ABV: less than 0.05
Calories per 100ml: 13
This is a guest review by our Fundraising and Engagement Manager, Sven Stears
I bought this fully expecting to hate it. I’ve never been a big fan of kombucha – I had a friend spoil my taste for it with some homebrew. Fizzy vinegar. Horrid. But this one is nothing like that. It avoids the vinegar tones that plague some kombuchas – the drag at the back of the throat like an overloaded soggy chip. Here, the balance is struck perfectly. There’s still an acidic piquancy, but you’re not being beaten over the head with it.
There are sweet tones, subtle and un-cloying, juggling that tart zest perfectly – strawberry, then basil. And oh, the basil! When I first picked up the can, I snorted, expecting the basil to be a non-starter – too subtle, and gimmicky. I’m happy to admit I was wrong. The basil comes through beautifully, perfectly playing its part as a herb next to the sugars and the acids. This drink is well thought out.
If you’ve tried kombucha and not liked it, I’d give this one a go. I’d recommend pairing it with an oily food, like fish, the same as you might a dry white wine, to let those acids cut through the grease and bring out all the flavours. Then watch the basil bring its own flavour in!
