has anyone ever seen or tasted pear brandy. i was at the store saturday shopping for single malts and i noticed this bottle in the brandy/cognac section. the brandy is clear in a clear glass bottle with a pear in the center of it. i didnt catch the name but it looks inviting. i wonder if anyone knows what im talking about and if you've had the chance to try it, whats it like?

Never had it...sure sounds good though

Was it a clear or coloured liquid? I had Palinka in Hungary and Romania that was plum, pear and soe other fruit spirit. It was described both as a brandy and not a brandy.


Did it come from France or not?

I have tried several different pear brandies, and they were quite tasty. A lot of eastern European countries make some kind of fruit brandy. I first tried some on a trip to Hungary several years back and have been hooked ever since. In Hungary it is called pálinka. Some of the most common varieties are pear, plum, apricot and cherry. Some less common types are made of honey or apples. I have found only a handful of brands that are carried in the US. The ones I have tried are good, but IMO the best can only be obtained overseas (which makes for a very heavy suitcase). The absolute best is the homemade moonshine version which of course even harder to come by.

As for the taste, the predominate flavor will be the fruit from which it is distilled. It will NOT be like regular brandy with a hint of pear.

I suggest you pick up a bottle and give it a try. Most bottles I have seen run only $15-$18, so if you don’t like it, you won’t be out a lot of cash. Remember that it is a high proof spirit, so it can pack quite a punch.

If you get a chance post the brand of the brandy. The only pear brandy I have found in the US is made by zwack.

I bought some in Germany many years ago. I think it was called William.

They actually place a bottle over a pear bud on the tree and the pear grows inside the bottle, then they fill the bottle with liquor. When you finish the liquor you can use a slender knife to cut up the pear

What you had, Doc, is what they call, in France, a "Poire prisonnière" (a Prisoner Pear) and they fill it with Poire Williams also known as Williamine, because it is made with the Williams variety pear. Very good, but you pay a lot for that process compared to the same spirit in a bottle without the pear (but I know the pear thing is cool). Anyway...

Although it is generally classified in the brandy category, which is like saying a rose is in the flower category, it is more precisely an eau-de-vie.

I keep it in the freezer and serve it in frozen snifters. A sure hit with the guests...

quote:

Originally posted by Docbarry:
I bought some in Germany many years ago. I think it was called William.

They actually place a bottle over a pear bud on the tree and the pear grows inside the bottle, then they fill the bottle with liquor. When you finish the liquor you can use a slender knife to cut up the pear

Hey Doc, Thats the one I have!

Bertrand Poire William Pear Liqueur, I bought it thinking it was liqeur and found out when I sampled it it was more characteristic of grappa!

Cool bottle too...

you know, for all the responses, im going to go and check the name when i get the chance. i have to say though, the price is NOT 15-20$. its going for 43$. ill get the name and post back today. the liquid is clear and the bottle is clear.

my friends, good news. the brandy or eau de vie, as flashman called it, is called La Captive, poire william. i imagine it is the poire prisonniere which is why its going for 44$ a bottle. looks like its good stuff. also there whiched interested me was remy 1758 or something like that.

Great ! Enjoy ! However, since it has a pear in it, don't put it in the freezer. You'll damage the pear.

how's it compare with caramel colored brandy or cognac such as remy. and does anyone know anything about the remy 1758?

quote:

Originally posted by sptcigars:
how's it compare with caramel colored brandy or cognac such as remy?

It doesn't. Two completely different animal. The Poire Williams, though not sweet and 80 proof, will have a definitely fruity pear like flavor, with some "fire" a few seconds after you drink it. It will not have a woody flavour like cognac.

quote:

and does anyone know anything about the remy 1758?

I found this description, seems like a Rémy with more punch than the regular (haven't tried it yet), hope it helps : Made in the tradition of the very first Remy Martin, 1738 has a complex woody flavor that will appeal to those who enjoy a bold Cognac, If you enjoy drinks with robust personality, 1738 offers you a memorable experience.

hey flashman thanks, i didnt know if it was 58 or 38. id like to try it. thanks for the description of the poire william. i want to try that but i think im more into the woody oaky flavors. hey there's a drink for every occasion.

Pear wine, huh? Interesting. I've tried pomegrenade wine, juniper wine, raspberry wine, even almond wine (not amaretto liqueur), but not pear.

As for brandy, Calvados made of apples and pears Calvados region in France is well known and appreciated around the world. I enjoyed it too, though I prefer good ol' grape.

Makes a good cordial after a fine meal.