Move over, beer

Kombucha now offered on tap

Hoa Quach

It’s been described as a natural antibiotic with plenty of health benefits. And now it’s offered on tap at several local eateries.

Kombucha, a fermented drink that’s more likely to be found in bottles, can now be found fresh from the keg, thanks to the San Diego County-based company, Kombucha on Tap (KOT).

“People like to be served from as close to the source as possible, and the tap program certainly helps to eliminate some of the dissonance associated with bottled beverages,” said Evolution Fast Food’s general manager Zach Vouga. “They’re excited, we’re excited. It’s great.”

The Bankers Hill restaurant is just one of about a dozen locations where the freshly brewed drink can be found in the region — just a few months after KOT was created.

KOT owner Deanne Goodman said it’s attracted a number of business owners for many reasons.

“KOT is more financially efficient for restaurants than just selling bottles of Kombucha,” Goodman said. “It offers a better price point for them and a fresh, even better tasting product to the consumer.”

Jared Gustafson, Goodman’s fiance and business partner, said the two discovered the product during a trip to Oregon.

“We noticed Kombucha on tap everywhere, even in gas stations,” Gustafson said. “Since the healthy lifestyle in Oregon seemed to mirror our healthy lifestyle in San Diego, we wondered why it wasn’t being offered on tap yet all over Southern California.”

Gustafson said the two Kombucha fans decided to bring the concept to the region. For Evolution Fast Food, Kombucha on tap was a welcomed addition.

Vouga said the restaurant launched its tap program just a few weeks ago and has plans to discontinue its bottled Kombucha.

“There’s something distinguished about a tap setup that I find particularly alluring,” Vouga said. “We have always carried bottled Kombucha in the past but are now phasing them out.”

The restaurant also offers “Kombucha floats,” which pairs Kombucha with vanilla ice cream.

But Kombucha on tap doesn’t just leave a better taste in the mouth — it’s also environmentally friendly, said Goodman.

“It’s helping businesses lower their carbon footprint because kegs are refillable,” Goodman said.

Businesses like Normal Heights’ Dark Horse Coffee Roasters are loving the new product. Owner Bryan Charlson said the restaurant goes through about two to three kegs per week.

“Having Kombucha that magically comes out of a wall is pretty incredible,” Charlson said. “Our customers, and employees alike, absolutely love it especially with this sunny San Diego weather. [You] can’t beat the combo.”

For more information about Kombucha on tap, visit kombuchaontap.net.