Alaskan-made kombucha is what we love to hear about! Kombucha has countless health benefits and is becoming more and more popular. We got the chance to chat with a local kombucha company, Aurora Kombucha. This little company is made up of kombucha couple, Joshua and Noelle Locke. They are both U.S. Air Force veterans-turned entrepreneurs. After getting stationed in Alaska and choosing and call the last frontier “home,” they launched Aurora Kombucha in Eagle River in 2020 to start bringing great-tasting komba to the masses. They let us try their delicious kombucha and told us what it takes to run a small business out of their home! Read below to learn more about their journey and how to get your hands on some of their tasty and healthful kombuchas.
When did you start making kombucha?
Noelle: Aurora Kombucha’s humble beginnings originally started out as a creative kitchen project to quench our thirst for something both healthy and delicious. After first encountering kombucha as a healthy drink option in California, my curiosity and longing for my favorite familiar bubbly got me into brewing my own komba. We got stationed overseas in Japan in 2015 and it was nearly impossible to find kombucha there.
Joshua: Noelle started making kombucha in our little Japanese kitchen and it quickly turned into experimenting with multiple flavors over the years. What began as a healthy drink enjoyed between the two of us, soon became a united dream to share our amazing komba with the world.
Do you each have individual roles in the kombucha-making process?
Noelle: Joshua remains the business mastermind behind all the sales, logistics, and outreach. He keeps us organized while I am busy whipping up new kombucha flavors.
Joshua: Noelle is the passionate brewmaster behind all the creatively yummy kombucha flavors you’ll taste on tap. She is always coming up with great ideas and unique ingredients.
What are some health benefits of kombucha?
Kombucha has some incredible health benefits including antioxidants, reducing heart disease risk, and killing harmful bacteria. It is also known to contain probiotics, which provide your gut with good and healthy bacteria. Kombucha comes with a myriad of health benefits and more and more research is being done to determine all the benefits this delicious fermented drink has.
What is your mission?
Our mission is to create and serve the best tasting kombucha that optimizes your health, wellness, and happiness, so you can live your best life yet!
What are your future plans for Aurora Kombucha?
Noelle: We eventually want to have a brick-and-mortar store, but first we need a commercial kitchen. We are working on getting a kitchen location in Eagle River this summer.
Joshua: Finding unique places to sell our kombucha (once we have the commercial license) is also on our minds. We want to expand Aurora Kombucha into yoga studios, physical therapy offices, other health offices, and more.
Where/how can Alaskans purchase your kombucha?
People can easily place an order off of our website, or through our Square site (both lead to the same place). Website: aurorakombucha.com Square site: https://aurora-kombucha.square.site/
Since we do not yet have a brick-and-mortar storefront, we provide our kombucha via delivery or pickup. Feel free to text/call/email us to schedule a time for pickup or delivery!
What are Aurora Kombucha’s flavors?
Immuno-Tea Kombucha
This flavor delivers an amazing light and refreshing crisp apple taste, with a slight hint of cinnamon and beautiful layers of warm herbs that follow. Perfect to sip on its own, or pair with your favorite meal—even have it as a healthy option for dessert! Immuno-Tea is specifically designed to help you stay well and keep your immunity strong, so you can fight off any unwanted germs that attack your immune system or try to slow you down.
SIZES & PRICES
- 16 OZ. BOTTLE. Comes in a swing top (resealable) 16 ounce glass bottle. First time buy is $6.99. Bring in a clean bottle for a $2.00 credit on your next purchase.
PRICE: $4.99-6.99
- 64 OZ. GROWLER. First-time buy is $21.99. Have enough kombucha for the whole fam (or perhaps a week’s supply just for yourself!) in one of our 64 oz glass growlers. Secures tightly with a metal screw-lid. Refills are $16.99.
PRICES: $21.99/ $16.99
Jün / Raw Honey Kombucha Flavors
Jüns are considered the “champagne” of kombucha and are a little more “bougie” with its extra fizz and slightly sweeter taste–not to mention, it requires a lot more care than our standard kombuchas.
Sleeping Lady Jün
Considered the “champagne” of kombucha, this lavender flavored komba uses a lighter tea with honey to unleash the benefits and tastiness found in each bottle. Promote your gut health and experience the relaxing benefits of lavender, all in one sip.
V-Day Jün
Another one of our raw honey kombucha’s, this Jün uses a light tea and touts beautiful citrus-forward flavors of orange, coupled with soft notes of bay leaf that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Back in ancient Roman-Greco times, victors would be crowned with a garland of fresh bay leaves–so it’s no coincidence that as military veterans, we named this one “V-Day.” We want you to conquer your day and experience victory whenever you sip this komba flavor. Toast to your gut health and tackle your day with V-Day!
SIZES & PRICES (Jüns / Raw Honey Kombucha)
- 16 OZ. BOTTLE. Comes in a swing top (resealable) 16 ounce glass bottle. First time buy is $7.99. Bring in a clean bottle for a $2.00 credit on your next purchase.
PRICE: $5.99-7.99
- 64 OZ. GROWLER. First time buy is $26.99. Have enough kombucha for the whole fam (or perhaps a week’s supply just for yourself!) in one of our 64 oz glass growlers. Secures tightly with a metal screw-lid. Refills are $21.99.
PRICES: $26.99 / $21.99
To learn more about Aurora Kombucha follow them on Instagram/Facebook (@aurorakombucha) or check their website out: aurorakombucha.com
They can also be reached via email, guthappy@aurorakombucha.com or phone, (909) 375-3171
