Enough money for one or two kava varieties next month; suggestions?

[Blomdor]

I've been trying out mostly very heavy, sedative kavas e.g. Koniak, Nambawan, and Boroguru thus far. Much as I enjoy being sedated, it would be nice to have a kava that was as good or better in terms of euphoric, anxiolytic, and/or relaxing effects without producing a strong desire to sleep. Based on the reviews that I have read thus far, I'm considering Fu'u and Melo Melo for my next two kava purchases. Wouldst thou have any further recommendations? All advice is very much appreciated.

On another note, I find it fascinating how variable the effects of particular strains of kava are from person to person. Koniak seems to effect me relatively less powerfully than is often reported on the forums, yet an equivalent bowl of Nambawan makes my head swim, my vision blur, and sometimes even produces an almost hydrocodone-esque euphoria. It is my favorite kava at the moment because of how thoroughly my brain and body appear to respond to it in comparison to other strains. My bag of Boroguru is as yet unopened, so I am eager to see if it measures up. Reports on the forum have given me high hopes as to its effectiveness.

Finally, while I am jabbering: my standard preparation now consists of one cup kava to three cups water, sometimes followed by a second wash. This is taken in one go, without breaks in between gulps. Is this excessive? I'm a large person and am able to consume things most people would not, so it did not strike me as being too much until I watched some videos and realized that most people seem to use smaller servings. Anyone else regularly consume 24 ounces or more of grog in one go?

Hope no one minds my inane rantings.

EDIT: I am honestly considering having another fresh 24 ounce bowl, or perhaps a smaller dose, but then again perhaps the reason I need such quantities to get the effect I'm looking for is reverse tolerance still being an issue. Not sure.

 

[Alien]

I have yet to tear into my Nambawan, personally. Melo Melo and Boroguru are extremely similar to me and, probably because I'm still a newbie, it's too hard to distinguish between the two.

I am on a quest sort of like you though-- I wish to find the most uplifting, euphoric and/or stimulating kavas out there as opposed to the sedating ones. Sedation has its time and place for sure but I've always enjoyed being more euphoric and stimulated than anything else. Needless to say, I look forward to the responses here.

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

With your description of Nambawan, I think you'll end up prefering it, over Boroguru.
When it comes to Heady/Uplifting Kava's that aren't very sleep inducing/sedating...I can personally vouch for Kavaboy's kava, but you'll blow through it quick.
Any hawaiian kava that Gourmet Hawaiian Kava has available would also match what you're looking for and also, most likely, be more potent.
Fu'u and Tongan Pride are also options. But the current batch of Tongan Pride isn't 100% heady.

Most people do drink less at one time...and spread them out a bit. But not everyone. If you can seem to glug it all down without any ill effects...It's probably fine.

 

[kavadude]

I would recommend melo melo and fiji waka. I personally don't like fu'u because of the superfine grind.

1 cup is quite a lot compared to most, but we all have different tolerances. I'll drink 2/3 cup a night, although I space that out and eat a meal in between. Are you drinking it on a empty stomach? You may find that allows you to get by with less.

 

[Blomdor]

Thankee all for taking the time to reply. Is awfully nice of ye.

@kavadude: Almost always, yes. I'm finishing off the night with the last of my Koniak mixed with just a bit of Nambawan, equal to roughly 2/3rds a cup, actually, and it's been about...two, maybe two and a half hours since my last snack. Usually I wait much longer, or even do not eat at all before drinking kava. I will probably tone down my usage to save money if nothing else. Even when restricted to the weekends, my current rate of consumption is a bit expensive. Fu'u's extremely fine grind is something I've heard much about in reviews, and I've bought a very sheer, fine strainer bag for when I do decide to try it out.

@Alien: Enjoy. I've found it to be great stuff for me. If it affects you like it does me, you might want to be a bit cautious with it. The first time I made Nambawan, I underestimated it and it knocked me flat before very long.

@shakas: Thankee! I shall certainly check these out. I seem to be blowing through kava quite quickly in any case, so no change there.

Yarr.