Spruce Budd (Gin Barrel Aged)
Fort George Brewery + Public House

Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a medium golden amber with a one finger white head that dissipates to a thick cap with good lacing. Aroma of pale malt, spruce and gin (as advertised!). Flavor follows with slightly sweet pale malt, fresh spruce and light gin. Flavor tapers off a bit in the finish with a drier, more gin-like finish. Medium bodied with light to moderate creaminess. Well: Spruce (check), Gin (check). Flavor is dominated by these two components, which meld beautifully, creating a unique fruity taste that was unexpected. I expected the sharpness of juniper in the gin would bring out the same character in spruce, but even though both keep their distinct flavors, there is an interesting estery note. I'm a fan of spruce flavors and so-so about gin, but this one is a winner in my book. I liked the base Spruce Budd, but this was even better. I hope this is an annual offering in the future. Nicely done! Not for the spruce/juniper intolerant.