Steven Grasse and Tamworth Distilling, the makers of famed wilderness-inspired spirits such as Eau De Musc, The Deerslayer Whiskey, and Crab Trapper, are once again pushing boundaries with bold choices of flavor. Introducing House of Tamworth Spruce & Goose – Goose flavored whiskey.
This limited-edition whiskey captures the essence of a true Dickens Christmas with an intriguing blend of foraged white spruce tips, savory roasted goose from a local family-run farm, and lush plums. The result is a one-of-a-kind whiskey with layered notes of evergreen forest, game bird, tobacco, plum, and crackling with the mouthfeel and viscosity akin to a fat washed cocktail.
“We have sourced white spruce tips over the years for different innovations from the unique ecosystems of northern NH but the trick for us is to find spruce needles that are not just byproducts of established spruce harvests but also from partners that we feel good about.” States Matt Power, Distiller, Tamworth Distilling. “In an effort to make sure we are honoring our commitment to conservation and can continue to harvest spruce tips for future spirits, we will be planting our own white spruce forest so we can contribute to the reforestation of spruce forests in the New Hampshire region.”
According to Haley Andreozzi, Extension State Specialist, Wildlife Conservation, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, “New Hampshire lies at the southern edge of the range of spruce-fir forests in North America. As a result, New Hampshire’s lowland spruce fir forests support over 50 wildlife species that do not occur in most other parts of the eastern U.S.” – making the preservation and conservation of this rich ecosystem paramount in light of immediate threats such as “unsustainable timber harvesting practices, conversation of spruce-fir habitat, insect outbreaks, and numerous climate vulnerabilities.”
White spruce tips are a coveted prize for their ability to elevate flavors in both food and beverages, offering a connection to nature, seasonality, and local tradition. Tamworth Distilling recently purchased 112 acres of land and pledges to plant one native white spruce seedling sourced from the New Hampshire State Forestry Nursery for every bottle of House of Tamworth Spruce & Goose purchased on that property.
“Our distillery was built and operates fully in accordance with the land — not against it. We only take what we can give back, and we craft our spirits with intentional methods that promote both the longevity and improved health of the environment that we revere so intently. It’s these values that end up defining which processes we utilize in creating our spirits, instead of the other way around,” said Steven Grasse, owner and founder, Tamworth Distilling. “Why did we pair goose with spruce? Why not!?”
Tamworth Distilling is best known for its innovative approach to crafting unique, small-batch spirits that celebrate unconventional ingredients and local New England flavors. Embracing a “wilderness-to-glass” ethos, Tamworth has distilled limited-edition spirits incorporating wild ingredients like beaver castoreum, venison, turkey, trout, and most famously – invasive green crabs. Tamworth Distilling’s experiments with boundary-pushing and bold flavors brings a wild spirit to each bottle and even garnered them a FOOD & WINE 2023 Drinks Innovator of the Year accolade.
House of Tamworth Spruce & Goose – Goose Flavored Whiskey (100 proof, 200 ml, $65) is available in limited quantities while supplies last online at tamworthdistilling.com/shop/, through Seelbach’s, at New Hampshire state liquor stores, as well as at Tamworth Distilling beginning Friday, November 29.
