Kombucha? You Betcha

Each property in the Timbers Collection prides itself on providing experiences authentic to their distinct location. This holds true from the large-scale amenities all the way down to the smallest details — like offering thoughtfully curated refreshments that reflect the local scene. We’re delighted that Charleston’s famed One Love Kombucha chose to add Timbers Kiawah to their preferred distributor list. Their creative concoctions have been a huge hit with our Owners.

FROM FAR-OFF LAND TO LOCAL BRAND

Originating in China around 200 B.C., kombucha is a fermented tea that has been sought out for its potential medicinal benefits for thousands of years abroad. Recently, kombucha has gained popularity in the U.S. as an alternative to soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. As the exotic elixir becomes more mainstream, talented brewers around the country are adding their own artisanal touches.

Jonathan Cox discovered kombucha a decade ago, while researching gut-healing foods to address an autoimmune condition. Since then, he’s made it his mission to educate others on the nutritional advantages of fermented foods and bring them to the people. In 2015, he founded One Love, the first kombucha brewery in South Carolina.

THE DYNAMO DRINK

In the industry, kombucha is classified as a “functional beverage” — a non-alcoholic drink that contains vitamins, amino acids, or other nutrients. The fundamental preparation is simple but allows for variation, which has encouraged legions of home brewers to give it a whirl. You start with a pancake-looking blob of naturally-produced biofilm called a SCOBY (a Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast), placing it into sweetened tea (green, black, or a blend of both). The floating SCOBY releases micro-organisms that rev up the fermentation process. Leave the mixture at room temperature for one week to a month, then seal it up for a tad longer to self-carbonate. Once ready, refrigerate to store.

One Love Kombucha adds locally sourced organic fruits and spices to create irresistible blends like Strawberry Basil, Hibiscus Ginger, and Grapefruit Sage, among others. Behind these tantalizing natural flavors, the kombucha is hard at work supplying your body with antioxidant-rich polyphenols, acetic acid to combat harmful bacteria, and probiotics for digestive health — all of which can lower your risk for certain diseases. Vitamin B and C are in there too, with much less sugar than soft drinks, and no artificial sweeteners.

A FEEL GOOD STORY

Each week, the One Love crew brews, fills, labels, and caps every bottle by hand to ensure customers are enjoying the freshest “booch” possible.

To Jonathan, it’s all part of their community-minded philosophy. He explains, “We are dedicated to creating the highest quality kombucha using organic ingredients from local producers, and incorporating sustainable practices. We’re blessed to be part of such a supportive community, and like to give back with workshops and classes, including outreach to schools, to educate everyone on how to make fermented foods and the crucial role they can play in our health.”

To that end, One Love has shared their kombucha recipe with us. Give it a try from scratch, or start from one of their Kombucha Brew Kits. You can also grab a ready-to-go bottle of their chilled booch the next time you are at the Timbers Kiawah Beach Club. Your taste buds, and the rest of your body, will thank you.