New Jersey distillery older than USA still thriving under family ownership
Laird & Co., founded in 1698, predates American independence by 78 years. The apple brandy maker has survived Prohibition, wars, and pandemics while remaining in family hands for eleven generations—a rarity among American businesses.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, one family-owned business in Colts Neck, New Jersey, will mark a far longer milestone. Laird & Co., an apple brandy distillery established in 1698, has been operating continuously for over three centuries—decades before the American Revolution itself.
The company remains under the stewardship of nine members of the Laird family, making it an extraordinary example of intergenerational business continuity. Founded more than a quarter-millennium ago, Laird & Co. has maintained its original craft throughout its history, producing apple brandy and Applejack, a fortified spirit with deep roots in American colonial culture. Historical accounts suggest that George Washington himself was among the distillery's notable patrons, lending the brand significant cultural and historical prestige.
The journey of Laird & Co. across American history has been marked by remarkable resilience. The business navigated the 14-year period of Prohibition, when most distilleries were forced to shut down or relocate. It survived both World War I and World War II, periods of economic disruption and resource rationing. More recently, the company weathered the global COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated many hospitality and spirits businesses worldwide. Yet through all these upheavals, Laird & Co. remained operational and family-controlled.
What makes Laird & Co.'s longevity particularly striking is how uncommon such sustained family ownership has become. Industry data reveals that only 4% of family-owned businesses survive long enough to reach a fourth generation of leadership. Laird & Co. has now passed the eleven-generation mark, placing it in an elite category of American enterprises. This achievement underscores the family's commitment to preserving both the business and its historical legacy.
The Laird family's ability to maintain ownership and operations through such dramatic periods in American history—from colonial times through industrialisation, Prohibition, global conflicts, and modern recessions—demonstrates exceptional business acumen and adaptability. Today, as America celebrates a quarter-century of independence, Laird & Co. stands as a living testament to American entrepreneurship and family enterprise values that have proven timeless.
