Theakston Brewery and Equinox Kombucha have joined forces with the aim to disrupt the adult drinks market.

Hopbucha is an alcohol-free brew that brings together the rich tradition of British beer-making with the naturally fermented power of kombucha.

Fizzy and flavourful, the functional drink is fermented using Equinox’s unique SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) to offer the gut-friendly live cultures and satisfying mouth-feel of authentic kombucha, combined with the refreshment and drinkability you’d expect from a Theakston ale.

With growing demand for no-alcohol drinks that appeal to adult palates, the two Yorkshire-based companies saw an opportunity to combine their expertise.

Hopbucha takes Equinox’s classic fermented tea and flavours it using the hop blending expertise of Theakston, to add a twist of citrus bitterness and refreshment that will please even the most devoted beer drinker.

Equinox Managing Director, Andy Braithwaite said: “As the UK’s largest craft brewers of kombucha and one of the category leaders, we have enormous respect for Theakston’s skill and tradition. Yorkshire has a fantastic brewing culture, making world-famous beers like Theakston’s Old Peculier.

“While we’re one of the longest standing Kombucha brewers in the UK, we’re the new kids on the block compared to Theakston’s nearly 200 years, but there are so many similarities between our techniques and ethos.

“What started as a fun experiment to see how we could collaborate and combine our skills to play with a palate of exciting flavours, has transformed into something special that offers the best of both brewing worlds.”

Richard Bradbury, managing director of Theakston Brewery, added: “We are thrilled to work with Yorkshire kombucha pioneers Equinox Kombucha. This product is a genuine result of our shared passion for fermented flavourful drinks. With no and low alcohol drinks growing and the market maturing into one where there are products aimed squarely at adults, we felt that Hopbucha offered something different.

“For nearly 200 years, Theakston has combined innovation with heritage and flavour. This shared project with Equinox embodies that spirit, highlighting that while we remain true to our history, we’re also passionate about keeping the art of brewing alive in all its forms.

“We’ve seen success in recent years with our Nowt Peculier 0.0% beer and while that might not make your lunchtime meal deal, we believe that Hopbucha can become that option offering the refreshing flavour of hops with the benefits of kombucha.”