Q A& RACHELLE RAHN

BREWING UP DULUTH’S OWN KOMBUCHA

BY CHRISTA LAWLER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Rachelle Rahn is the SCOBYhandler behind Duluth Kombucha, one of a few local large-scale brewers of fermented tea. In addition to what works and doesn’t work alongside celeriac, Rahn teaches at Duluth Folk School, site of her ’booch bar. The self-described DIYer talked to Duluth.com magazine about the sustainability tips she posts on her Facebook page and experimenting with SCOBY soap.

Did you nd kombucha, or did kombucha nd you?

A few years ago, I was working 60-90 hours a week and was going months without taking a day off. Inevitably, I was sick all of the time. y body was basically screaming, lease rest y partner introduced me to kombucha as a means of feeling better, and I was hooked after the first sip. I love craft beer, specifically sour ales, and so the tartness of kombucha drew me right in. eing a I -er, I started researching what it was and how I could make it at home. rom there, I started posting my excess batches to friends and family on acebook and before I knew it, strangers were asking for my kombucha. It naturally evolved from there.

What does the local kombucha scene look like?

I think that the local kombucha scene is at a pivotal point right now. There s myself, The nooty ox as well as a number of options from the Twin ities, like eane s ombucha, and so many others popping up throughout isconsin. eane s ombucha has been an inspiration for me as ryan ( eane) got started many years ago before it was hip, and I view him as a pioneer, especially in our local kombucha scene. ven ust a few years ago, kombucha options in our local stores were few and far between with T s being the only brand you could find, if any at all. ow when I walk into the ( hole oods) o-op, it s like hristmas morning with so many options It s inspiring to see the creativity and gumption from so many local brewers.

You’re known for interesting avor combos. What has been your biggest avor victory?

I love to buy ingredients that I ve never worked with or might not even know how to pronounce and throw them in a kombucha. y favorite creation from this erratic process is lackberry eleriac. It s sweet and earthy at the same time A customer favorite is blueberry ginger by far. This year, I m going to try to sneak some urdock oot in there, too.

What doesn’t work as a kombucha avor?

Well, I took my newfound love for celeriac root a little too far. I thought an nlighten-mint flavor with celeriac root, spirulina and spearmint would be the bee s knees. The celeriac took over the whole flavor profile, and the spirulina didn t help the cause by turning the kombucha swamp green in color. It was not a very enlightened flavor choice.

Tell us about the SCOBY. What does it feel like, smell like, do they ever wear out? And then, what do you do with them?

Ah, the is a pal and a confidant. is an acronym for ymbiotic ulture of acteria and east. Also referred to as the mother or less flattering terms such as, the weird alien-looking thing. Although not aesthetically pleasing, she s responsible for turning plain old sweet tea into bubbly, tart, delicious kombucha. They feel slippery and s uishy and have a pungent vinegar smell. It s like something you d expect to see as a prop on the set of an alien movie. ( ee, I m really selling my product here.) A healthy culture can continue to live on for years. uring each brew cycle, the self-propagates, creating a new . I m currently experimenting with a few different uses for my retired mamas, such as A (cold-process soap made with s) and fruit leathers. They re also great for kick-starting compost piles. There s even a new fashion movement coming out of using s to create sustainable clothing. I ll leave that one to the professionals, but wouldn t mind having a dress made by acha Laurin!

Has kombucha been a gateway to other fermentation projects?

I like to think that I ve been able to keep it under control. I ve experimented with fermented watermelon rinds, and (this) year am hoping to ferment everything in my garden. As I typed that, I reali ed how not-under-control it is. here there s counter space, there s fermentation space

You’ve started posting Sustainable Sunday tips for better, more environmentally-minded pro-activity. What else do you see the Duluth Kombucha brand taking on in the next months, years?

This winter, uluth ombucha will be hosting monthly ip, ip, nit meetings, which will serve as a gathering place for local knitters and crocheters to come together and fabricate hats, mittens and blankets for those in need. I ll also be teaching more workshops on how to brew your own kombucha at home, as well as having regular open hours at my studio inside the uluth olk chool. As far as long-term, I m beyond thrilled for uluth ombucha to have a stand-alone kombuchery. It ll be uluth s only dedicated non-alcoholic tap bar. A place where families and individuals can have a flight of kombucha, take a yoga class, tour the kombuchery, and take home a growler of booch. There will also be a small retail shop on-site supplying local and handmade goods related to fermentation and sustainability. In addition to displaying local artwork for sale, local music will be hosted on a regular basis. uluth ombucha looks forward to creating a sustainable, inclusive and vibrant space for and with our community. ❖