Spruce Beer - Garrison Brewing (Canada - Nova Scotia - Halifax)

Spruce Beer - Garrison Brewing (Canada - Nova Scotia - Halifax) 7.5%

Garrison's Spruce Beer is a dark brown that appears to be almost a burnt crimson colour when viewed in a certain light. The aroma is quite predictably sprucey but sprucey like a spruce tree not like a sprucey hops but it is a strong dark maple flavour with hints of smoke that greats you on the first sip and lingers into the aftertaste. It must be the mix of molasses and caramel malt that becomes what I am tasting as maple and smoke.

The spruce flavour is from actual spruce and fir tips that are used in the brewing, which I have to say is pretty fantastic. Garrison claims this is North America's oldest beer style and tells its story on the label. The use of pieces of trees is far-out and yet authentic because if there is one thing the east coast of Canada has it's lots of trees.

Fairly sweet but also quite bitter, this is a thoroughly interesting and complex beer. It a must-try for beer drinkers and history buffs alike, and it's a seasonal so don't delay: get out there and try it.