One of the most delicious and fragrant brandies made from Alsace's abundant supply of fruit is that of the Williams Pear, Eau-de-vie de poire Williams. It is made by fermenting crushed ripe fruit for up to six weeks, and then distilling it to a relatively low strength which preserves its distinctive bouquet. It is then allowed to age. Knowing exactly the necessary time for aging and mellowing of a brandy like Poire Williams is one of the secrets of a great distiller's craft.

Many of you have seen bottles of Poire Williams Eau-de-Vie with a pear inside the bottle and may have wondered how this is possible. Believe it or not, empty bottles are hung on trees or bushes, and the young fruit bud is then made to grow inside each bottle. When fully ripe, the bottle and the pear are washed and cleaned, and then clear Williams Pear brandy is added to each bottle and sealed. To maintain the pear in perfect condition, it is essential to keep it always covered with brandy at all times.

(eaux-de-vie)