Harpoon recently released its newest 100 Barrel Series beer, Vermont Spruce Tip, which reminded me that spruce tips are, without a doubt, my favorite uncommon beer ingredient. Fresh tips, particularly from Sitka spruce trees, impart rich, resinous piney notes with hints of citrus—similar flavors found in hops. Even Captain Cook’s crew brewed spruce tip beer to help stave off scurvy, a high endorsement, indeed. My only qualm with this ingredient: Not enough brewers use spruce. Examples like Harpoon’s, as well as Alaskan Winter Ale and Short’s Spruce Pilsner, are exceptionally delicious, and could make a convert out of any purist. So, what do I want in 2012? More spruce beer please.

What herb/spice/vegetable/fruit/etc. ingredient do you wish was more prevalent in the beer world?

UPDATE: Drink Harpoon Vermont Spruce Tip with me in the video section.