About the Producer
Branchwater Farms is a fantastic farm distillery located in Redhook, NY in the Hudson Valley region. If you are ever in the area I strongly advise you go visit, the owners are very personable and their products are excellent. The farm is very big on regenerative farming, making that a core part of their mission.
The farm and distillery were founded Robin Touchet and Kevin Pike, a husband a wife team who both have quite a bit of experience in the wine industry. Most interestingly they have worked with / been mentored by Hans Reisetbauer, a well renowned brandy producer out of Austria.
In addition to the bottle being reviewed today, they have a whole range of eau-de-vies including some unique choices like black currants or beets as well as gins and aged rye and wheat spirits (can’t be called whiskey because they are distilled to a higher proof than allowed)
Details
- Made 100% from Bartlett Pears grown in NYS.
- Distilled to 83% abv
- Bottled at 41% abv
- Rested in stainless steel for at least 24mo.
- Batch 2023
- Bottle 381
- $60 for 375ml
Nose
Pear obviously but so luscious and vibrant it’s really a treat. Lightly sweet and just luxurious
Palate
Sweet and refined pears. Excellent quality. I really like it. Texture is silky and it’s full bodied and has good flavor despite being only 41%. Nothing out of place, an excellent brandy.
Finish
Medium and dry with cooked pears.
Rating: 8
Overall
A truly excellent pear brandy. Likely the favorite pear eau de vie I’ve had. If you have access to it, get it. Just such a good texture and nose.
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things I’d rather have.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite
10 | Perfect | Perfect