G.E. Massenez Williams Pear Eau-de-Vie Poire Prisonnière (75cl, 40%)

This is a clear Williams pear eau-de-vie from G.E. Massenez of Alsace, a house founded in 1870. A whole pear sits inside each 75cl bottle, bottled at 40%. In spring, empty bottles are hung over the pear blossom on the trees, and the fruit grows to full size inside the glass. It is picked when ripe, and the bottle is then filled with the eau-de-vie. The spirit is distilled from fully ripe Williams pears and bottled unaged, and it is dry and fruit-forward rather than sweet. The nose is ripe pear with pear blossom and floral lift. The palate is pure pear with delicate natural sweetness, a ripe marmalade richness and a spicy liquorice note. The finish is long and clean, with gentle spice and lingering pear.