meet our team: jude

Photo courtesy of: fermentingforfoodies

If you know what a SCOBY is then you already have an idea of who Jude is. For those who may not know, let me explain. A SCOBY, which stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast,” is an ingredient used in the fermentation and production of OliKo. Fermentation is a chemical process in which carbohydrates turn into alcohol or acid. The appearance of the SCOBY can vary, but it’s typically dense, round, rubbery, and opaque with a mild, vinegar-like smell.

In sum, Jude is a well-loved SCOBY that packs the untamed flavor of OliKo you love into every bottle. To give you an even deeper dive into who Jude is, how he got started, and where he’s going next, our Founder and Spice Master Gabriel sat down with me to answer a few questions.

Read more of this month’s blog feature and get to know one of our most tenured team members.

What inspired the name Jude?

There’s no reason really other than I’ve always loved the name. Jude sounds like the perfect nickname for our “Ginger Bug.”

How old is Jude?

Jude was made in 2014, so he’s 7 years old. He’s grown from one little 6-meter container to living in four 90 gallon containers. That may sound like a lot, but it’s still considered small in comparison to other brewers.

Where did you get Jude?

I made Jude completely from scratch. I was reading The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Katz—unofficially known as the “Fermenters Bible”—hoping to find inspiration for a spicy, cool beverage everyone could enjoy. And OliKo was born.

How do you care for Jude?

I care for him and feed him like I would any living thing. Jude requires simple carbohydrates that are easy for the cultures to digest (i.e., organic cane sugar). Some fermenters feed their SCOBY honey or coconut sugar which also works well. We supply Jude with fresh ginger juice and filtered water. His fermentation process is an open-air aerobic fermentation using oxygen and sugar to create alcohol and CO2. From there, secondary fermentation starts in eating the alcohol, and that creates acidity; hence, that’s why fermentation is acidic.

How does Jude contribute to the untamed flavor of OliKo?

Jude gives OliKo its signature wild and funky fermented flavor. I’ve actually had to tone Jude back recently. But even toned down, Jude still produces the flavors that no other cultured ginger beer can. Jude’s untamed flavor also contributes to the explosive nature of OliKo sometimes.

Any favorite memories with Jude?

Jude and I have been through a lot of ups and downs together—personally and professionally. Jude has been very explosive and I have been covered in him before. Frustrating in the moment, but pretty funny looking back. All in all, I wouldn’t trade Jude for anything.

Do you have any future plans for Jude?

My only plans are to keep the fermentation going. I plan on always using Jude throughout the life of OliKo. Since he’s a mother culture, he can be used forever. In fact, many fermenters that use cultures will keep them for 100-150 years.