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  Frank Malloway -

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  Frank Malloway -

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Townes Mozer was an instant kombucha addict. One taste of the non-alcoholic, fermented drink and he was hooked. “I became obsessed,” says Mozer, who recently opened Charlotte’s first kombucha brewery, Lenny Boy Tea. “It took over my kitchen.”

Mozer has been brewing the probiotic tea for more than five years now—all from the same original strand. During that time the Charlotte native spent a year on an organic farm, learning to use seasonal flavoring for the drink. After serving gallons to friends and family, he launched Lenny Boy Kombucha (named after his dog) in Asheville. But the brand, which is carried at spots like Earth Fare and Whole Foods, quickly outgrew the space and Mozer decided to return to his hometown.

These days, in addition to finding Lenny Boy’s bottles at restaurants and stores around Charlotte, local kombucha drinkers can also get their fix in the South End brewery’s tap room. On Sunday afternoons Mozer opens up the cozy space and sells the slightly sweet, tart drink on tap. Offered in original and local seasonal flavors (think sweet potatoes from Concord or ginger from Monroe), it can be purchased by the glass ($2), bottle ($3), or growler ($15). In addition to the chilled kombucha, visitors will find games playing on the large television and the occasional acoustic guitar performance. “It’s a nice, laid back crowd,” says Mozer. “And a good way to try out the drink.”

To learn more visit www.discoverlennyboy.com