G.E. Massenez Williams Pear Eau-de-Vie Poire Prisonnière
G.E. Massenez Williams Pear Eau-de-Vie Poire Prisonnière is a 40% ABV (80 proof), 750mL bottle of one of the world's most recognizable fruit spirits — a crystal-clear Williams pear eau-de-vie from Alsace, France, with a whole Williams pear grown inside the bottle itself. Each spring, empty bottles are hung over the pear blossoms on Massenez's trees; the fruit grows to full size inside the glass, is harvested at maturity, and the bottle is filled with pure pear eau-de-vie. Scored 98 points and named a Top 100 Spirit by Wine Enthusiast, it is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: G.E. Massenez, Alsace, France (founded 1870)
- Style: unaged Williams pear eau-de-vie — dry and fruit-forward, not sweet
- Presentation: a whole Williams pear grown inside each bottle
- Score: 98 points, Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Spirits 2015
The Pear That Grew Inside the Bottle
"Poire Prisonnière" means "imprisoned pear" — the first question everyone asks is how it got in there, and the answer is the whole story. Distilled from fully ripe Williams pears and bottled unaged to preserve their pure, aromatic essence, this is a serious fruit brandy: floral, vivid, and dry, the kind of spirit that finishes a great meal or anchors a gift. Compare it with other fruit spirits and liqueurs or explore the full G.E. Massenez range at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Intense ripe Williams pear, pear blossom, and lifted floral notes — clean and inviting (importer notes).
Palate: Pure pear fruit with delicate natural sweetness, fresh-fruit freshness overlaid by ripe marmalade richness, and a spicy liquorice endnote typical of Williams pear.
Finish: Long, clean, and aromatic with gentle spice and lingering pear.
How to Enjoy
Serve well chilled or over ice as a digestif to develop its bouquet — that is how Alsace drinks it. It also mixes beautifully with tonic, soda, or vermouth, and a small pour over pear sorbet is a classic restaurant move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the pear get inside the bottle?
The bottle is hung over the pear blossom on the tree in spring; the fruit grows naturally inside until harvest, when it is filled with eau-de-vie.
Is Poire Prisonnière sweet like a liqueur?
No — eau-de-vie is dry and fruit-forward, with no added sugar; the emphasis is on pure pear aroma and flavor.
What did critics think of it?
Wine Enthusiast gave it 98 points and named it one of its Top 100 Spirits of 2015.
Who makes Massenez?
G.E. Massenez, the celebrated Alsatian distilling house founded in 1870, specializing in eaux-de-vie and fruit spirits.
A centerpiece bottle and a world-class fruit spirit in one — order G.E. Massenez Poire Prisonnière online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.