Unified Ferments Kettl Hojicha
Unified Ferments Hojicha is a sparkling non-alcoholic fermented tea made in collaboration with Kettl, the Brooklyn-based Japanese tea specialists. Built around fine Japanese hojicha, it is broad, dry and savory, with roasted chestnut, pine and a distinctive salinity that fermentation draws toward almost maritime territory. Gentle bubbles and natural acidity give it structure and lift, while the roasted tea brings enough depth to make this feel much closer to something you'd pour in a wine glass than everyday kombucha.
Why We Love It
This is one of those bottles that shows just how sophisticated fermented tea can be. The roasted, nutty character of hojicha is already beautiful with food, but the salinity and acidity here make it especially compelling. It's savory, unusual and quietly complex — a particularly good choice when wine doesn't feel quite right for what's on the plate.
Especially good with: grilled chicken thighs with pesto and a peach salad, miso-glazed salmon, roasted mushrooms, seared scallops, pork with charred cabbage, rich clear broths, or anything with sesame, soy or a little smoke
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pale amber with fine, delicate bubbles
Nose: Roasted chestnut, toasted grain, pine, subtle earthiness
Palate: Dry and savory, roasted tea up front, maritime salinity mid-palate, bright natural acidity
Finish: Clean and lingering with a gentle smoky warmth
ABV: Non-alcoholic
Origin: Brooklyn, New York, USA (tea sourced from Japan)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hojicha?
Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that has been roasted over charcoal, giving it a distinctive toasty, nutty flavor with lower caffeine than most green teas. Kettl sources premium hojicha directly from Japan.
Is Unified Ferments Hojicha alcoholic?
No — this is a non-alcoholic sparkling tea. It contains no alcohol and is suitable for those avoiding alcohol entirely.
How is this different from kombucha?
While both are fermented teas, Unified Ferments Hojicha is crafted to a much higher standard of complexity — dry, savory and structured in a way that makes it a genuine alternative to wine rather than a health drink.
What food does Unified Ferments Hojicha pair well with?
It excels alongside umami-forward dishes: miso-glazed salmon, roasted mushrooms, seared scallops, pork with charred cabbage, and anything with sesame, soy or a little smoke.
Who makes Unified Ferments Hojicha?
Unified Ferments is a Brooklyn-based producer specializing in sophisticated fermented beverages. This expression was made in collaboration with Kettl, renowned Japanese tea importers and specialists based in Brooklyn, New York.
