By Randall H. Borkus
Rating: “Novelty”
Tamworth Crab Trapper
(Credit: Randall H. Borkus)
Tamworth Distilling, a craft distillery out of New Hampshire, was founded by Steven Grasse. He is referred to as a Wonka-like character and was described as the “punk rock prince of small-batch spirits” by writer Alex Halberstadt. Among his other credits, Grasse co-created Hendrick’s Gin in 1999 in partnership with William Grant & Sons, and later went on to the Tamworth Distillery.
Tamworth has over 50 active spirits in its listed inventory, which is a lot when you consider they operate a single 250 gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brassworks in Kentucky. Mind you, that one still is outfitted with a brandy helmet, whiskey column, gin basket, and rectifying column, but it is still just the one piece of equipment.
Among the strangest offerings in that expansive line-up is their Crab Trapper Whiskey. It is a bourbon made with green crabs. Yes, you read that correctly: they use green crabs in what is billed as an effort to eradicate the hostile species on the northeast coast of the United States. The bourbon is steeped with the crabs, corn and spices in a recipe similar to a Low Country Boil.
The Green Crab is an invasive species wreaking havoc in the marine environment in various locations in the world. It has few predators, so it aggressively hunts its prey, destroys seagrass, and outcompetes resident species for food and habitat. This little devil has even been documented to consume juvenile king crabs and salmon.
The Whiskey
On the nose the crab essence is ever present, accompanied by cilantro, bay leaf and coriander. The palate carries a distinct hint of a crab trap left on the dock overnight. The spirit finishes with notes of clove, allspice, and more crab trap essence. It is a true novelty spirit.
The Price
A 200ml bottle retails for $65 and makes a great unopened collectable.