🥃 Hohenloher Birnenbrand

Hohenloher Birnenbrand, or Hohenloher Birnenwasser, is a German fruit spirit made from pears grown in the Hohenlohe region in north-eastern Baden-Württemberg. Since 2022 it has been an EU geographical indication: only pear brandies made from pears grown in Hohenlohe and distilled there may bear the name. Old regional varieties are used, not table pears.

Pears. According to the state government, only varieties typical of the region, which have grown in Hohenlohe for centuries, are allowed, mostly on vigorous rootstocks. They include cider pears (Mostbirnen) and the local Schnäwelesbirne. The trees stand in old orchard meadows (Streuobstwiesen), and processing the pears helps keep them alive.

History. As early as the 18th century, Pastor Johann Friedrich Mayer, nicknamed the «gypsum pastor», advised distilling cider pears. The modern application began in 2015 at a gastronomic meeting in Schwäbisch Hall dedicated to the orchard meadows of Hohenlohe. Germany applied on 17 April 2019, and the European Commission registered the name on 31 May 2022 without any objection.

Category. Under EU rules this is a fruit spirit: it is obtained only by fermenting and distilling fruit, with no added flavourings, and the finished drink has at least 37.5% vol. In summer 2022 it became one of 258 spirit drinks protected in the EU.

Why it matters to you. The name «Hohenloher» guarantees the place, not the variety: pears from Hohenlohe and distillation there. A fruity aroma does not make a spirit mild; it is a strong drink. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.