NH Whiskey Flavored With Beaver Secretion

TAMWORTH, NH — A New Hampshire distillery is claiming to produce the rarest whiskey in the world — and it is easy to understand why based on the secret ingredient. Tamworth Distillery's Eau de Musc bourbon is flavored with a beaver secretion called castoreum, which is derived from the animal's sacs in its rear end. Beavers secrete the yellowish liquid to mark their territory.

The distillery stressed beavers were not killed specifically to make the bourbon, which goes for $60 a bottle. The distillery said it works with a New Hampshire Fish & Game trapper who traps beavers in problem areas.

"We New Englanders take pride in re-using and recycling whenever the opportunity presents itself," the distillery said in a statement. "In the case of Eau de Musc, we wanted to make sure to source our castoreum responsibly. (The trapper) uses every part of the animal, like any good trapper. The fur is sold, the meat is eaten, and some of the castor sacs are used as bait. We use the leftover castor sacs to create (Eau de Musc)."

The distillery said castoreum is an old-school natural flavoring.

"The sac excretion exhibits bright and fruit qualities (raspberry) and rich leathery notes along with creamy vanilla aroma," the distillery said. "These notes are also very common among barrel aged spirits ... From that structure came the addition of woodsy aroma: Birch oil, wild ginger, and fir needles. They are a great way to link the oak barrel components (vanilla, caramel, spice) to the beaver’s contribution. The result is a rich, full bodied 2-year bourbon that bolsters a vanillic nose and fruity, floral finish — a medley of charming flavors that are sure to impress."

The distillery admits castoreum is an "odd" ingredient.

"We firmly believe in honoring the land around us and producing only the finest spirits with the quality ingredients that land provides," the distillery says. "Eau de Musc is no different."

The bourbon is available at the distillery and online.

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