Urban Farm Fermentory’s former head brewer, Reid Emmerich, is back on the job this week after he and owner Eli Cayer agreed on the terms of their business partnership.

Cayer said Reid came back to work Tuesday and will start brewing Urban Farm Fermentory’s kombucha products right away, including the seasonal chaga chai kombucha for winter.

Reid and Cayer parted ways in early summer over a financial dispute. The rift, along with an expansion of the business at 200 Anderson St. in Portland and a few other factors, led to a kombucha shortage in Maine for a few weeks this summer.

Kombucha is a fermented tea flavored with various fruits, herbs and spices. Many fans drink it for its purported health benefits, while others enjoy its slightly tart flavor and fizziness.


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