8 replies to this topic

[ChefLamont]

I read the Replicator article in the latest BYO and I am getting inspired to do a spruce ale for the holidays. I was wondering where one can get spruce tips from. I have checked the major internet homebrew shops and none seem to have it. Anybody have a source (other than my local spruce tree next spring) for these?One vendor has the liquid extract, but my limited experience with the fruit ones makes me kinda shy away from that. Is that fear founded or has anyone had good results with that over fresh?

[Deerslyr]

I read the Replicator article in the latest BYO and I am getting inspired to do a spruce ale for the holidays. I was wondering where one can get spruce tips from. I have checked the major internet homebrew shops and none seem to have it. Anybody have a source (other than my local spruce tree next spring) for these?One vendor has the liquid extract, but my limited experience with the fruit ones makes me kinda shy away from that. Is that fear founded or has anyone had good results with that over fresh?

I just saw them at one of my LHBS stores. Both of which are on the internet and ship. I want to say it was at Hoptech. Call and tell them Mark from Tracy told you to call. If he doesn't have it (despite what his on-line store says), then it was likely at The Good Brewer. Hard for me to say for sure as I was in both of them recently and I specifically remember picking up the packet to look at it. Just can't recall which store.

[nbbeerguy]

Are they just the branches from spruce trees ?If so I have them everywhere

[MtnBrewer]

Are they just the branches from spruce trees ?If so I have them everywhere

No, they're the tender tips from the new growth in the spring.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

No, they're the tender tips from the new growth in the spring.

the deer loves them

[ncbeerbrewer]

There is a recipe for a Spruce lager or some sort in Papazian's book from long ago that has a spruce ale recipe. I had gotten the ingredients for it back then but never brewed it. I had gotten from my LHBS a small bottle of spruce extract for like $3-4. It smelled great. Thats all the advice I can give you though. I like the idea myself too. Were you going to skip the hops as well ChefLamont?

[stellarbrew]

I brewed a Papazian recipe for a spruce beer years ago, in which I used some "spruce essence" from the LHBS. Suffice it to say that I would never go that route again, as it lent a very, very earthy character to the beer. My friends still tease me about my "crawl-space" ale, as they dubbed it. One of these days I'll try a to use the actual spruce tips in a beer and see how that turns out.

[tag]

No, they're the tender tips from the new growth in the spring.

Exactly. You might consider making it in the Spring when you can pick your own.

[Deerslyr]

Chef... did you ever find a source?