Feathered Thoughts: The 3rd Bird Kombucha Blog

Sara Lemmon
Bubbly pineapple kombucha in glass

No Fizz? Why Your Kombucha Isn't Carbonating and How to Fix It

If you’ve spent any time on Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably seen the dramatic “kombucha explosion” videos — bottles popping open like champagne, booch spraying everywhere. It looks wild, right? But here’s the truth: most new brewers don’t end up with explosions. Instead, their kombucha is flat. No fizz, no bubbles, just tangy tea that feels a little underwhelming. So, why isn’t your kombucha carbonating — and more importantly, how can you fix it? Let’s break it down. How Long Does It Take Kombucha to Carbonate? After your first fermentation (F1), your kombucha has healthy acids and probiotics, but not...

Read more


Sara Lemmon
Farmers Market Booth Gear That Survives Every Season - 3rd Bird Kombucha

Farmers Market Booth Gear That Survives Every Season

After five years of setting up at farmers markets with my kombucha business, I've transformed my booth from a chaotic puzzle into a streamlined, efficient operation. Through trial and error, I've curated a list of essential items that not only enhance the customer experience but also fit neatly into an SUV. If you're a vendor aiming for a professional, efficient, and compact setup, this guide is for you. Why a Streamlined Market Setup Matters In the early days of working farmers’ markets, I went for aesthetic. Unfortunately that meant my setup was a logistical nightmare—bulky tables, mismatched bins, and a...

Read more


Sara Lemmon
6 Reasons Not to Go to Denver Farmers Markets - 3rd Bird Kombucha

6 Reasons Not to Go to Denver Farmers Markets

You searched “farmers market near me” and ended up here? Before you pack your reusable tote, let's explore why you should absolutely avoid the best Denver farmers markets this weekend. Just kidding...

Read more


Sara Lemmon
Ultimate Guide to Brewing Kombucha at High Altitude - 3rd Bird Kombucha

Homebrewing Kombucha at Altitude: Tips for Success

If you’ve ever tried brewing kombucha at high elevation and thought, why is my SCOBY acting weird?—you’re not alone. Whether you're in Denver (5,280 ft), Salt Lake City (4,226 ft), Santa Fe (7,199 ft), or living your mountain life dream, brewing kombucha at altitude comes with unique challenges. But here’s the good news: kombucha is highly adaptable—just like the people who brew it.  At 3rd Bird Kombucha, a craft kombucha company in Denver, Colorado, we’ve been fermenting at 5280 feet for years. We’ve tested, tweaked, and perfected a foolproof method to ensure you get the best temperature, carbonation, and fermentation...

Read more