Why does kombucha taste like beer?

Key facts

• Yeast at work. Kombucha is fermented by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY). [1]
• Brett is common. Brettanomyces dominated five of nine products studied. [1]
• Some alcohol. Ethanol ranged from 0% to 1.29%. [1]

Where does the beer-like taste come from?

The 2022 study notes kombucha is fermented by a SCOBY of bacteria and yeasts, and that most products had fermenting yeasts, especially an uncharacterised Brettanomyces species, which is associated with wine fermentation. [1] Yeast fermentation produces ethanol, and eight of the nine products contained measurable alcohol. [1]

Does it mean the bottle has gone off?

Not necessarily, but TTB notes fermentation can continue in the bottle and raise alcohol content, depending on how it is made and stored. [2] Sour notes come from acids: why kombucha tastes like vinegar.

Can kombucha legally be beer?

In the US, yes. TTB says kombucha with 0.5% alcohol or more, where the alcohol comes from fermenting sugar, is generally classified as beer under federal rules. [2] More: does kombucha have alcohol.

Related answers: why does kombucha taste like vinegar · does kombucha have alcohol

Find it on Cider Radar

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Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.