Since I've already made my vote public, I would also like to acknowledge that
@Kalm with Kava and
@Bula Kava House have both spent a lot of time, money and effort this year to travel to the pacific islands personally, to source good kava and build relationships. Also noted, is the great effort
@Kava Time has put into becoming the most full fledged, high quality, Fiji-centric vendor we've ever had. Also
@Kavafied, who invests in useful innovation and marketing to help the scene.
@nakamalathome who continues to put out consistent and effective kavas for over 10 yrs and has been offering nice 25% off forum discounts. And
@Gourmet Hawaiian Kava who will undoubtedly always be supplying us with a plethora of great roots, considering the added advantage of having kava plants growing like weeds in his backyard.

In fact, kudos to everyone on this list...except Hawaiian Kava Center, who I'm still mad at for sending me a bag of tudei + aerials with a Hiwa sticker on it.