For fans of breweries, a new kind of brewing experience is coming to Williamsburg: Kombucha.
Joker Brewing will be coming in 2020 and will serve guests fresh kombucha beer, according to a news release from the business.
Kombucha beer is different from typical beers, which are made with hops, barley and yeast. When customers drink kombucha, they’re consuming a fermented beverage brewed with sweet tea and probiotics, according to the business.
While there are 244 breweries in Virginia, there are only 20 hard kombucha breweries in the U.S. and Joker Brewing will be the first in the Old Dominion, according to the news release.
The new business, located at 113 Palace Lane, is founded by Lance Zaal, owner of King of Clubs coffee which has a location in the Premium Outlets.
“There are many breweries in Williamsburg, and so many more in Virginia,” he said in the news release. “I wanted to do something different in an area that is still unfamiliar with the product.”
Zaal said over the past year the company has worked to develop brewing methods, refine flavors and have feedback from customers at the existing location.
RELATED STORY: King of Clubs expands to add kombucha beer brewing operation
“Most people who didn’t like Kombucha loved what we made, so we decided to pursue an alcoholic version and take it to the next logical level,” he said.
Zaal said the opening of the brewery will coincide with the 200th anniversary of the opening of his ancestor’s brewery in Toronto. In weeks prior to the opening in the spring of 2020, the brewery will offer previews to the public. Those interested in a preview of the product can taste non-alcoholic kombucha at the King of Clubs at the Premium Outlets.
As a healthier option, kombucha beer will range in alcohol by volume content from 4 percent to 10 percent with a taste that is more similar to cider and sour beer, Zaal said.
Hard kombucha typically has lower calories and probiotics and provides an option for vegan and gluten-free diets. There is also a high content of glucaric acid, which can help the liver and aids detoxification, according to the news release.
Drinks will be available in a variety of flavors that match fruit aromas and a fizzy sweet and sour taste. Customers can buy them in bottles or on tap in select restaurants.
To learn more, visit Joker Brewing on Facebook.
