Viljamovka

Viljamovka is a type of fruit brandy (rakija) made from the Williams pear. This aromatic and mellow spirit is produced and consumed in a number of Balkan countries. It is widely regarded as the best fruit brandy produced in the region.

Viljamovka is distilled from fresh, ripe pears that have been fermented. As a result, the spirit is clear and colorless, with an intense pear aroma, mellow flavor, and a long, warming finish. Viljamovka is typically consumed as an aperitif.

It should always be served very cold. Some producers leave whole pears inside the bottle, which is accomplished by placing the bottle on the branch while the fruit is still young and then allowing it to grow and ripen inside the bottle. After that, the fruit is removed, and the bottle is removed and filled with distilled brandy.

Other types of pear brandies are made, but they are usually referred to by the generic name krukovaa—kruka translates as pear.