FAQ

What makes Spruce special? 

Spruce is brewed with a low-level blend of nootropics and adaptogens. We also use a process which helps maintain the typical flavour, mouthfeel, and body of a regular beer. A common complaint with many non-alc beers is that they taste and feel watery. Not Spruce! 

What are nootropics and adaptogens? 

A nootropic is a substance used to support mental performance, such as focus, clarity, and cognition. The most commonly consumed and recognized nootropic is caffeine.

An adaptogen is a substance that helps the body maintain balance under stress by supporting its natural stress-response systems. 

What are the health benefits of reishi, lion’s mane and L-theanine?

Reishi has long been associated with calmness. Research points to its potential role in supporting relaxation and stress resilience. Lion’s mane has been linked to cognitive clarity. It may help support focus and mental sharpness. L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea. It is known for potentially promoting calm alertness without drowsiness.

Will I taste the mushrooms in the beer?

The mushrooms we add are in very low levels and do not create a mushroom flavour. Phew! Most people will only notice the typical qualities of beer such as the hop profile and the beer’s natural malt character.

What type of reishi and lion's mane do you use?

We use an organic, whole food mushroom source. This means the powders come from the fruiting body. That is the part of the mushroom where most of the beneficial compounds naturally develop. These include beta-glucans that support overall wellness and the unique compounds associated with calmness and cognitive clarity. Using the whole mushroom avoids grain fillers and keeps the ingredient as close to its natural state as possible.

And don't worry. These mushrooms are not psychedelic. The compound responsible for those mind-bending effects - psilocybin - lives in a different family of mushrooms. Ours are the calm, sensible cousins that prefer supporting your health over sending you on a spirit quest.

Can I drink this beer if I am avoiding alcohol completely?

It depends on how you're abstaining from alcohol, as the levels of alcohol in beverage products can vary. A non-alcoholic beer must contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume in Canada. Spruce falls under this category, as does kombucha and even some fruit juices. If you're seeking a truly zero alcohol beverage for medical or personal reasons, you will want to find options that are advertised as zero alcohol or show 0.0% on the label.

Who should avoid this type of beverage?

Anyone allergic to mushrooms, wheat, gluten, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people on medications should use with caution. All of the ingredients we use are completely safe as per Health Canada's guidelines. However, we always recommend you speak with your healthcare provider before consuming any product with ingredients you are unsure of. If you're seeking a completely zero-alcohol beverage, Spruce is not for you.