Bir Kar
A prized and rare “bush” cultivar of balanced-heady character.
Named after the red(ish) colour appearance of stems (the word “kar” means red), this cultivar came into existence in the heartland of the lush island of Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu). This is also the only place in the world where it is currently cultivated and greatly appreciated by the local communities.
Bir Kar has a complex character with a solid balanced base fired up by a good dose of refreshing and pleasant heady bliss. It has been described by researchers, Dr Vincent Lebot and Patricia Simeoni, as a fine example of a high quality, “fast acting and strong” cultivar.
Curiously, some experienced kava connoiseurs like to compare its effects to those of the praised Hawaiian cultivar Papa Kea (though perhaps it might be more appropriate to compare Papa Kea to the much older Bir Kar) as both cultivars offer an enjoyable body-oriented “muscle melting effect” mixed with warm and pleasant waves of kava euphoria.
Bir Kar is also quite famous for its unique flavour and aroma combining classic Vanuatu peppery bitterness with surprising notes of roasted peanuts and dark chocolate. As always, we made an extra effort to meticulously clean and peel every single root to improve the taste and texture.
In order to present this plant in its full glory, we are offering it at the natural ratio of around 70-80% stump to 20-30% lateral roots. This is how nature made it and we think she did a pretty good job.
Average chemotype: 423561
A prized and rare “bush” cultivar of balanced-heady character.
Named after the red(ish) colour appearance of stems (the word “kar” means red), this cultivar came into existence in the heartland of the lush island of Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu). This is also the only place in the world where it is currently cultivated and greatly appreciated by the local communities.
Bir Kar has a complex character with a solid balanced base fired up by a good dose of refreshing and pleasant heady bliss. It has been described by researchers, Dr Vincent Lebot and Patricia Simeoni, as a fine example of a high quality, “fast acting and strong” cultivar.
Curiously, some experienced kava connoiseurs like to compare its effects to those of the praised Hawaiian cultivar Papa Kea (though perhaps it might be more appropriate to compare Papa Kea to the much older Bir Kar) as both cultivars offer an enjoyable body-oriented “muscle melting effect” mixed with warm and pleasant waves of kava euphoria.
Bir Kar is also quite famous for its unique flavour and aroma combining classic Vanuatu peppery bitterness with surprising notes of roasted peanuts and dark chocolate. As always, we made an extra effort to meticulously clean and peel every single root to improve the taste and texture.
In order to present this plant in its full glory, we are offering it at the natural ratio of around 70-80% stump to 20-30% lateral roots. This is how nature made it and we think she did a pretty good job.
Average chemotype: 423561