Kombucha – the fermented, slightly alcoholic, lightly effervescent tea drink – has been consumed for thousands of years, with many believing the beverage to cure an array of ailments. But while there’s debate over the health benefits of consuming kombucha, there’s no question that its popularity during the past decade has grown across the U.S., as well as here in Asheville. Whether you’re looking for a locally brewed kombucha, or want to enjoy kombucha on tap, Asheville has a variety of options to quench your thirst.
Local Asheville kombucha brewers
Buchi – The first commercial kombucha brewery in the Southeast, Asheville’s Buchi began 10 years ago as a small operation in Montford and has quickly grown to become a significant player in the fermented beverages arena. Production at its 30,000-foot facility in Marshall follows a 2,000-year-old craft brewing tradition, using fair trade organic teas, fruits, spices, medicinal herbs and extracts. Nationally, Buchi is available at neighborhood co-ops and major natural foods retailers in over 20 states. In Asheville, Buchi flavors like Roasted Roots, Mint Pineapple Echinacea and Ginger Cayenne are available in bottles at major grocery stores including Ingles, Earthfare Whole Foods, Publix and Fresh Market. https://www.drinkbuchi.com
Shanti Elixirs’ Jun – Jun, a unique cousin to kombucha, is a fermented effervescent tea featuring a base of green tea and raw honey rather than kombucha’s traditional base of black tea and concentrated cane sugar.It’s sometimes called the “Champagne of Kombucha” thanks to its light, smooth, unique flavor profile. Weaverville-based Shanti Elixirs brews an array of Jun flavors like Elderberry Lemon, Chocolate Chaga and Mango Habanero; the company even offers a CSA program, where members can enjoy exclusive specialty and collaborative flavors. Jun is available in bottles at specialty shops, grocers, restaurants and bars across Western N.C. https://shantielixirs.com
Booda – This Arden-based brewer makes its kombucha with organic fair trade teas and organic raw cane sugar. Its unique flavors include Dragonberry, Ginger Limeade, Blood Orange and Spirulina Passion. Bottles of Booda kombucha can be found at restaurants, grocers and specialty shops around the Asheville area. https://www.boodakombucha.com
Kombucha on tap in Asheville
A growing number of Asheville-area eateries, breweries and bars offer kombucha on tap. Here are a few to check out:
Rosetta’s Buchi Bar – The downstairs of Rosetta’s in downtown Asheville offers six flavors of Buchi kombucha on draft. You can also order from Rosetta’s full menu. https://www.rosettaskitchen.com/buchi-bar
Tunnel Road Tap Haus – This restaurant and bar inside the Whole Foods Market on Tunnel Road in Asheville serves up Buchi kombucha on tap to go with its casual-food menu. https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/tap-haus-0
Homeplace Beer Co. – Homeplace, a brewer located in Burnsville that incorporates many local ingredients from Yancey County into its offerings, has a housemade kombucha on tap. https://homeplacebeer.com
Bhramari Brewing Co. – This downtown Asheville taproom and restaurant, a favorite late-night destination, offers Shanti Elixirs’ Jun on tap. https://www.bhramaribrewing.com
For information on Real Estate in Asheville, contact Mosaic Realty owner/broker Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call him anytime at 828-337-8190.
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