Barrel Aged Bartlett Pear Brandy (Poire Williams)

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.