As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide a detailed answer to the question of whether hard kombucha is considered liquor or beer. Let's dive into the characteristics and definitions of both beverages to understand their differences.
Firstly, it is important to note that hard kombucha is not made from wheat like traditional beer. Instead, it is derived from tea leaves. Kombucha is a fermented beverage that is created through a process involving sweetened tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, commonly referred to as a SCOBY. This fermentation process produces a slightly effervescent and tangy beverage that is often enjoyed for its probiotic benefits.
Beer, on the other hand, is made primarily from barley, hops, water, and yeast. The brewing process involves malting, mashing, boiling, fermenting, and conditioning. The result is a wide variety of beer styles with different flavors, aromas, and alcohol content.
Now, let's consider the regulatory aspect of classifying hard kombucha. The Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) in the United States is responsible for regulating and defining alcoholic beverages. According to the TTB, any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) falls under their jurisdiction.
While hard kombucha is not technically a beer due to its tea-based origin and fermentation process, the TTB classifies it as beer if it exceeds the 0.5% ABV threshold. This classification is primarily for regulatory purposes and can vary depending on the country or region.
One example of a company affected by this classification is KYLA Hard Kombucha. They are required to label their product as “beer” due to the TTB's definition and regulations. This labeling requirement can lead to confusion for consumers who may associate the term “beer” with a completely different beverage.
In my personal experience, I have encountered individuals who assume that hard kombucha is simply a flavored beer due to the labeling. This misconception can be attributed to the TTB's classification and the use of the term “beer” on the label.
To summarize, hard kombucha is not technically a beer based on its origin and fermentation process. However, due to regulatory definitions, some companies are required to label it as “beer” if it exceeds the alcohol content threshold set by the TTB. This can cause confusion among consumers who associate the term “beer” with traditional barley-based beverages.