From Orchard to Glass — A Distiller’s Favourite

There’s something quietly special about pear schnapps.

It doesn’t shout for attention. It draws you in slowly — soft, aromatic, delicate, and beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of spirit that rewards patience, both in the glass and in the making.

And for us, it’s personal.

Pear schnapps has long been our distiller’s favourite — not only to drink, but to produce. There’s a particular satisfaction in working with pears. Their subtle transformation through fermentation and distillation, and that moment when everything comes together into something elegant and unmistakably alpine.

At the heart of our pear schnapps are Williams pears from Shepparton. Juicy, fragrant, and naturally refined, they bring the perfect balance of sweetness, aroma, and character to the spirit.

It Starts Green

One of the most fascinating things about Williams pears is that they’re harvested green.

Unlike many fruits, pears don’t ripen properly on the tree. They’re picked while still firm and bright green, then begin their real transformation after harvest.

Once they arrive at our distillery in the Snowy Mountains, we let them rest in the alpine sun. Over a few days, they gradually shift from green to a beautiful yellow-gold, softening, sweetening, and developing the delicate aromatics that define the final spirit.

“That moment — when the pears shift from green to gold — that’s when the flavour really arrives.”

As our distiller Sebastian explains, without that shift you don’t get the depth or softness we’re looking for.

A Spirit with Alpine Roots

Pear schnapps has deep roots across Central Europe — particularly Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and northern Italy.

Traditionally made in farming communities, it was a way to preserve the autumn harvest through colder months. It became part of mountain hospitality — served after meals, shared with guests, and enjoyed alongside cheese, smoked meats, walnuts, and dark bread.

The most famous style, Williamsbirne, is made from the same Williams pear variety we use today.

That connection between alpine culture and pear schnapps feels especially natural at wildbrumby — a spirit shaped by mountain traditions, patience, and respect for good fruit.

Cocktails That Let the Pear Shine

Pear schnapps is wonderfully versatile, but the best cocktails are the ones that let the fruit speak clearly.

Alpine Pear Spritz

A fresh, bright, and effortless alpine-style spritz.

Quick Facts
Prep time: 2 minutes
Style: Fresh & bright
Skill level: Easy

Ingredients

• 45 ml pear schnapps
• 40 ml pear juice
• 60 ml soda water
• Dash of almond bitters
• Pear slice, to garnish

Method

1. Add ingredients to an ice-filled wine glass.
2. Top with soda water.
3. Gently stir.
4. Garnish with pear slice.

Light, aromatic, and perfect for relaxed alpine afternoons.

Something Gone Pear-Shaped

Silky, structured, and beautifully balanced with subtle spice.

Quick Facts
Prep time: 5 minutes
Style: Silky & citrusy
Skill level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 45 ml pear schnapps
• 30 ml vodka
• 20 ml lemon juice
• 1 egg white (or aquafaba)
• Black pepper shrub

Method

1. Dry shake all ingredients.
2. Add ice and shake again.
3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Black Pepper Shrub

• 1 part water
• 1 part vinegar
• 2 parts sugar
• Cracked black pepper

Gently heat, infuse with pepper, then cool and strain.

Elegant, slightly spicy, and surprisingly soft.

Hot Pear Toddy

Warming, comforting, and made for cold mountain evenings.

Quick Facts
Prep time: 5 minutes
Style: Warm & spiced
Skill level: Easy

Ingredients

• 45 ml pear schnapps
• 45 ml white wine (Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 tsp honey
• 100 ml cloudy pear juice
• Cinnamon
• Star anise
• Clove

Method

1. Warm all ingredients gently (do not boil).
2. Strain into a mug.

Best enjoyed warm on a cold night when everything feels slightly more cinematic than necessary.

From Orchard to Glass

Pear schnapps is a spirit defined by patience — from green orchard fruit to golden alpine expression.

It’s subtle, aromatic, and quietly confident — the kind of drink that doesn’t need to announce itself to be remembered.