Fassbind Les Eaux de Vie Williams Pear Brandy
Fassbind Les Eaux de Vie Williams is the house's flagship clear spirit — an unaged Swiss Williams pear eau-de-vie at 43% ABV, double-distilled from hand-sorted fully ripe pears, rested a minimum of two years in stainless steel tanks in the historic cellars, bottled crystal-clear — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43% vol (86 proof) — one Swiss retailer lists 41%; confirm on label
- Size: 750mL
- Style: unaged eau-de-vie — clear; NOT the oak-rested "Vieilles Barriques" line
- Resting: min. 2 years in stainless steel tanks before bottling
- Fruit: fully ripe Swiss Williams pears from the Canton of Valais, selected at the juicy golden-yellow stage
- Origin: S. Fassbind AG, Oberarth, Schwyz, Switzerland — founded 1846
Clear, But Never Simple
Unaged doesn't mean unfinished: the Williams rests at least two years in stainless steel in Fassbind's historic cellars while the master distiller watches it settle, then blends it to the house's secret recipe passed down through generations of distillers. This is the pear eau-de-vie all other Swiss pear brandies are measured against — opulent, pure, and intensely aromatic. See more from Fassbind, or browse the store's liqueur and selections.
Tasting Notes
Extremely pure and clear on the nose: lush ripe pear with hints of cinnamon and cardamom, an opulent pear bouquet with roasted hazelnuts — "fragrant like Swiss pear bread." Crisp, clean, full-bodied, and luscious on the palate: pure sweet pear, beautifully integrated sweetness, a little mint and a hint of pepper. The finish is long — Williams pear lingers endlessly, intensive and very fragrant.
How to Enjoy
Chilled or at room temperature in a snifter (around 68°F or chilled) as a digestif, so the powerful pear aroma shows. Pairs with matured cheese and fruity desserts; an excellent gift for connoisseurs of fine European spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Williams pear brandy?
An eau-de-vie distilled from fully ripe Williams pears — unaged and crystal-clear, capturing the concentrated aroma of the fruit.
What is the ABV of Fassbind Williams eau-de-vie?
Retailers list 43% ABV (86 proof); one Swiss retailer lists 41% — check the label for the bottle's figure.
Is Fassbind Williams aged?
No — it's an unaged eau-de-vie, but it rests at least two years in stainless steel tanks before bottling.
How do you serve pear eau-de-vie?
Chilled or at room temperature in a snifter as a digestif, so the powerful pear aroma shows.
The benchmark Swiss pear spirit: order Fassbind Williams Pear Eau-de-Vie online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.