Definition & Meaning of "spruce beer"

What is "spruce beer"?

Spruce beer is a type of beverage that is brewed using the tips and needles of spruce trees, along with other ingredients such as hops, barley, and yeast. It has a distinct and refreshing taste, with a slightly sweet and citrusy flavor that is balanced by a subtle bitterness and a hint of spruce aroma. Historically, spruce beer was a popular drink among sailors and colonists in North America, as the spruce tips were a good source of vitamin C and helped to prevent scurvy.