[dmforcier]

One of the reasons that apples were so widely grown in the NE American colonies is that they were the primary source of spirits: hard cider, applejack, and apple brandy, the latter two being the most traded because they travel well. Grain-based spirits didn't become popular until somewhat later.

Check the wikipedia article on applejack. It is 'distilled' without using heat. Commercial applejack (actually 35% apple brandy) is quite drinkable (I use it in my apple pies) - not like the stuff described above. But I bet he made it in his freezer.