Bir Kar Single Cultivar Traditional Grind Kava
A prized and rare cultivar of balanced-heady character.
Named after the red(ish) colour appearance of stems (the word “kar” means red), this cultivar came into existence in the heartland of the lush island of Espiritu Santo (Vanuatu). This is also the only place in the world where it is currently cultivated and greatly appreciated by the local communities.
Bir Kar has a complex character with a solid balanced base fired up by a good dose of refreshing and pleasant heady bliss. It has been described by researchers, Dr Vincent Lebot and Patricia Simeoni, as a fine example of a high quality, “fast acting and strong” cultivar.
Curiously, some experienced kava connoiseurs like to compare its effects to those of the praised Hawaiian cultivar Papa Kea (though perhaps it might be more appropriate to compare Papa Kea to the much older Bir Kar) as both cultivars offer an enjoyable body-oriented “muscle melting effect” mixed with warm and pleasant waves of kava euphoria.
Bir Kar is also quite famous for its unique flavour and aroma combining classic Vanuatu peppery bitterness with surprising notes of roasted peanuts and dark chocolate. As always, we made an extra effort to meticulously clean and peel every single root to improve the taste and texture.
In order to present this plant 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: 423561
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.
Reviews
“The aroma of Bir Kar stood out as smelling a bit like peanut butter when the powder sits in hot water, and the flavor was quite gentle, with a chalky, nutty, roasted flour taste. It was also noticeably numbing, which is an effect I almost never experience anymore except for when I drink recently processed Kava Society products...or fresh green kava.
The psychoactive effects of Bir Kar were pleasant, a good after-work/early evening kava. A Soothing calm and noticeable relaxation is felt almost immediately, but it's light and clean enough to maintain a steady manageable buzz for a good duration before the sedation kicks in. It's balanced but leaning toward heady, and it did have the ability to fully & pleasantly innebriate me after having several shells, which is a major plus.”
