Hairy Armadillo Sparkling: A bold plan to elevate the NoLo drinking experience in Australia

Hairy Armadillo Sparkling is reshaping the NoLo (No- and Low-Alcohol) beverage space. Unlike traditional spritzes, seltzers, or mocktails, our sparkling tea is crafted for the wine occasion. Our goal was to create an alcohol-free beverage with the depth, elegance, and complexity typically reserved for a sparkling wine.

Improving diversity in Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The non-alc industry is thriving, and with it comes the opportunity for more nuanced, premium non-alcoholic beverages. Hairy Armadillo Sparkling is crafted to add diversity to this landscape, using carefully chosen tea leaves and botanicals. Just like winemaking we aim to achieve the perfect balance of acidity and tannins, creating a drink that’s not overly sweet, and feels just right in stemware.

Natural Fermentation: The Core of Our Craft

Unlike many in the NoLo space, who rely on quick acidic bases like verjuice or grape juice concentrate, we chose a longer, natural fermentation process. Over three years of refinement, we have managed to create a depth and complexity that is difficult—if not impossible—to replicate. By controlling the entire process in-house, we ensure that each batch meets our standards for quality and taste. The result is a sparkling that is light an dry with floral and fruit notes and the right balance of acidity, similar to a Brut or Blanc de Blancs – with new and exciting flavour profiles.

“Is This Just Kombucha?” I’m glad you asked.

When people hear “fermented tea,” they often think of kombucha.  In layman terms, Hairy Armadillo Sparkling is a better looking, smelling and more refined cousin.  The curated culture and modified fermentation process we use promotes different organic compounds which produce a different flavur profile. One significant distinction is that our process reduces the ratio of Acetic acid, which is the organic compound responsible for the vinegary flavour and aroma commonly found in kombucha.

To help consumers we are working on ways to visually communicate the complex flavour dimensions of our sparkling teas. By mapping key attributes—such as acidity, sweetness, floral notes, fruitiness, tannins, and mouthfeel—on a spider diagram, consumers get an at-a-glance understanding of the drink’s unique qualities. This visualization makes it easier to compare sparkling tea to familiar beverages, like wines, and helps customers quickly identify whether it aligns with their flavour preferences. The spider diagram provides a structured, clear representation of flavour complexity, guiding consumers in choosing a tea that best fits their taste and occasion.

Figure 1: Sensory Analysis of Hairy Armadillo Sparkling Tea

Rooted in Science: non-Saccharomyces and Prolonged Fermentation

Our choice of Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast was inspired by research on its impact on aroma and flavour compounds. Ogawa et al.’s study on the ‘volatilome’ of Torulaspora delbrueckii in alcoholic fermentation highlights how this yeast strain can enhance fruity and floral notes through compounds like esters, terpenes, and thiols, while limiting acetic acid production (Ogawa et al., 2022). These characteristics contribute to Hairy Armadillo’s complex aroma and body, resulting in a drink that’s elegant, dry, and refreshingly nuanced.

Our 60-day fermentation process was also inspired by the findings of Chen and Liu’s study, “Changes in Major Components of Tea Fungus Metabolites During Prolonged Fermentation” (Chen and Liu, 2000). Their research demonstrated that controlled, extended fermentation can reduce sugar content, boost gluconic acid, and keep acetic acid low. This prolonged fermentation also increases glycerol, enhancing the body and texture of the beverage.

Figure 2: Component Analysis of Hairy Armadillo Sparkling Tea

Functional Benefits of Tea

Beyond its complex taste, Hairy Armadillo Sparkling offers natural benefits found in tea itself. Teas contain nootropics and adaptogens such as caffeine, L-theanine, and polyphenols (like catechins and flavonoids). These compounds provide relaxation and mood-boosting effects similar to those often associated with alcohol, making it a great option for those looking for a satisfying, alcohol-free alternative.

A Sparkling Tea Worthy of Stemware

At Hairy Armadillo, we set out to create more than just another non-alcoholic drink. This is a refined sparkling, crafted for people who appreciate a nuanced, well-balanced drink with the quality and elegance that belongs in a wine glass. Each pour of Hairy Armadillo Sparkling delivers the delicate bubbles, refined aromas, and sophisticated profile perfect for sipping, sharing, and celebrating.

So, if you’re looking for an alcohol-free option that can elevate those life moments, look no further than Hairy Armadillo Sparkling. It’s a drink designed to offer a unique, fulfilling experience, with the depth and quality you’d expect from a premium beverage.