About the Producer
Westford Hill Distillers was founded in 1997 in Ashford, CT. At >25 years old the distillery is ancient by craft distillery standards; the distillery claims they were the first craft distillery east of the Mississippi. They have historically made a whole range of fruit brandies including pear, cherry, raspberry, strawberry and aged apple brandies. The aged apple is especially interesting since they are some of the oldest American brandies you can find, up to 21yrs! They also started to make more mainstream spirits like vodka, gin and a spiced/flavored rum.
Details
- Fermented from Bartlett pears from the northeast.
- Ferment from whole fruit not juice.
- 2-3wk fermentation time.
- Distilled in hybrid pot/column still built by Holstein.
- Aged for “a few months” in stainless steel containers.
- 40% abv
Nose
Fresh pear flesh and juice. Represents the fruit perfectly. Traces of cinnamon. Medium sweet and lightly tart. Well balanced with not hint of harshness or astringency and decent intensity for 40%. It’s a great nose
Palate
Sweeter than the nose. Unlike the nose this is definitely all pear flesh with no juice and is a great characterization of the fruit. Has a refreshing feel to it. Texture is velvety with a slight butteriness. Medium flavored and medium bodied and overall is of great quality.
Finish
Medium and dry with pear.
Rating: 7
Nothing unique about it just an impeccably produced pear brandy; about as good as a 40% spirit can get and just a joy to drink. I like the Branchwater Pear I reviewed last week somewhat better but this is the walue pick as it’s only $30 per 375ml.
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