The Exact Alcohol Content in Hooch Booch
Hooch Booch is known for its high-alcohol-by-volume (ABV) hard kombucha, with many of its popular flavors clocking in at 8.5% ABV. This is not a standard across all hard kombuchas, and it's a direct result of Hooch Booch's specific brewing process. For instance, some of the initial flavors, such as the Bee's Knees, were launched at a slightly lower 5.5% ABV, while others, including the Old Fashioned and Clover Club, were released at the higher 8.5% mark,. It is crucial to always check the specific product label, as the brand continues to expand its offerings, and ABV can differ between products.
The Brewing Process Behind the High ABV
The reason Hooch Booch achieves such a high alcohol level lies in its production method. Unlike traditional kombucha, which undergoes a single fermentation and contains less than 0.5% ABV, Hooch Booch is double fermented.
- First Fermentation: A standard kombucha base is created by fermenting sweetened tea with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). The yeast consumes the sugar and produces ethanol and carbon dioxide.
- Second Fermentation: To produce a hard or high-alcohol kombucha, additional sugar and a secondary strain of yeast are added after the initial fermentation is complete. This allows the liquid to ferment for another extended period, sometimes up to 14 days, which significantly increases the alcohol content,.
Hooch Booch vs. Regular Kombucha and Other Hard Kombuchas
Understanding the differences in alcohol content is key for consumers. Here is a breakdown of how Hooch Booch compares to other types of kombucha and popular alcoholic beverages.
| Beverage Type | Typical ABV Range | Production Method | Legal Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Kombucha | Under 0.5% ABV | Single fermentation | Non-alcoholic beverage |
| Hooch Booch | 5.5% to 8.5% ABV, | Double fermentation | Alcoholic beverage |
| Standard Hard Kombucha | 3.5% to 5.5% ABV | Double fermentation | Alcoholic beverage |
| Craft Beer | 4% to 7% ABV | Brewing and fermentation | Alcoholic beverage |
| Light Beer | 3.5% to 4.2% ABV | Brewing and fermentation | Alcoholic beverage |
It is important to note that the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates any kombucha with 0.5% ABV or more as an alcoholic beverage, regardless of where or when the alcohol level was reached. This means products like Hooch Booch are subject to the same labeling, taxation, and distribution laws as beer, wine, and spirits.
The Flavor Profile and Ingredients
Hooch Booch is inspired by classic cocktails from the Prohibition era, with flavors like Bee's Knees and Old Fashioned. The beverage is crafted using high-quality ingredients, with an emphasis on local sourcing.
Key Characteristics:
- Zero Added Sugars: While sugar is used in the fermentation process, Hooch Booch boasts zero added sugars in its final product.
- Live Probiotics: The fermentation process means that the drink contains live probiotic cultures, offering a potential gut-health benefit.
- Local Ingredients: The company prioritizes using locally sourced ingredients, such as tea from Colorado's Teakoe Tea Supply Co. and honey from Clark's Honey Farm.
A Nod to the Past, Crafted for Modern Times
As the founder, Anna Zesbaugh, explained in a press release, the inspiration for Hooch Booch came during the pandemic, harkening back to the speakeasy culture of the 1920s. The brand encourages consumers to enjoy their hard kombucha as a standalone beverage or to mix it with spirits, as suggested on the cans, to create a cocktail. The distinctive taste, combined with a significant alcohol content, makes it a unique offering in the crowded hard beverage market.
Potential for Continued Fermentation
Because kombucha contains a live culture, there is a risk of continued fermentation after bottling, especially if not stored properly. For hard kombucha like Hooch Booch, which is already regulated as an alcoholic beverage, this is less of a regulatory concern than it is for non-alcoholic kombucha. However, it's a good reminder that fermentation is a dynamic process, and product characteristics can evolve over time.
For more information on the regulations surrounding kombucha, visit the official TTB website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the alcohol content of Hooch Booch hard kombucha is notably high for the category, with many flavors containing 8.5% ABV. This is achieved through a secondary fermentation process and is a key distinguishing factor from both regular kombucha and many other hard kombuchas on the market. Always check the label for the specific ABV and enjoy this probiotic, cocktail-inspired beverage responsibly.
