BOOCHFEST

The International free kombucha festival, BOOCHFEST took place at Landsdowne Park in Ottawa inside the Horticulture Building this past weekend.

We were floored by the absolute success of this festival! Founders and organizers, Drew and Samira took their love of kombucha and poured it into this event. They had a dream to bring an international kombucha festival to the area and boy did they make it happen!

The anticipation was high and we weren't sure what to expect but as the day progressed, it was clear that the event had surpassed expectations. After a brief opening ceremony with a word from the Boochfest Founders and ribbon cutting including Rise Kombucha, the crowds piled in and were given a sample cup to try all sorts of flavours of kombucha.

We were in good company along with brewers Culture Kombucha, Y Kombucha, Quetzal Kombucha, Brew Dr. Kombucha, GT'S Kombucha, Elikxir Kombucha, Cathy's Kombucha, Live Kombucha, Carlington Booch, Rise Kombucha, Bucha Brew, Vox Kombucha, Artizen Kombucha, Lao Kombucha, Pyramid Ferments, and from all the way overseas, Kombucha Iceland!!

"They just kept coming in", fellow brewers said as we re-capped the event. There was barely a moment for us to try other brews as most of us were a two-person crew, working non-stop from 10-4 to serve up samples, offering kombucha on tap and selling our bottles. 

"It was crazy!" our heads are still spinning from the action. With music going, an excited crowd with bellies full of kombucha were mostly in the know about the fermented tea. This isn't the norm for us as we are used to explaining the process and answering numerous questions about the brew. 
"Everyone already knew what kombucha was! We never get that".

It was an event to meet the makers and sip on new flavours. Attendees made the rounds and then decided on their faves or picked up an assortment to bring home. There was also a competition for homebrewers which was judged by a panel of commercial kombucha connoisseurs.

We met so many people, made wonderful new connections, learned about upcoming brewers, saw familiar faces and had visits from friends. 

As a brewer, it was phenomenal. Well organized, nice facility, highlighted the industry, and had cold storage and ice on site. We can't thank Drew and Samira enough!

BOOCHFEST 2018 was a riot!! Can't wait for next year!