Kelai Single Cultivar Traditional Grind Kava
A phenomenal single cultivar kava with an exceptionally heady character. This legendary cultivar originates from the island of Epi (Vanuatu), where it is considered to be by far the most desirable variety. So much so that most of it is consumed locally instead of being exported to far-away markets. It’s famous for its incredibly pleasant, mentally uplifting effects that manifest themselves almost instantly.
Kelai has one of the highest ratio of kavain to dihydromethysticin in the world, which helps to explain its clean profile, rapid onset of cerebral effects, minimal sedation and a fresh after-session feeling. As such, it is fantastic for resetting the mind after a busy or stressful day, simply enjoying the blissful effects of kavain, or calmly socialising with friends.
The pleasant and desirable charactetistics of kelai have been reconised by kava experts and scholars. In their seminal publication on kava, Dr Vincent Lebot, Dr Mark Merlin and Dr Lamont Lindstrom have singled out Kelai as perhaps the most pleasant and desirable kava in the world. It has been described as “the pinnacle achievement” of cultivar selection. As suggested by scholars, Kelai’s pleasant effects are a clear and logical outcome of centuries of conscious selections of kavain-rich mutations with the most enjoyable effects and the lowest potential for causing any undesirable side-effects.
Kelai is also known for its relatively mild, creamy and perhaps slightly fruity aroma (with hints of ripe bananas), as well as its unique flavour that combines nutty, almost cashewy or almondy smoothness and subtle sweetness with a bit of spicy heat (with some hint of ginger and black pepper), followed by a small dose of bitter zest.
Over the years we’ve had several opportunities to drink (and greatly enjoy) fresh (green) kelai on the islands of Vanuatu, but until now, it’s been impossible to source a sufficient quality of high quality kelai in the dried form. After several months of efforts, tests and attempts to overcome logistical challenges, we’ve finally manged to bring this extraordinary kava to New Zealand.
In order to present this single cultivar in its full glory, we are offering it at the natural ratio of around 70-80% stump to 20-30% lateral roots. This is how nature made it and we think she did a pretty good job.
Average chemotype: 421365
How to Use it?
This noble traditional kava powder requires straining (click here to purchase a high-quality strainer). We recommend using apx 30-35g per session, but note that each person requires a different amount of kava to feel and enjoy its effects. Detailed preparation instructions can be found here.
Recent Reviews
“This is the best kava to shake off all the mental clutter, stress and chaos after a busy day without getting sleepy. Fantastic refreshment for the brain, very very pleasant feeling. Good both for when I am by myself or to share with a couple of workmates”.
"Blissful. That’s probably the best word to describe it. It’s pretty amazing. Just one large shell and I felt an almost instant, beautiful wave of calm alertness, tranquility mixed with a bit of euphoria. The taste was relatively mild, actually almost pleasant. I just went outside, took another shell and really enjoyed it. Works great with the sounds of nature, but in smaller doses it can also be a great kava for calm socialising and meaningful conversations. It feels very clean and fresh”
"Unmistakably heady effects. Solely heady, or quite near it. It's VERY light and easy on the body. The effects are felt primarily behind your eyes and nowhere else. I've come to find that there can be two kinds of "heady" kavas...some are distinctly heady but also have other elements layered upon it. Perhaps that's what I'd call "heady, leaning balanced". Then there are others that are heady, but with no other layers. In my experience, this Kelai is a strongly "un-layered" heady kava. (…) The transition from sobriety to feeling my first shell kick was very noticeable, and was my favorite part of drinking this one, with that pleasurable calm swirly feeling in my eyes/head being very apparent in the beginning. As the drinking continues, I retain a more subtle and light kava vibe. For me, these kinds of kava do not build upon each other or grow into anything more layered or significant...it's all about the initial "hit"...at least at the pace that I consume. While I personally prefer a more layered kava, I definitely enjoyed the 'lighter' less bogged down feeling, reduced nausea , better post-kava appetite and minimal residual morning sluggishness...that's where these cultivars really shine for me. This is a pinnacle daytime kava, one that allows you to get some chill vibes in, while still being physically willing and capable of doing active things”
