Introducing JuneShine Hard Kombucha
JuneShine is a refreshing alcoholic kombucha company based in San Diego, founded in 2018 by Gregg Serrao and Forest Dein. Frustrated by the lack of transparency in the alcohol industry, the duo set out to create great-tasting craft beverages made from quality, natural ingredients you can actually pronounce.
Beyond delivering refreshment, JuneShine aims to be a responsible business that gives back to the earth through carbon-neutral practices and 1% For the Planet contributions.
But what exactly is hard kombucha, and is JuneShine‘s worth trying? This in-depth review will uncover everything you need to know.
Hard Kombucha, Explained
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink packed with probiotics from the fermentation process. Though naturally low in alcohol (around 0.5%), hard kombuchas like JuneShine‘s undergo a second fermentation with fruit juice or other mix-ins. This extra step increases the alcohol content while retaining the signature tangy flavor.
The result is a fizzy, fruit-flavored beverage with 4-6% alcohol and a cocktail-like taste and strength, minus the negative effects of traditional booze. For health-conscious drinkers seeking a lighter alternative, hard kombucha checks a lot of boxes.
JuneShine‘s Standout Features
What sets JuneShine apart in the emerging hard ‘booch category?
Ingredients & Nutrition
JuneShine only uses real, natural ingredients: green tea, honey, fruits, spices and probiotic cultures. Their hard kombuchas are certified non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan.
Though not calorie-free, they contain significantly less sugar than wine or hard seltzer at around 3 grams per can. The organic acids and antioxidants also make it a healthier choice over conventional alcoholic drinks.
Range of Unique Flavors
JuneShine offers over a dozen flavors like Blood Orange Mint, Midnight Painkiller, Grapefruit Paloma and Acai Berry. They use intriguing ingredients like activated charcoal, mango, chili and hibiscus for exotic flavor combos you won‘t find anywhere else.
Quality Taste & Strength
At 4-6% alcohol by volume, JuneShine provides a happy medium between beer and liquor. Customer reviews praise both the well-balanced flavor and right level of booziness. The flavors taste authentic too, not artificial.
Sustainability
In line with their eco-friendly mission, JuneShine ensures its production and distribution achieves net zero carbon emissions to preserve the planet. The brand also supports environmental non-profits through 1% For the Planet.
How JuneShine Compares to Flying Embers
Flying Embers is JuneShine‘s main competitor in the hard kombucha space. Let‘s see how they stack up.
Both offer gluten-free hard kombuchas around 5% ABV, but Flying Embers has more flavors to choose from, including special editions. Their formulas are also vegan and contain adaptogens for wellness benefits.
However, JuneShine has better branding and seems more focused overall on hard kombucha innovation vs Flying Embers‘ range of boozy beverages. When it comes to taste, customers give JuneShine slightly higher ratings.
For those avoiding sugar, Flying Embers wins with zero sugar and carbs. But JuneShine still has just 3 grams of sugar per can, making it a lot healthier than wine, beer or straight liquor.
Overall the two brands are quite similar. Your preference may come down to specific flavors or other factors like pricing deals.
Customer Impressions: Reviews of Popular Flavors
Curious what real customers think about JuneShine‘s taste? Here‘s a compilation of ratings and tasting notes for some fan favorites:
Blood Orange Mint
4.4/5 stars. Customers describe this flavor as sweet and juicy upfront with a bright, refreshing minty finish. One of JuneShine‘s most popular flavors, it earns rave reviews as a perfect summer sipper.
Grapefruit Paloma
4.3/5 stars. Tart grapefruit and lime flavors mimic the tequila cocktail. Customers say it "tastes like an actual Paloma" with nice fizz and dryness. A crisper, citrusy choice.
Midnight Painkiller
4.4/5 stars. With tropical coconut, pineapple and orange notes plus warming nutmeg, this flavor delivers a "mellow ambiance" reminiscent of the rum-based tiki drink. The activated charcoal also gives it a unique spin.
Chili Mango
3.2/5 stars. Reviews are polarized on this one – the sweet mango and habanero combo is a bit hard to balance. Some love the hot-and-sweet thrill while others find it too intense. Definitely an adventurous choice!
Perks & Savings Options
JuneShine‘s prices are already reasonable for a quality craft product, but they offer a few ways to save:
- 15% off subscriptions with delivery every 1, 2 or 4 weeks
- Free US shipping on orders $50+
- Check their website for exclusive discounts and flash sales
Subscribing and saving helps you stay stocked effortlessly while scoring a nice discount.
Where to Buy JuneShine
JuneShine hard kombuchas are currently only available through their website JuneShine.com, where you can build a custom case with your favorite flavors.
Limited edition collaborations with brands like Slowtide may be available elsewhere too. And while some third-parties resell on sites like Amazon, your best bet both price and freshness-wise is to order directly from the source.
You can also find JuneShine at select craft beer and specialty drink stores, bars and restaurants in certain metro areas like San Diego, Los Angeles and New York City. But for the biggest selection and savings, go through their online shop.
FAQs
Still have some questions about JuneShine and their boozy kombuchas? Here are answers to some common customer queries:
Where is JuneShine made?
JuneShine is produced at their brewery and headquarters in San Diego, California.
What is JuneShine’s shipping and returns policy?
JuneShine only ships to addresses within the USA. Because their kombuchas need refrigeration and have a short shelf life, they do not accept returns or refunds except for damaged/defective products on first receipt.
How do I contact JuneShine?
You can email JuneShine customer service at [email protected]. Or message them via contact form on their website.
The Verdict: Should You Try JuneShine?
If you‘re seeking a refreshing, grown-up drink made from natural, quality ingredients rather than artificial flavors and syrups, JuneShine is an excellent option.
For health-minded folks, the organic acids, antioxidants and live probiotic cultures make for a lighter, nutritionally superior alternative to mainstream alcohol.
With enticing flavors, just the right fizz and a friendly buzz, JuneShine manages to strike multiple chords. Critical reviewers agree its some of the best craft hard kombucha around.
Considering the thoughtful brand ethos, reasonable pricing and rave customer feedback, JuneShine earns top marks in my book. If you‘re even slightly curious, their mixed case lets you sample several flavors easily so you can discover new favorites.
Cheers to your health!
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