By Yael E. Geller, MPH
In the realm of fine spirits, few products embody the essence of tradition and craftsmanship as vividly as the G.E. Massenez distillery. This distillery is committed to quality and refined products and has finally begun to produce several kosher certified products. They offer 3 exquisite pear brandies: the regular Poire Williams, Poire Prisonnière Williams pear eau de vie, and the Golden 8 pear liquor. The Crème de Cassis and Crème de Pêche liquors are two highly sought-after spirits, especially by mixologists and cocktails aficionados. Recently, the distillery has committed itself to providing several new offerings with kosher certification to expand its consumer audience.
The history of G.E. Massenez dates back to 1870 when G. E. Massenez established a distillery in Alsace, France. Situated in the picturesque town of Lapoutroie, nestled amidst the Vosges Mountains, the distillery was ideally located for utilizing the bountiful produce this region is famous for. With a focus on distilling fruit-based spirits, Massenez built a legacy that would endure from its establishment to this very day. The distillery’s techniques have been refined and perfected over generations, resulting in spirits of unparalleled quality and character.
The Poire Prisonnière Williams Pear Eau de Vie is a prime example of this mastery, capturing the essence of the Williams pear in every drop. The Poire Prisonnière is a unique type of fruit brandy. It bears this name due to the method of production, utilizing the term “prisonnière,” which translates to “prisoner” in French, and it refers to the practice of capturing a pear inside the bottle before filling it with eau de vie. This is nothing like you have ever seen before! This unique approach serves as visual entertainment and a method of infusing the spirit with the pear’s natural flavors and aromas. The creation of G.E. Massenez Prisonnière Williams Pear Eau de Vie involves a meticulous process that begins with the selection of unripe fruit on the branches inserted into the brandy bottle and ripened in the bottle until it is picked. The pear is grown in the bottle until it is harvested. After that, the pears are suspended in the liquid, allowing the spirit to absorb the fruit’s flavors, characteristics, and essence over time. The result is a delicate yet intense spirit that captures the true character of the pear.
The Williams pear is also known very well in the United States as the common Bartlett pear. One of the hallmarks of the Poire Prisonnière Williams Pear Eau de Vie is its pure and vibrant flavor profile. The spirit showcases the essence of ripe pears with remarkable clarity, revealing both the sweetness and the subtle earthy notes characteristic of the Williams pear variety. The distillery’s commitment to using only the finest fruit and traditional distillation methods ensures that each bottle encapsulates the spirit of the Alsace region. This spirit is not only enjoyed on its own as a spirit, aperitif, or mixer; it is also used in the culinary world as a prized ingredient. Chefs and mixologists alike appreciate its ability to bring a wide range of dishes and cocktails to the next level with this spirit.
The Golden 8 pear liquor is an aged and sweeter version of the Prisonnière pear brandy, which has been, you guessed it, aged for 8 years. Each batch contains about 20 pounds of pears. Unlike its younger counterpart, the Golden 8 has a beautiful amber hue and offers a more complex flavor reminiscent of butterscotch and caramel. The G.E. Massenez distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition has led to its enduring reputation as a producer of exceptional spirits. Throughout its history, the distillery has remained family-owned, passing down the craft from one generation to the next. This continuity has allowed the brand to maintain its distinct identity while adapting to modern demands. Prisonnière Williams Pear Eau de Vie remains a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted, premium spirit. I am very excited to see unique spirits joining the ranks in the kosher market and certainly, I am looking forward to exploring more products from G.E. Massenez in the future. L’Chaim.
