Kombucha’s been on the rise for some time now — locally and nationally, whether you buy yours at the weekend farmers’ market or from the grocery store around the corner.
But there are some folks who’d rather create their own one-of-a-kind batches of booch at home, too. Luckily for them — and other kombucha lovers interested in taking the leap into homebrewing — St. Pete’s Mother Kombucha and Vertical Ventures have the Kombucha Home Brew Contest planned for 7 p.m. Oct. 25.
Here’s the deal: Enthusiasts from all over Tampa Bay and Florida are invited to register recipes for the competition’s blind tasting (there’s a $10 entry fee per flavor and a maximum of three flavors). Spectators, who don’t have to pay to attend the showcase of local culture at Vertical Ventures, are also welcome; the crowd will experience the DIY creations after the judges sample and deliberate on the winners, which are set to be announced at 8:30 p.m.
You’re curious what those muslin-covered jars taste like, aren’t you?
Being a part of the new Home Brew Contest, the first of its kind in the area, seems like a natural fit for Mother Kombucha. Co-owner Joshua Rumschlag has been teaching regionites the art and science behind kombucha, or living tea — made from fermenting green or black tea and loaded with probiotic cultures — through informational workshops for the past three years, after all.
In addition to providing at least 32 ounces of each entry (though one gallon is ideal), contestants are asked to label their batches with two things: ingredients and flavor. They should consider that some of the judges may be vegan as well. What’s even sweeter is that a cash prize is in store for first, second and third places.
Stay updated on the details through the competition’s Facebook event page.
