Viljamovka

Viljamovka is a type of fruit brandy (rakija) that is distilled from Williams pear. This mellow and aromatic spirit is produced and enjoyed in several Balkan countries. It is often regarded as the finest type of fruit brandy produced in the region.

Viljamovka is made with fresh, ripe pears that are fermented before they are distilled. The result is a clear and colorless spirit that typically has an intensive pear aroma, mellow flavor, and a long, warming finish. Viljamovka is traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif.

It should always be served well chilled. Some producers leave the whole pears inside the bottle—this is achieved by placing the bottle on the branch while the fruit is still young and then allowing it to grow and ripen in the bottle. The fruit is then cut off, and the bottle is removed and filled with distilled brandy.

Other types of pear brandies are also produced, but they usually have a generic name kruškovača—kruška translates as pear.