G.E. Massenez Poire Williams Pear Brandy

A benchmark expression of fruit eau-de-vie, G.E. Massenez Poire Williams is crystalline, intensely aromatic, and impeccably precise. Pure, vibrant, and uncomppromisingly elegant, it captures the true essence of ripe Williams pears with remarkable clarity—an icon of Alsatian distillation and a reference standard for pear brandy worldwide.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Produced in Alsace by G.E. Massenez, this Poire Williams reflects generations of expertise in fruit distillation. Only fully ripe Williams pears are selected, prized for their expressive aromatics and natural sweetness. The fruit is gently crushed and fermented to preserve freshness and varietal purity before undergoing meticulous double distillation in traditional copper pot stills.

The distillation is conducted slowly and with extreme precision, capturing only the heart of the run to ensure purity, finesse, and aromatic intensity. Unlike aged brandies, Poire Williams is bottled clear and unaged, allowing the fruit’s natural character to remain unmasked. The result is a spirit defined by authenticity, balance, and surgical precision—hallmarks of the Massenez house.

Critics Reviews
Professional spirits panels and eau-de-vie specialists consistently regard G.E. Massenez Poire Williams as a category leader. International tasting competitions routinely award it gold medals, while expert reviewers score it in the low-to-mid 90s for its “astonishing aromatic fidelity and purity of fruit.” Spirits authorities frequently cite it as a textbook example of Williams pear eau-de-vie, praising its clarity, balance, and lingering natural sweetness.

"Bright, fresh and delicate, this Williams pear eau-de-vie offers plenty of fresh-cut pear essence on the nose and palate, finishing long and lightly sweet, with a flicker of alcohol heat. The pear flavor is pure and beautifully expressed, making this ideal as an after-dinner palate cleanser." Wine Enthusiast 95 Points

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Explosively fresh and pure, with vivid aromas of ripe Williams pear, pear skin, white blossom, and subtle honeyed notes.

Palate:
Silky and precise, delivering intense pear flesh flavor with remarkable natural sweetness and lift. Clean, vibrant fruit dominates, supported by gentle warmth and impeccable balance.

Finish:
Long, elegant, and fruit-driven, with lingering ripe pear and floral tones that fade gracefully without harshness.

Quick Overview