Special Futures GmbH

NOVIN is our latest experiment. Like our kombucha, it is also alcohol-free, but it is more complex in taste and preparation. Interest in such a project was sparked by our limited artist edition Kombucha in wine bottles, which we use as a platform to promote fellow artists while experimenting with different ingredients and brewing techniques. The production of NOVIN combines elements of many brewing and beverage disciplines and pushes the boundaries of kombucha. The result is a drink that is more like a non-alcoholic wine, but is still kombucha at its core.
FLAVORS
ruby:
The background to NOVIN ruby was to develop a flavour profile of a red wine from scratch, but using somewhat unorthodox methods. In addition to the slow wine reduction of a cuvée, the process relies on fermenting the kombucha with malt instead of sugar - a technique borrowed from beer brewing. The fermented aronia juice provides a complex mouthfeel, complemented by additional tannins and a juicy flavour. We've also added a hint of blackcurrant leaves for a slightly riper and more floral bouquet.
opaque:
For our next NOVIN, we decided to release a white wine alternative that was not inspired or influenced by existing alcoholic alternatives.
Exploring further an idea that originally started with our NOVIN ruby, we wanted to use the concept of creating a kombucha with an evolved malt profile and that distinctive flavour tone as the foreground for opaque. By boiling the malt barley, we used amylase (an enzyme that helps convert starch into sugar). After conversion and a light filtration, it remains as a sugar source for our kombucha starter, which is an essential part of the fermentation and the base of opaque's distinctive profile.
We've kept the tea base a lighter tone and made sure to retain some of the fresh, grassy tones accompanied by a hint of fresh apricot. The woody tones of the composition come from dried walnut leaves and roasted birch chips, which have been macerated both hot and cold. These...