Tamworth Distilling, the whimsical force behind spirits like Crab Trapper (whiskey infused with invasive green crabs) and The Deerslayer (venison-flavored whiskey), is back with yet another eyebrow-raising release: Spruce & Goose, a goose-flavored whiskey that promises to bottle the essence of a Victorian Christmas feast. Yes, you read that right—goose.

Spruce & Goose is as audacious as it sounds. This 100-proof whiskey combines foraged white spruce tips, locally sourced roasted goose, and plums to create a flavor profile that’s part evergreen forest, part holiday dinner. Notes of tobacco, game bird, and crackling fat mingle with the lush fruitiness of plum, creating what Tamworth calls “the mouthfeel and viscosity akin to a fat-washed cocktail.”

In short, it’s not just a whiskey—it’s an experience.

Steven Grasse, Tamworth’s founder and owner, sums up the ethos of the release: “Why did we pair goose with spruce? Why not!?” That daring approach is central to Tamworth’s mission of pushing flavor boundaries while staying deeply connected to the land. The distillery’s “wilderness-to-glass” philosophy drives its experimental edge, whether it’s transforming invasive species into spirits or, in this case, foraging white spruce tips for a truly local touch.

Does it really taste like goose? The short answer: yes. I got an early taste of the liquid, and while goose isn’t the only flavor you’re going to get from this whiskey, that slow-roasted goose note is definitely there. On the nose you get ripe fruit, with barely a hint of the poultry to come. That fruit also contributes to a lot of what you’ll get on the plate, along with some plum… but that goose along with the advertised spruce really shines in the finish along with expected whiskey flavors like vanilla and a little oak.

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