Chris was kind enough to send me a free sample of this kava together with my regular order. I was very excited to see it after reading the story behind it (it's always cool to imagine the actual producer/production process when you get your kava).
In order to give my full attention to and appreciation for this kava, I made sure I fasted for around 5-6 hours before drinking it. I came back home, dimmed the lights, played some relaxing music and began my little kava ritual. I slowly opened the little kava bag and saw the very light brown, fine (but still good for a fijian strainer) powder. The smell was delicate and almost pleasant. I took 8tbs and put them into a cup. I then mixed some warm water with coconut oil and started kneading. The water quickly turned into milky, light brown liquid that continued to smell rather delicately.
I quickly drank the first shell and was ready to drink some ginger beer afterwards (as I always do with so many other Vanuatu kavas), but then realised that I wouldn't actually need any chasers. This kava has a really smooth, fresh and mild taste. Don't get me wrong, it's still kava and you wouldn't drink it for the taste, but it is certainly one of the best tasting vanuatu kavas I've had a chance to try. It obviously has a slightly bitter, earthy flavour, but it's not unpleasant to drink.
I started feeling the effects of this kava just a few moments after the first shell. My body relaxed, my mind calmed down and I quickly recognised I was in one my favorite kava places, feeling a bit heavy and sedated, but still clear and alert. The effects are certainly not overpowering, this kava doesn't give this kind of narcotic kava high that some of the stronger vanuatu kavas (or even some of the Chris' hawaiian micro kavas) do. In sum, it's a smooth tasting kava with smooth and pleasant effects. Great for drinking during the week and/or for introducing new people into the world of kava. There are two reasons why I didn't give it 5 shells: 1) There are a few hawaiian kavas sold by Chris that most certainly deserve strong 5 shells (I am going to review at least one of them soon) and I wanted to highlight the fact htat while "Small Hands" is very good, it's still not as good as many other GHK's products; 2) I actually like this strong, narcotic effect of certain borogurus (or nambawan) and it's something I look for in Vanuatu kavas. It's just a personal preference. "Small hands" is very pleasant, relaxing and potent, but it's milder than some of the hardcore vanuatu kavas. I bet that some people might want to give it 5 shells precisely because it's not as strong (both in terms of effects and when it comes to flavour) as some of the dark borogurus.
In order to give my full attention to and appreciation for this kava, I made sure I fasted for around 5-6 hours before drinking it. I came back home, dimmed the lights, played some relaxing music and began my little kava ritual. I slowly opened the little kava bag and saw the very light brown, fine (but still good for a fijian strainer) powder. The smell was delicate and almost pleasant. I took 8tbs and put them into a cup. I then mixed some warm water with coconut oil and started kneading. The water quickly turned into milky, light brown liquid that continued to smell rather delicately.
I quickly drank the first shell and was ready to drink some ginger beer afterwards (as I always do with so many other Vanuatu kavas), but then realised that I wouldn't actually need any chasers. This kava has a really smooth, fresh and mild taste. Don't get me wrong, it's still kava and you wouldn't drink it for the taste, but it is certainly one of the best tasting vanuatu kavas I've had a chance to try. It obviously has a slightly bitter, earthy flavour, but it's not unpleasant to drink.
I started feeling the effects of this kava just a few moments after the first shell. My body relaxed, my mind calmed down and I quickly recognised I was in one my favorite kava places, feeling a bit heavy and sedated, but still clear and alert. The effects are certainly not overpowering, this kava doesn't give this kind of narcotic kava high that some of the stronger vanuatu kavas (or even some of the Chris' hawaiian micro kavas) do. In sum, it's a smooth tasting kava with smooth and pleasant effects. Great for drinking during the week and/or for introducing new people into the world of kava. There are two reasons why I didn't give it 5 shells: 1) There are a few hawaiian kavas sold by Chris that most certainly deserve strong 5 shells (I am going to review at least one of them soon) and I wanted to highlight the fact htat while "Small Hands" is very good, it's still not as good as many other GHK's products; 2) I actually like this strong, narcotic effect of certain borogurus (or nambawan) and it's something I look for in Vanuatu kavas. It's just a personal preference. "Small hands" is very pleasant, relaxing and potent, but it's milder than some of the hardcore vanuatu kavas. I bet that some people might want to give it 5 shells precisely because it's not as strong (both in terms of effects and when it comes to flavour) as some of the dark borogurus.
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