Barrel Aged Bartlett Pear Brandy (Poire Williams)
An Elevated Twist on a European Classic.
We have evolved our Gold Medal-winning Poire Williams through the art of maturation. Starting with locally grown Kelowna Bartlett pears—fermented at their aromatic peak and distilled in copper pot stills—we finish the spirit for six months in new-use custom white oak casks. The result is a stunning Barrel Aged Pear Brandy that harmonizes the delicate, fresh-fruit brightness of a traditional eau-de-vie with the warm, vanilla-spiced depth of American oak.
From Orchard to Oak: The Evolution of Poire Williams
At Okanagan Spirits, we believe the soul of a great brandy begins in the orchard. Our Barrel Aged Pear Brandy starts its journey in Kelowna, BC, where we harvest fully ripe Bartlett pears—the only fruit whose taste density improves significantly through supplementary ripening.
The Process We allow these pears to ripen further in fruit bins until they reach the absolute height of their aromatic development. It takes over two dozen of these lush Okanagan Bartlett pears to create just one bottle of our spirit. Once fermented and distilled into our award-winning, traditional European-style Poire Williams, we take the process one bold step further.
The Aging To create this specific expression, the crystal-clear spirit is laid to rest in new-use custom American oak casks for six months. This short but impactful slumber allows the brandy to breathe and interact with the wood, absorbing notes of warm vanilla, light caramel, and toasted spice without masking the delicate fruit profile.
The Taste Profile While our traditional Poire Williams is celebrated for its elegance and gentleness, this Barrel Aged version offers a more robust and velvety experience. You will find the nose retains that signature fresh-cut pear aroma, now underpinned by a subtle oaky sweetness. On the palate, the vibrancy of the fruit is rounded out by the cask, creating a complex, sipping spirit perfect for after dinner or as a sophisticated base for cocktails.