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fermented tea, brew the tea, add sugar – the

bacteria and yeast need sugar to feed. Most

of that is consumed, so the final product is

however low in sugar. We flavour our brew with

herbs and spices. Rene is a medical herbalist

as well as a qualified nutritionist, so her skills

with herbs are pretty amazing, she’s been a big

driver for our flavours.

“We small batch flavour everything and the

fermentation process takes about five days,

then it goes in the fridge.”

The duo say the local surge in craft beer

popularity has played a key role in driving

the way they bottle and market their product,

looking to local brewers and businesses, like

West Auckland-based craft beer brewery

Hallertau, for points of reference and support

during the brewing process.

“I think having that level of engagement is

something that the craft brewers do really well.

It’s been incredible, for us, being able to visit

those micro-breweries and feel a connection to

the brand. That’s the motivation for this place,

and we want to pay that back within the North

West business community.”

As for what’s next for the mamas?

“We started the brand with four flavours, but

we put them to the side when Love and Warrior

excelled,” says Rene. “We started at farmer’s

markets and craft markets, just testing the

waters. But we are working on new flavours.”

“As well as putting all our time and energy

toward this and into our kids, Liv and I are up

at 2am in the morning, brewing – by hand,”

says Rene. “The rest of the year will be really

exciting for the both of us, once we get the time

to actually come up for air, and nut it out.”

“Our kids are pretty awesome, the four of

them are kind of growing up as a big brew shop

family now. They spend a lot of time together

and they love each other – it’s very cool,” adds

Liv. “There would be very few sales meetings

that we’ve been to, without at least one of them

on the hip – especially the little ones.”

“That’s all part of it,” adds Rene, flashing a

smile. “It’s real – we are Mama’s Brew Shop,

that’s what it is.”

“It is what it says... on the label!” adds Liv, a

no-fuss mantra that’s every bit as refreshing as

you might imagine.

To learn more about kombucha head

to dish.co.nz.

THIS PAGE: The

mamas are following

overseas trends by

offering kombucha on

tap as an alternative

to a glass of wine

when out and about

socially.

Quench your thirst with an organic

and tantalising tonic.

BEST OF THE BREWS

ORGANIC MECHANIC, CLASSIC GINGER

Boost your immune and digestive systems

with the grunty Organic Mechanic Kombucha

in Classic Ginger. Fiercely protective during

the change of season, a little of this ginger

goodness goes a long way. Each beautifully

brewed batch spurs on a healthy revolution,

from the inside out. organicmechanic.co.nz

RENE’S KOMBUCHA, GUARANA & AÇAI 

Rene’s unique flavour combination boasts

a beautiful fruity taste and a gorgeous

ruby red colour. This live probiotic drink

is the first of its kind, harnessing natural

caffeine sourced from Guarana extract. Its

reinvigorating, organic properties help to

alleviate stress to stay alert. renearchner.com

BANJO BREWS’ BLUEBERRY, ELDERFLOWER,

WHITE TEA AND LEMONGRASS

Formulated to perfection in picturesque

Marlborough, Banjo Brews’ inspired flavour

combos like blueberry, elderflower and white

tea with a hint of lemongrass, are the perfect

spring-time cure. This refreshing tonic boasts

a punchy antioxidant and a pure, fresh taste.

banjobrews.co.nz

DAILY ORGANICS, ORIGINAL KOMBUCHA

Brewed in sunny Matakana, Daily Organics

sources only the finest authentic ingredients.

Their crisp, refreshing and certified organic

brew is made using a bold blend of black

tea, to achieve a full-bodied taste with just a

subtle hint of peachiness. Pure perfection.

dailyorganics.com

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