Kombucha Beer: Where To Buy This Unique Brew

Kombucha beer is a hybrid drink that combines the benefits of kombucha with the alcoholic content of beer. Kombucha beer typically has an alcohol level of between 3.2% and 8.0%, which is significantly higher than regular kombucha, which has an alcohol level of under 0.5%. This higher alcohol content is achieved by adding yeast and an extra round of fermentation to the kombucha-making process. Kombucha beer is usually flavoured with hops, giving it a unique taste that combines earthy, spicy, and fruity flavours. While the health benefits of regular kombucha are cancelled out by the added alcohol in kombucha beer, this drink still offers a healthier alternative to traditional beer, with lower sugar and carb content and gluten-free options. Some popular brands of kombucha beer include Goose Island's Fleur, Sierra Nevada's Strainge Beast, KYLA by Full Sail in Oregon, JuneShine's StoneShine, and Unity Vibration Kombucha. These beverages can be purchased online or at select stores, and some home brewers even make their own kombucha beer using recipes found online.

Kombucha beer brands

Kombucha beer is a hybrid drink that combines the benefits of kombucha with the flavour of beer. Kombucha is a fermented drink that contains a variety of probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and it is claimed to have several health benefits. Beer, on the other hand, is a popular alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains. Kombucha beer, therefore, offers a unique blend of flavours and potential health benefits. Here are some popular kombucha beer brands:

Fleur by Goose Island Brewery

Fleur is one of the first commercial kombucha beers on the market. It is produced by Chicago-based Goose Island Brewery and was created by John Laffler, a master brewer. Fleur combines the sourness of kombucha with the sweetness of beer, along with a fruity note from hibiscus. The kombucha in Fleur also adds a tangy, funky flavour to the beer, reminiscent of a Lambic-style beer. The brew is created by providing a suitable environment for the yeast, maintaining the right temperature, and ensuring cleanliness during the brewing process. Fleur is available in kegs and 4-packs and is distributed across the United States.

Lambrucha

Lambrucha is another kombucha beer brand that is imported from Belgium. It is one of the few kombucha beers available in the United States, along with Fleur and Unity Vibration Living Tea.

Unity Vibration Living Tea

Unity Vibration Living Tea is a kombucha beer brand based in Michigan, United States. Their beers are made with a unique blend of kombucha and beer, offering a combination of flavours and potential health benefits.

These kombucha beer brands offer a unique drinking experience, blending the health-oriented aspects of kombucha with the flavour and effervescence of beer. Each brand has its own distinct characteristics, and they can be found in various markets across the United States.

How to make kombucha beer at home

Kombucha beer is available from a variety of sources, including Goose Island, Unity Vibration Living Tea, and Lambrucha. However, if you want to make it at home, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make kombucha beer.

Ingredients and Materials:

• Large mason jar or multi-gallon jug
• SCOBY (you can buy one online, get one from a friend, or use unpasteurized organic kombucha as a starter culture)
• Organic black tea
• Spring or reverse osmosis water
• Organic sugar or honey
• Cloth cover (coffee filter, clean shirt/bandana, fine-weave cheesecloth)
• Pressure-ready PET bottles

Step 1: Brew Tea

For 1 gallon of kombucha beer, brew 14 cups of organic black tea with 8 tea bags in spring or reverse osmosis water and 1 cup of organic sugar or honey. Allow the tea to cool before adding it to your gallon fermenter.

Step 2: First Fermentation

Add your SCOBY and the starter culture liquid. Allow the mixture to ferment for 10 days, covering the top with a clean t-shirt or breathable cloth to prevent fruit flies from accessing the inside. The fermentation organisms require oxygen flow through the cloth to reproduce and grow more SCOBY and beneficial enzymes/acids.

Step 3: Second Fermentation

After 10 days, remove the SCOBY. At this point, you have "normal" kombucha with only a trace amount of alcohol. The pH has dropped as more beneficial acids are produced. Taste the mixture along the way (days 7-10) to ensure it doesn't become too acidic (like vinegar), which may prevent the second fermentation from starting or completing.

Step 4: Dissolve Sugar and Add Yeast

Dissolve 1 cup of organic sugar in 1 cup of warm spring or RO water. Once it cools, add 3/4 teaspoon of dehydrated champagne yeast with characteristics that appeal to you. Fruity aromatics and flavors are often preferred over spicy or neutral options. Wait for the yeast and sugar mixture to begin foaming, indicating that the yeast has reactivated and is ready to consume the sugars to produce more alcohol.

Step 5: Combine and Ferment

Once you're happy with your active yeast, add the mixture to your gallon of kombucha and stir it in. Loosely close the lid, allowing only positive pressure and CO2 to build and escape, rather than air entering the vessel. Allow an additional 7-14 fermentation days, storing the mixture somewhere with a relatively consistent temperature and low light while the ABV climbs.

Step 6: Add Flavors and Bottle

After 7-14 days of the second fermentation, add any desired organic fruit juices to balance the flavor. Then, pour the kombucha into smaller, single-serve bottles, such as glass swing-top bottles or mason jars.

Step 7: Bottle Conditioning

Add a little extra juice to continue fermentation and trap carbonation in the bottles. Leave the bottles at room temperature for 24-48 hours to build carbonation, and then store them in the fridge. Enjoy your homemade kombucha beer!

Differences between regular kombucha and kombucha beer

Kombucha beer and regular kombucha have a lot in common, but there are some key differences.

Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been consumed for centuries, with origins in China around 220 B.C. Regular kombucha typically has an alcohol content of under 0.5%, while kombucha beer has a higher alcohol content of between 3.2% and 8.0% due to added yeast and an extra round of fermentation. This extra alcohol makes kombucha beer a very different drink to regular kombucha.

The main ingredients in regular kombucha are tea (usually black or green tea), sugar, and a SCOBY (a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). Beer, on the other hand, is typically made from water, malted barley, hops, and yeast.

Kombucha is made through aerobic fermentation, meaning it requires oxygen. The SCOBY consumes the sugars in the tea and produces compounds like acetic acid, which gives kombucha its tangy flavour. This process usually takes 1-2 weeks. Beer, on the other hand, typically undergoes anaerobic fermentation, which means it is made without oxygen. The yeast in beer consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, usually over a period of 2-4 weeks or longer.

Kombucha beer has a unique flavour profile, with earthy, spicy, and fruity notes from ingredients like matcha, acai, rhodiola, yuzu, and goji. Regular kombucha has a tangy, slightly effervescent flavour that can vary depending on factors like the type of tea used and fermentation time.

Kombucha is well-known for its probiotic content, as the fermentation process results in beneficial bacteria. However, the majority of probiotics in beer are eliminated during the brewing process. Kombucha beer also lacks probiotics, as the alcohol content kills any probiotics in the drink and in your gut.

Kombucha beer is also lower in sugar and carbs than regular beer, and it is gluten-free, making it a good option for those with gluten sensitivities.

The health benefits and risks of kombucha beer

Kombucha beer is a hybrid of kombucha tea and beer. While kombucha has been around for over 2,000 years, the kombucha beer hybrid is a more recent innovation. One of the first kombucha beers on the market was Fleur, by Goose Island Brewery.

Kombucha is a fermented drink, typically made with green or black tea, yeast, sugar, and bacteria. It is known to contain probiotics and antioxidants, and is often touted as a health drink. However, it is important to note that the health benefits of kombucha are not yet fully understood, and there are some potential risks associated with consuming it.

Health Benefits of Kombucha

Kombucha is often marketed as a health drink, and it does contain some beneficial nutrients. Here are some potential health benefits of kombucha:

• Probiotics: Kombucha contains live microorganisms known as probiotics, which can improve gut health and aid digestion. Probiotics may also help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, sepsis in premature infants, and assist with the remission of ulcerative colitis.
• Antioxidants: Kombucha contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoids, which can help prevent or delay cell damage.
• Improved Immunity: The probiotics and antioxidants in kombucha may help boost the immune system.
• Liver Health: Some studies suggest that kombucha may have hepatoprotective effects and may help reduce toxic metal (lead) levels in the body.
• Cardiovascular Health: Research indicates a link between gut health and heart health, and kombucha's probiotics may contribute to a healthy gut. Additionally, animal studies suggest that kombucha may help lower cholesterol levels.
• Blood Sugar Control: In a study on people with diabetes, kombucha helped lower blood sugar levels. However, more research is needed to understand this effect fully.
• Joint Health: Kombucha may help improve joint health, but more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
• Rich in B-vitamins: Kombucha is a good source of B-vitamins, which have various health benefits.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Kombucha contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties. This may help fight against pathogenic organisms such as H. pylori and E. coli.

Risks of Drinking Kombucha

While kombucha has potential health benefits, there are also some risks associated with consuming it, especially when it is home-brewed or over-consumed. Here are some potential risks of drinking kombucha:

• Alcohol Content: Kombucha contains trace amounts of alcohol due to the fermentation process. While typically below 0.5% ABV, some batches have been recalled for having higher alcohol content, up to 3% ABV.
• Contamination: Home-brewed kombucha carries a risk of contamination if not brewed correctly. It is important to follow safety precautions and use sterilized equipment to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria or mold.
• Overfermentation: Kombucha that is home-brewed or left too long can undergo overfermentation, leading to higher acidity or alcohol content than intended.
• Pregnancy and Children: Due to the alcohol and caffeine content, kombucha is not recommended for pregnant women or young children.
• Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, some people may experience allergic reactions to kombucha, including nausea, headache, and upset stomach.
• Interactions with Medications: The probiotics in kombucha may interact with certain medications. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before consuming kombucha if taking any medications.
• Unregulated Supplementation: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements, including probiotics, in the same way as other foods and drugs. Therefore, the safety and effectiveness of probiotic supplements may vary.

In conclusion, kombucha beer combines the characteristics of kombucha tea and beer, resulting in a unique hybrid beverage. While kombucha offers potential health benefits, such as improved gut health and enhanced immunity, it is important to consume it in moderation and be aware of the potential risks associated with improper preparation or overconsumption.

Where to buy kombucha beer online

Kombucha is a fermented tea, carbonated and tangy, with potential health benefits. Hard kombucha is similar in flavour and acidity to its non-alcoholic counterpart, but with a little extra kick.

Drizly

Drizly is an online alcohol retailer that offers a range of hard kombucha options. They promise delivery in under 60 minutes, making them a convenient option for those who want their drink fix in a hurry.

Unity Vibration Living Kombucha

Unity Vibration is an artisan kombucha manufacturer based in Ypsilanti, Michigan. They offer a range of kombucha beers, including the Triple Goddess Ginger, the Bourbon Peach, and the Raspberry. Their beers are vegan, organic, and gluten-free, and they also have non-alcoholic options available.

Luna Bay Booch

Female-founded Luna Bay Booch is based in Chicago, Illinois, and promotes health, fitness, and quality. Their packaging is inviting, and their product is naturally gluten-free and low in sugar. They offer three flavours: Ginger Lemon, Palo Santo Blueberry, and Hibiscus Lavender.

Kombrewcha

Kombrewcha is a Brooklyn-based producer that distributes to fifteen states and the District of Columbia. They are USDA-certified organic and offer three flavours: Berry Hibiscus, Mango Pineapple, and Ginger Lemon.

Walker Brothers

This Nashville-based brewery is a family-run business that inherited their first SCOBY from their aunt. They offer two regularly brewed hard kombuchas: Ginger and Hops, with Watermelon coming soon. They also produce one-off flavours, such as Plum with lime and sea salt. Walker Brothers is only available in Tennessee, but they do offer delivery of their non-alcoholic booch.

Boochcraft

San Diego-based Boochcraft prides itself on using quality, real ingredients and giving back to the community. They have a core offering of kombucha in cans and bottles, as well as seasonal releases and experimental flavours through their Liquid Art Lab series.

Kombucha beer is an increasingly popular drink, with a wide range of flavours and potential health benefits. These online retailers offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and locations, so you can enjoy a refreshing, tangy kombucha beer from the comfort of your home.

Frequently asked questions