Etter Pear Williams Eau-de-Vie
Etter Pear Williams Eau-de-Vie is a Swiss pear brandy bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in a 375mL bottle. Each bottle distills more than 10 pounds of fresh Williams pears from the right bank of the Rhone in the Canton of Valais; the brandy then evolves for years in glass demijohns before bottling — the Etter method that reveals the spirit's uncommon depth and richness without wood. From the family distillery in Zug, Switzerland, distilling since 1870. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 42% (84 proof)
- Size: 375mL
- Style: pear (Williams) eau-de-vie — unsweetened fruit brandy
- Fruit: 10+ lbs of Williams pears per bottle, Canton of Valais
- Process: double distillation, years in glass demijohns
- Distillery: Etter Soehne AG, Zug, Switzerland — family-owned since 1870
Ten Pounds of Pears in Every Bottle
Williams pears — the Bartlett of Europe — make the benchmark pear eau-de-vie, and Etter's version is the reference: green pear skins, raw almond and a hint of butterscotch on the nose; rich and rounded with persistent green and yellow pear, chalk and white tea, resolving bone-dry. Famously good sipped neat after dinner or as a Pear Rickey highball with lime, sugar and club soda. Browse more eaux-de-vie and the Etter collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: crystal clear. Nose: green pear skins, raw almond, a hint of butterscotch. Palate: rich and rounded — green and yellow pear with chalk and white tea. Finish: bone-dry, persistent, elegant.
How to Enjoy
Neat after dinner, or as an aperitif with club soda; try the classic Pear Rickey — lime juice, sugar and club soda over the pear brandy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pears are used? Williams pears (Bartlett) from the Rhone's right bank in Valais — over 10 pounds per bottle.
Is it sweet? No — a dry, unsweetened eau-de-vie at 42% ABV.
What cocktails use pear eau-de-vie? The Pear Rickey is the classic; it also lifts sparkling wine and fruit desserts.
The reference pear brandy — order Etter Pear Williams online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.