We’ve written about Belle de Brillet twice before, first as a standard Poire Williams and more recently as a “Pear & Cognac Liqueur.” Now owner Rémy Cointreau has reformulated and relaunched the brand once again, billing it as a “Pear Liqueur with Cognac.” Reportedly revamped “from bottle to liquid,” it is currently a blend of Williams pear eaux-de-vie and Cognac eaux-de-vie, all 100% natural. Abv remains the same at 30% alcohol.

The syrupy liqueur is definitely sweeter than it’s ever been before, and for my money, that’s for the best. Those linen-fueled pear notes pair nicely with gentle aromas of raisin and lavender driven by the Cognac in the mix, touches of incense and candied lemon adding complexity. A rush of sugar syrup initially coats the tongue before quickly retreating to classic pear flavors — here a touch more canned than fresh — offering a distinctly floral experience that is tempered by ample sweetness. The finish is clean and inviting, with hints of jasmine lingering.

All told, it’s better than ever to have on hand when you want to spin a cocktail in a slightly different direction.

60 proof.

A- / $40 (700ml)

Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur with Cognac (2023)

$40

9

Rating

9.0/10

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