Tamworth Distilling, known for pushing the boundaries of flavored spirits, has once again redefined whiskey innovation with their latest creation, House of Tamworth Spruce & Goose. This New Hampshire distillery, renowned for unconventional infusions like crab, venison, and even beaver oil, now offers a unique take on festive cheer by bottling the essence of a Dickensian Christmas dinner. The new whiskey combines flavors of roast goose, spruce needles, and plum for an adventurous and memorable drinking experience.
A Tradition of Bold Experimentation
Tamworth Distilling has never shied away from creating bold and unconventional spirits. Past releases include the seafood-inspired Crab Trapper, featuring invasive green crabs, and Eau De Musc, flavored with castoreum extracted from beaver glands. Their portfolio also includes Saison de Frai, an apple brandy infused with smoked trout, which garnered positive attention for its unexpectedly delicious flavor profile.
With Spruce & Goose, the distillery continues this tradition, crafting a whiskey that is equal parts experimental and celebratory, perfect for the holiday season.
The Making of Spruce & Goose
Creating a whiskey as intricate as Spruce & Goose is no small feat. Distiller Matt Power detailed the painstaking process that began with slow roasting a goose. This step allowed the team to maximize the Maillard reaction, a chemical process responsible for the golden color and deep, savory flavors of roasted meat. After roasting, the goose meat and skin were removed, finely ground, and infused into a whiskey base. This infusion was then distilled using a rotary evaporator to extract the essence of the roast goose.
But the innovation didn’t stop there. The whiskey’s complex flavor profile was built from three distinct components:
- Goose Distillate – Derived from the infused whiskey base.
- Spruce Spirit – A neutral grain spirit infused with spruce tips for three days before distillation.
- Plum-Infused Bourbon – A two-year-old bourbon enriched with the sweetness of Santa Ines plums.
These components were carefully blended and aged further, resulting in a spirit with rich layers of flavor.
Tasting Notes: A Holiday Feast in a Glass
For those lucky enough to sample Spruce & Goose, the tasting experience is as surprising as it is delightful. The aroma features notes of ripe fruit, balsa wood, and the graininess typical of younger whiskeys. On the palate, plum emerges as the dominant flavor, supported by vanilla, caramel, and honey. Subtle hints of spruce and a faint roasted meatiness linger in the background, rounding out the flavor profile.
While it may not be a whiskey for everyday sipping, Spruce & Goose captures the spirit of culinary creativity, offering a truly one-of-a-kind drinking experience.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Tamworth Distilling’s innovative approach extends beyond their whiskey-making process to their environmental practices. As part of an initiative to preserve New Hampshire’s natural beauty, the distillery has committed to planting one tree for every bottle of Spruce & Goose sold. The effort is tied to the distillery’s purchase of 112 acres of land dedicated to reforestation.
“We only take what we can give back,” says founder Steven Grasse. “Our spirits are crafted with intentional methods that promote both longevity and the health of the environment we cherish.”
Availability and Pricing
House of Tamworth Spruce & Goose is available in limited quantities, retailing for $65 per 200-ml bottle. With a robust proof of 100, this small-batch whiskey can be purchased directly from the distillery, at New Hampshire liquor stores, and select online retailers like Seelbach’s.
Is Spruce & Goose Right for You?
Tamworth’s Spruce & Goose is not for the faint of heart. It’s a whiskey for adventurous drinkers willing to embrace the unusual and celebrate the holidays in liquid form. Whether enjoyed as a conversation starter at a festive gathering or as a unique gift for the whiskey enthusiast in your life, this spirit promises to leave a lasting impression.
Tamworth Distilling continues to prove that whiskey-making is an art without boundaries. Spruce & Goose is a testament to their creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to creating memorable spirits that challenge traditional expectations.
