Our Single Cultivar Range

Our About Kava section provdes some basic information applicable to all kava. However, one of the most beautiful things about kava is the richness and diversity of drinkable cultivars. Each cultivar has its own unique chemistry, properties, tasting profile and aroma. Different occasions call for the use of different cultivars. Likewise, different people have their own personal favourite cultivars. So, to properly experience, understand and appreciate kava, one should try at least a couple of different cultivars and gain some basic understanding of the key cultivars and their unique features.

The Case for Single Cultivars

Traditionally growers and drinkers paid attention to the cultivar they cultivated or consumed. This remains to be the case in Vanuatu where drinkers are familiar with the most popular varieties, and many have their personal preferences or know which cultivar is best suitable for what kind of occasion.

Elsewhere in the Pacific, the existence of a much smaller range of cultivars (with most or all cultivars being suitable for daily consumption), the switch from drinking fresh/green kava to drinking kava made from dry powder (usually made up from a blend of cultivars) and the practice of diluting dry kava with large amounts of water have all resulted in the lessening of the appreciation for unique cultivar characteristics. Similarly, until recently kava drinkers outside of the South Pacific were often not aware of the differences between cultivars, nor able to source single cultivar products due to logistical and technical difficulties in guaranteeing cultivar purity.

Our Single Cultivar Range

Our range of single cultivar products is a result of several years of fruitful collaboration between us and Root and Pestle - a family owned business in Vanuatu specialising in exceptionally high quality kava processing.

We been joined by our shared passion for high quality kava and the desire to go back to the traditional appreciation for the unique features of distinct desirable kava cultivars sourced from the regions most suitable for their cultivation.

We’ve combined our scientific knowledge, experience, passion, and understanding of what makes great kava with state of the art processing methods, excellent contacts across Vanuatu, commitment to quality, and ability to guarantee cultivar purity to create this exceptional range of single cultivar products.

Each single cultivar powder showcases the amazing features of a distinct variety, the region in which it is cultivated, the skills of their growers, as well as the remarkable processing methods and attention to detail employed by The Root and Pestle team.

Cultivar descriptions

(more detailed descriptions can be found on each cultivar’s product page, just click on the cultivar name to learn more and/or purchase it)

Bir Kar: A fast-acting cultivar offering a quick mental refreshment followed by pleasant muscle relaxation. This aromatic kava is particularly good for shorter sessions, mind and body refreshment after a long day, and joyful socialising.

Borogoru: A heavier cultivar known for its soothing and gently sedating character. This peppery kava is best enjoyed later in the evening, or as a muscle-melting body refreshment after strenuous physical effort.

Kelai: A legendary cultivar of a remarkably uplifting character. A potent, fast-acting, pleasant and mentally refreshing kava with a relatively mild taste combining cashewy smoothness with a bit of zesty heat. Great for blissfully resetting the mind after a long day and for peaceful socialising.

Melo Melo: As the name suggests, Melo Melo cultivar is famous for promoting a state of pleasant mellowness. This well-balanced, bitter-sweet and creamy cultivar acts in a slow and pleasantly warm manner. Great for lazy late afternoons, slow-paced conversations and gentle body relaxation.

Palarasul: A pleasant cultivar with a slightly delayed, but clearly uplifting character accompanied by just the right amount of mellowness. Easy to drink and excellent for peaceful socialising and a gentle relief of mental and physical fatigue.

Puariki: An outstanding cultivar of heady character. This cultivar is greatly appreciated for intensly pleasant effects, smooth taste and distinct, enjoyable aroma with hints of breadfruit, nutmeg and kola nut.

Silesse: A uniquely contemplative cultivar. With a steady onset, Silesse moves easily through the mind and body delivering a deep sense of tranquility. Long lasting and great for an evening of quiet contemplation before settling in for the night.