Laird & Co., a distillery in Colts Neck, N.J., has been owned by the Laird family for over 300 years, predating the United States by more than a century. Founded in 1698, the business survived the Revolutionary War, Prohibition, and economic upheavals, maintaining its signature Laird's Applejack brandy recipe unchanged since the 18th century. Today, it remains the leading seller of American apple brandy domestically and internationally, a testament to its adaptability amid shifting markets.

The company’s longevity mirrors America’s own evolution, from colonial roots to a modern, interconnected economy. While laws, technologies, and consumer preferences have transformed, Laird & Co. has balanced tradition with innovation, preserving its artisanal methods while expanding its reach. Its survival underscores the resilience of family-led enterprises in a nation constantly reinventing itself.

George Washington, according to family lore, favored its brandy, cementing its place in early American history. Now in its fourth generation of Laird leadership, the business continues to thrive, proving that heritage and strategic diversification can coexist. With the U.S. turning 250 this year, Laird & Co. stands as a rare example of a company that has grown alongside the country it helped shape.