Perry Pear Eau De Vie 2021
Rich and perfumed layering aromatic pear flesh with the autumnal orchard as a whole.
375ml | 43% ABV | Edition of 500 bottles
Endemic brilliance
We have the incredible fortune to work with some absolute rarities in the world of the fruit. Perry pears, used to make the pear equivalent of cider, are endemic to this area but are sadly now largely viewed as uncommercial. All of the varieties we work with are bred within 30 miles of the distillery and carry with them the incredible complexity which is much more akin to the wild pear than any relation to the dessert pears we are used to. By focusing our production on these fruit, although extremely challenging to work with, means we find a small way to help preserve these gems of the fruit world that were bred to express perfectly in our terroir.
In 2021 we worked with two traditional varieties were picked from towering trees on a single family farm, just 23 miles from the distillery. Hand graded, cleaned and wild fermented, distilling them separately and bringing them together to make this exceptional Cuveé. Firstly Helen’s Early (first in season but second to distil - tannin levels meant a fermentation of 9 weeks to reach just a few percent), round and long stalked. It has a crystalline citrus palate filled with delicate floral perfume. Secondly, our Brandy. Rich, spiced, rounder, of earth and bark. A fascinating journey on how two related fruits can have such different expressions. Together they balance to extend and become so much more.
Rich and perfumed layering aromatic pear flesh with hints of spice. Expansive; green leaves, sun warmed wood, vanilla and gentle sweetness. Mouth filling, contrasting sweet high floral notes of juice with the texture and long lasting savoury and spice infused bass notes of perry pear skin.
Ripe wood and green notes showing stem, leaf and pip; the palate carries the essence of autumnal orchards.
★★★★★
“Every now and again you taste something that just knocks the spots off you; Capreolus Distillery might make the best darn spirits we’ve ever tasted. Perhaps better described as ‘essences’ rather than distillates.”
Hannah Lanfear. Director of The Mixing Class & Imbibe’s Educator of the Year.