people will be intrigued (“Apple brandy? Hmm, let me try that!”). In terms of value, we’ve touched on how budget-friendly it is, and that can’t be overstated – you’re getting a well-crafted, flavorful spirit for a song, especially compared to some trendy flavored whiskeys or high-end liqueurs. Last but not least, if you already enjoy apple-flavored drinks (like ciders, apple pie cocktails, or those whiskey apples), E&J Apple offers a new dimension to explore. It’s familiar enough not to intimidate, but distinct enough to feel like a fresh experience. All these reasons make E&J Apple a standout choice whether you’re stocking your home bar, looking for a gift, or just in the mood for something deliciously different.

Conclusion: Enjoying E & J Apple Responsibly

In the end, E & J Apple Flavored Brandy proves that even a storied spirit like brandy can wear a new hat and totally rock it. This apple-infused expression manages to be both nostalgic and novel – it evokes the cozy comfort of apple treats and hometown orchards, all while delivering the refined sipping experience that brandy is known for. Whether you’ve journeyed with us through its background, compared it to cousins like applejack and apple whiskey, or picked up tips on cocktails and pairings, one thing is clear: E&J Apple offers a world of enjoyment in a single bottle. It invites you to gather with friends for a toast, whip up a creative cocktail, or simply unwind on the porch swing with a glass in hand. If your curiosity is piqued, we encourage you to give it a try. You can easily find E&J Apple at our store – E & J Apple Flavored Brandy is just a quick click or a short drive away here at Union Wine & Liquor in Cheektowaga. We’re always happy to help you get a bottle (or three!) for your next occasion. So here’s to exploring a new side of brandy – one that’s as smooth as it is fruit-forward. Pour a glass, raise it high, and savor that sweet apple kiss on top of fine brandy craftsmanship. Cheers, and enjoy every sip responsibly!