I've been meaning to review this kava for a while as I was a bit mean in my review of the RK/KK instant. This is the first kava that I tried and I have good memories of it after I had sorted out my prep, etc and started getting it at least a little bit right. I haven't had this kava in a while but thought I would revisit it this evening. I have a lot more to compare it to now so hopefully I can put up a half meaningful review.
I used the aluball with 2 tbsps. powder and 1.5 cups of water. I used water rather than my favourite milk to get a bit more of a feel for what it's like as is. The grind is fairly fine, not much in the way of bits in it. I still didn't find loads of sediment in the finished drink, about what I expected and I'm getting a bit more used to the sediment from the aluball now so it wasn't so much of a problem. It has a very pleasant smell and I suppose being the first kava that I ever smelt it's what I think kava should smell like. There are herbal notes in there, fresh grass moving to a hay like aroma, overall really pleasant.
The taste is quite peppery which is something I have come to associate particularly with Vanuatu kavas. It's not overpoweringly awful, in fact I find it quite pleasant but it's stronger than some kavas so I rated it a 3.
The effects build quite slowly but pleasantly into a warm glow with a good mixture of heady happiness and body relaxation. I would say this is a really good anxiolytic kava, it seems to take away all the stresses and strains of the day on mind and body equally without being overly sedating.
Overall I would say this is a really pleasant kava. If you can get past the slightly more pungent taste than some kavas then you're in for a nice euphoric yet relaxing ride.
I used the aluball with 2 tbsps. powder and 1.5 cups of water. I used water rather than my favourite milk to get a bit more of a feel for what it's like as is. The grind is fairly fine, not much in the way of bits in it. I still didn't find loads of sediment in the finished drink, about what I expected and I'm getting a bit more used to the sediment from the aluball now so it wasn't so much of a problem. It has a very pleasant smell and I suppose being the first kava that I ever smelt it's what I think kava should smell like. There are herbal notes in there, fresh grass moving to a hay like aroma, overall really pleasant.
The taste is quite peppery which is something I have come to associate particularly with Vanuatu kavas. It's not overpoweringly awful, in fact I find it quite pleasant but it's stronger than some kavas so I rated it a 3.
The effects build quite slowly but pleasantly into a warm glow with a good mixture of heady happiness and body relaxation. I would say this is a really good anxiolytic kava, it seems to take away all the stresses and strains of the day on mind and body equally without being overly sedating.
Overall I would say this is a really pleasant kava. If you can get past the slightly more pungent taste than some kavas then you're in for a nice euphoric yet relaxing ride.