When I reflect on this past year, I’m reminded why I started Carlington Booch. The primary driver wasn’t just to fund addiction recovery initiatives—though that remains central to our mission. It was also born out of my passion for food. If you asked my wife or anyone around me, they’d tell you I’m a bit of a foodie. Food is an experience, a form of connection, and I’ve always embraced it wholeheartedly.
Some even joke that I eat in 3D. I’ve got a pretty sophisticated palate, and it’s no surprise that kombucha—a drink that can be crafted and reimagined in endless ways—became the outlet for my creativity. But let me tell you, those first batches of Carlington Booch were far from perfect. To put it bluntly, they were a disaster. Over-fermented booch exploding everywhere was the norm, and yet, those moments brought us together as a community. We laughed through the chaos, learning and growing with each new attempt. It gave us purpose—something we could all rally around and enjoy, even if the taste left much to be desired at first.
Each time I brewed a new batch, I saw a mix of curiosity and trepidation in the faces of my tasters. With hesitant sips, they’d say, “Not bad at all,” though their expressions often betrayed
Every failed experiment and every shared laugh solidified the heart of what Carlington Booch is all about: community.
At its core, Carlington Booch is about more than just fighting addiction. It’s about finding common purpose. Our brewery is entirely run by volunteers, each on their own journey of recovery. Every week as we bottle, I’m struck by the energy and camaraderie in the room. Why? Because we’re united by a shared mission. That sense of purpose is transformative. It gives each of us a reason to wake up in the morning, to contribute to society, and to spread the message of recovery and hope.
The brewery has become more than just a workspace. It’s a gathering place where professionals, people in recovery, and everyone in between come together. It’s a space where barriers dissolve, and connections are formed. And that’s ultimately the purpose behind Carlington Booch: to “booch the gap” between individuals and communities, creating a bridge through shared purpose and collective action.
Every time you purchase a bottle of Carlington Booch, you’re not just buying a drink. You’re supporting a movement. You’re giving people in recovery a reason to smile, to work, to grow, and to contribute. You’re helping to build a community rooted in hope, connection, and purpose.
So here’s to the volunteers, the booch tasters, and everyone who’s been part of this journey. Together, we’re doing more than brewing kombucha. We’re brewing change.