Schladerer Williams-Birne Black Forest Bartlett Pear Brandy

The Schladerer Williams-Birne is a pristine, elegantly pure pear eau-de-vie that captures the delicate fragrance and juicy sweetness of ripe Bartlett pears — refined yet vivid, it delivers bright fruit purity and soft floral-herbal complexity for sipping neat or elevating cocktails with subtle pear character.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This brandy originates from the revered distillery Schladerer in Germany’s Black Forest region, rooted in a long tradition of fine fruit brandy craftsmanship. It is made exclusively from carefully harvested Williams (Bartlett) pears — selected at optimal ripeness. After fermentation, the pear mash is distilled in traditional copper pot stills, ensuring retention of essential oils and the pure aromatic character of the fruit. The resulting spirit is bottled clear, without aging in wood or the addition of sugars or flavorings — a true “eau de vie” that showcases the natural essence of the pear.

Critics Reviews

Connoisseurs of fruit brandies consistently praise Schladerer Williams-Birne for its transparent purity, aromatic depth, and elegant restraint. In tasting reviews it is often described as among the finest pear brandies available — admired for “essential oils of sun-ripened pear” and a “wonderful depth and complexity” despite its simplicity. Its balance of fresh fruit intensity and subtle spice notes (with no unnecessary sweetness) is frequently highlighted, earning it high regard in the world of classic European eau-de-vies.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright and crystalline, with fresh Bartlett-pear aromas — think delicate pear skin, pear blossom, faint white floral wafts, and a soft herbal-spice whisper reminiscent of mace or pimento. There’s a subtle suggestion of orchard air and pear-tree green notes that feels fresh and alive.

Palate:
Smooth, light-bodied and silky — the palate delivers pure, juicy pear flesh, with essential oil character rather than sugariness; the fruit’s natural sweetness lingers gently, edged by a mild herbal-spice undercurrent. The character remains clean and refined, emphasizing fruit purity over heaviness.

Finish:
Clean, elegant and slightly dry — the finish fades with pear-fruit clarity, soft floral echoes, a hint of spice, and a lingering fresh-fruit crispness. The overall impression is delicate, refined, and characterful without being heavy or syrupy.

Quick Overview