Kombucha Krawl

Kourtney Kardashian isn’t the only one to get her kicks with this trendy drink. Here’s where they’re serving it in Portland.

BY ALEXIS RAYMOND

Beer’s not the only thing brewing in town. Gut-sensitive hipsters of the 21st century will be relieved to find two kombucha breweries based in the East End. This fermented drink made of tea, sugar, yeast, and ‘good’ bacteria is often sought out for its health benefits because it contains antioxidants and probiotics. This ancient Chinese drink derives its power from a double fermentation process started by a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). But the jury’s still out on any benefit claims. For some, kombucha itself is hard to swallow. For others, it’s delicious.

The Two Pillars

Root Wild Kombucha is situated on the corner of Washington Avenue, known for its curiously tricky left-hand turn. Usually the food truck of the week (the day we visited, it was Black Salt) is waiting for the hungry in the parking lot. Portland Pottery across the street tempts with its cream-cheese- filled everything biscuits. As always, the tables outside are full, and the vibes inside are always groovy. No wonder local markets (like Rosemont Market & Bakery) carry Root Wild brew on their shelves. Bring your ID; unlike Whole Foods, Rosemont does card you to buy kombucha.

The menu has five main flavors in cans: Ginger Cleanse, Wild Blueberry Boost, Vanilla Rooibos, Mint Refresh, and Grapefruit Shine. On draft they have more intense flavors like Beach Rose, Pine & Lavender, and Pineapple Jalapeno. If the traditional brewery is what you’re in the mood for, there’s hard kombucha on draft: Purple Waves and Secret Grove.

World Of Flavors

Maybe Kombucha is what you bring to it. As we sip the Spiced Apple Kombucha, full of chaga and chai spices, we can’t help but be reminded of the crisp, cool fall evenings Maine is famous for. Suddenly the leaves are changing colors, and you’re tasting fresh apple cider from your favorite orchard. My favorite is the Grapefruit Kombucha. It’s got the same tart bite that takes me back to my childhood summer mornings when I’d sprinkle sugar over a halved grapefruit in my bowl. The Pineapple Jalapeno has a spicy kick at the end of every sweet pineapple note.