Ben Franklin Tavern Spruce Clone?

[brackbrew]

My wife and I spent the weekend in Philly recently for our anniversary, wandered into the City Tavern and discovered Ben Franklin's Tavern Spruce Ale by Yards--one of their "Ales of the Revolution" series.

Although there seem to be strong opinions about this brew on both sides, my wife and I really enjoyed it. I e-mailed the brewery about the beer and asked for ANY guidance or insights into the recipe, but of course, they're not giving up the ghost. I know it uses spruce and molasses, and both of those flavors are definitely present.

Has anyone tried a successful brew like this or know where I can get a decent clone of this?

 

[brettwasbtd]

Found this while googling, its a start - http://www.benfranklin300.org/etc_article_ale.htm

As well as this one http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art36104.asp

Looks like Yards rendition is 5% so you may want to scale things back. I remember this have a coke like taste, minus the sweetness. I def enjoyed it, but only has an every once in a while thing