Jerrod Ritchie, of Friendly Fermentables, makes "an old fashioned, naturally fermented ginger ale. It's rich in probiotics and encourages good bacteria growth, which aides in digestion and positive stomach health."
"I've been making wine and cider for a number of years, which lead me to trying various other fermented foods and beverages. When I made my non-alcoholic ginger ale it was very well received, so I thought I'd try it on a larger scale." Jerrod has the most fun creating new and exciting flavours of naturally fermented sodas. He finds it both fun and rewarding. "You just never know if it is going to turn out a hit or a bust."
The themes he pursues in his home-based brewery are refreshing, all natural, and probiotic rich sodas. "I try to keep my flavours stand aside and stand out from your typical store-bought sodas. I try to style my sodas from real food and real ingredients."
The most difficult part of the process is "waiting for the natural fermentation process."
"Music is always a go-to for making delicious beverages. The golden ginger ale is my best soda to date. That's why it will be my showcase at the fair." Indeed, a memorable response Jerrod has had to his work is that "a co-worker tasted my ginger ale and said that I had just ruined commercial ginger ale for him."
Jerrod maintains a level of cleanliness and ensures that all equipment used is sanitized and that all his ingredients are fresh and preservative-free. When not creating, Jerrod says he is "parenting my amazing little man."
"Music is always a go-to for making delicious beverages. The golden ginger ale is my best soda to date. That's why it will be my showcase at the fair." Indeed, a memorable response Jerrod has had to his work is that "a co-worker tasted my ginger ale and said that I had just ruined commercial ginger ale for him."
Jerrod maintains a level of cleanliness and ensures that all equipment used is sanitized and that all his ingredients are fresh and preservative-free. When not creating, Jerrod says he is "parenting my amazing little man."
Meet Jerrod on May 5th at 90 Hunter St East! He'll be close to the entrance towards your right. You can also watch Jerrod in action on YouTube under Friendly Fermentables.