Spruce Beer

Spruce beer or bière d'epinette is a fermented beverage flavored with spruce—needles, buds, or spruce essence. It comes in an alcoholic and non-alcoholic form, and it typically takes on fruity, citrusy, and herbal aromas. Modern varieties usually come in the form of herbaceous soft drink, with an alcohol content that does not go over 0.5% ABV.

Alcoholic versions were not common, but several microbreweries have recently introduced modern spruce beer interpretations, usually promoted as seasonal, wintertime, or Christmas specials. The history of spruce beer is ancient, dating back to Vikings and Native Americans.