Can't Get My Kombucha Fizzy! Help!

[Butter is Better]

I have been brewing my Kombucha on a Continuous Brew for several months. I typically draw out the brewed Kombucha every 14 - 18 days, and then let it sit bottled on the counter for 3-5 days.

I have tried adding flavoring (organic grape juice, slices of raw ginger etc) to the 2nd fermentation but still no fizz!

I use e-z cap bottles (that I bought at a beer supply store).

I have made Kombucha with Black Tea, and other times with Green Tea.

I use a 1 cup of Tea & 1 tablespoon of sugar ratio when I replenish the continuous brew after I have drawn out the KT.

The continuous brew kombucha container is left on the kitchen counter covered with a tablecloth and secured with a rubber band...and I draw out the KT through a spigot.

My SCOBY grows beautifully every time, so I know it is alive....but no fizz   

Any advice???

[ps4624]

[isabchi]

[Bantams]

I would try adding additional sugar when you bottle it. 

During the fermentation process the kombucha produces CO2 gas.  Uncovered, the CO2 dissipates.  However, when it is sealed in the bottle, the CO2 stays dissolved in the liquid - and bubbles out when you open it. 

But if the culture has nothing left to feed on, it will no longer produce CO2.  So add some more sugar/food when you bottle it, let it digest that for a couple days, and hopefully it will be fizzy once opened!

Just like the champagne process...

[blizzard_babe]

Not a kombucha brewer, but DH homebrews beer (and I dabble, or more accurately occasionally help), and one thing I learned is that if you've bottled (and, like Bantams said, added a little extra sugar for carbonation), and let it sit to carbonate, it helps to refrigerate it. Something about... aw crap, I forget the reason, but basically, the chill helps the CO2 be actually in the drink and not just PFFT away when you open it.

But that's beer. Not sure how it relates to kombucha.

[Butter is Better]

Thank you for the tips ladies!

I will be bottling a new batch soon and will report back on the results!

[blizzard_babe]

Realized I wasn't very clear (was NAKing)... refrigerate AFTER it's carbonated.