A couple things from earlier in the thread - to my understanding, FDA requires a C of A with the shipment of every nutritional supplement. Simpley having a C of A does not mean you will get your chemotype profile, it means that certain other things (heavy metals, etc.) will likely be tested for, but not necessarily cultivar type. As soon as the HP-TLC is going in Vanuatu, all Vanna exports will have the chemotype profile available.
As per our kavas generally not having stellar reviews in the past - we kept to a coarser mill for years. In the past year or two, we have started offering 3 diferent mils, generally, with each kava. Unspecified, one gets the medium. It provides for a much better surface area:volume ratio, and makes a kava seem stronger, even thought it might not "actually" be stronger. Also, more fines tend to pass through the strainer, which makes the brew a toss-and-wash to some extent, also increasing the general perceived strength.
As per Melo Melo - that is one of the most hard-hitting kavas I have ever tried. EVER. It is prized around Vanuatu to the point where farmers often hide their Melo Melo plants in the middle of a field of tudei to discourage theft, because it is soooo strong and such a slow grower, other farmers will actually poach it. It is also generally really expensive and tough to find in the export market because of the super-high domestic demand for it. Last I looked for it, the cost of a KG, before shipping, was more than the cost of a shipped and cleared KG of any other major variety. We used it only in-house in what we call our "special kettle" where we charge an extra dollar or two for a drink, but make a stronger brew with a kava that is more rare, and did not even sell it in bulk.
It blows my mind when people assume it is "mellow" just because the words sound the same. (Another reason why knowing the chemotype is so important.) The stuff should knock off the socks. That is what they were slinging at the nakamal near the soccer field when I drank with Dr. Lebot, and I honestly had a hard time getting to shell #4. (I'm usually an 8-10 shell fellow of the 50-vatu sized ones.) Again, the mill grade makes a huge difference.
I swapped some Melo Melo with Judd for some Tanna kava back in the day, and it was really fast-hitting and sent me cross-eyed with a quickness. True, I did put it through a blender while dry, to make the mill finer, but ounce-per-ounce, the stuff is downright dangerous! I encourage you to reconsider your melo-melo. Maybe give it another blend or something - but It should rank up there with the Kaolik/Ahouia as far as having the ability to hand over your car keys in small amounts. It should be nothing to play with, and I"m sure Judd will be happy to sell you some more for an experimental run! Definitely on my top-3 list.
Anyway. my thoughts on the mill grade, and the categoization of certain cultivars.
Cheers!
Iahi
~AP