KOMBUSTACHE

KOMBUSTACHE was created within Maison BOILEBON as a premium brand of natural, organic, sparkling, low-sugar and alcohol-free aperitifs. The aperitifs are made in Hauts-de-France, and KOMBUSTACHE states its products are made 100% in France.^[1],[2]

The name is a contraction of the Japanese words KOMBU (seaweed) and CHA (tea).^[1]

Michel Gasté is the founder of KOMBUSTACHE. He traveled the world in search of unique flavors, and discovered kombucha during his travels in Asia.

KOMBUSTACHE makes sparkling alcohol-free aperitifs. Three cuvées are documented: La Perle Noire, an alcohol-free sparkling aperitif based on organic kombucha and chicory; La Veuve Pourpre, a sparkling alcohol-free aperitif made from organic kombucha and beetroot; and Les Fleurs du Mal, built on elderflower and lemon.

On alcohol content, KOMBUSTACHE states its drinks contain between 0 and 0.2% alcohol — a level it compares to a ripe banana — while being classified as alcohol-free under European regulations. La Perle Noire is given a 0% alcohol content.^[2]

SCOBY kombucha fermentation. KOMBUSTACHE cultures its SCOBY in sweetened black tea, away from light and impurities. The culture floats on the surface of the liquid during fermentation, which the producer credits with giving the kombucha its fizz. Both kombucha-based cuvées use organic cultures:^[1]

• La Perle Noire — organic kombucha cultures fermented on organic sencha green tea, organic black tea and organic sugar
• La Veuve Pourpre — organic kombucha base

Carbonation. La Perle Noire lists CO2 among its ingredients alongside water, the kombucha cultures, the two teas, organic sugar and organic chicory juice.

Floral and citrus infusions. Les Fleurs du Mal is made with elderflower and lemon.

Standards. KOMBUSTACHE has been certified organic by the French certifier ECOCERT since 2021, with certification renewed annually; La Perle Noire, La Veuve Pourpre and Les Fleurs du Mal are all certified organic. The producer also states the drinks are 100% vegan, made solely from plants, fruits and roots.^[2]

La Perle Noire. An aromatic profile with smoky tones and an Armagnac color, a nose of caramel and coffee, a heart of prunes, figs, dried apricots and walnuts, and a base of malted barley. The chicory brings roasted and slightly bitter notes, which the producer describes as a rare and sophisticated gastronomic profile.

La Veuve Pourpre. A deep and earthy profile, slightly tangy, with noble vegetal notes from the beet.

Les Fleurs du Mal. Delicate floral aromas, slightly musky, with lemony freshness; KOMBUSTACHE calls it the most airy and gastronomic cuvée in the range.

At the 2023 World Alcohol-Free Awards in London, Les Fleurs du Mal received a Gold medal and won the Best Organic Drink trophy. La Veuve Pourpre received a Commended recognition in the same edition. KOMBUSTACHE reports a Gold Medal at the 2023 awards overall.^{[1],[3],[4],[5]}

At the 2024 World Alcohol-Free Awards in London, La Perle Noire received a Gold medal and won the Best Organic Drink trophy, and La Veuve Pourpre received a Silver medal. KOMBUSTACHE reports Gold and Silver Medals for the 2024 edition.^{[1],[4],[6],[7],[8]}

Sources differ on La Perle Noire's 2023 result: the World Alcohol-Free Awards record a Commended recognition for the cuvée that year, while KOMBUSTACHE states it won a Gold medal at the 2023 London awards.

KOMBUSTACHE was a finalist at the Trophée des Terroirs in Paris in 2025, with La Perle Noire named as the finalist cuvée. The producer is also a finalist of the TAVOLA d'OR in Kortrijk (Courtrai) in 2026, again with La Perle Noire.^[1]