Unified Ferments Hojicha is a sparkling, non-alcoholic fermented tea made in Brooklyn in collaboration with Kettl, specialists in exceptional Japanese tea. It begins with Kettl's Jou Yanagi Hojicha from Ryuouen, a roasted Japanese green tea with a deep, toasty character. Fermentation draws out notes of roasted chestnut, pine, and soft smoke, along with a distinctive salinity that gives it an almost maritime quality. Broad, dry, and savory with gentle bubbles and bright acidity, this is much closer to something you would pour alongside dinner than everyday kombucha.
Why We Love It
This is for the person who reaches for savory before sweet. Hojicha already has that wonderful roasted, nutty character, but the salinity and acidity here make it even more interesting and exceptionally good with food. It's unusual without being difficult, complex without demanding too much attention, and one of those bottles that makes people stop after the first sip and ask what, exactly, they're drinking.
Especially good with: miso-glazed salmon, seared scallops, grilled chicken thighs, pork with charred cabbage, roasted mushrooms, soba noodles with sesame, rich clear broths, aged cheese, or dark chocolate with sea salt. Hojicha is particularly good with smoky, earthy, umami-rich foods and dishes with roasted or deeply savory flavors.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pale amber with fine, delicate bubbles
Nose: Roasted chestnut, toasted grain, pine, and soft smoke
Palate: Dry and savory with roasted tea, bright acidity, and maritime salinity
Finish: Clean and lingering with a gently smoky warmth
Sweetness: Dry
Product Details
Producer: Unified Ferments
Collaboration: Kettl
Tea: Jou Yanagi Hojicha from Ryuouen
Type: Non-Alcoholic Fermented Sparkling Tea
Origin: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Tea Origin: Japan
Ingredients: Sparkling water, sugar, kombucha starter, and hojicha tea
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unified Ferments Kettl Hojicha non-alcoholic?
Yes. It contains less than 0.5% ABV, which is the standard for non-alcoholic fermented beverages.
How is this different from kombucha?
It's drier, less sweet, and more savory than most commercial kombucha, and built around a specific high-quality tea sourced from Kettl. The result is closer to a wine alternative than an everyday fermented drink.
What is Kettl?
Kettl is a Brooklyn-based Japanese tea specialist known for sourcing exceptional teas directly from producers in Japan. Their Jou Yanagi Hojicha from Ryuouen is the foundation of this collaboration.
Is it sweet?
No. This is a dry, savory sparkling tea. Fermentation consumes most of the sugar, leaving bright acidity and roasted depth rather than sweetness.
How should it be served?
Serve well chilled in a white-wine glass alongside food. Its savory character opens up beautifully at the table.
