Palarasul Single Cultivar Traditional Kava

A single cultivar kava with a heady character.

Palarasul has long had a reputation for being one of the most pleasant and mentally refreshing kava cultivars of Vanuatu. Originally from the island of Espiritu Santo, Palarasul is among the three favourite varieties consumed at Vanuatu’s nakamals (kava bars). Unlike the other two (Borogu and Melo Melo), it more difficult to find, in part because, unlike the other two, it is only grown on one island, and in part because almost all of it is consumed within the very areas in which it’s been grown for generations.

Its appeal as a perfect nakamal kava is obvious: it’s a smooth, creamy kava with a clearly euphoric and pleasant character. It’s easy to drink and suitable for both relaxed socialising, creative thinking and relieving of mental fatigue. In our view, it is the most enjoyable of the three varieties popular among Vanuatu’s kava bar patrons. This is also backed by science as Palarasul enjoys a higher ratio of kavain and dihydrokavain to dihydromethysticin than most other varieties found in Vanuatu. The high presence of dihydrokavain likely mellows out and slightly prolongs the heady character of this kava.

Palarasul holds a rather special spot in our catalogue. It was the very first single cultivar kava that we sourced and made availabl following one of our trips to Vanuatu. We enjoyed this rare, relatively obscure (back then!) cultivar so much we decided to work on an entirely new system of sourcing and processing kava just to be able to enjoy it in its full glory. We still remember the difficulties (and joy!) involved with importing the very first batch harvested higher up the mountains in a small garden surrounded by thick, ancient forest. All that effort was so appreciated in New Zealand (and beyond) that it not only resulted in Palarasul becoming a permanent addition to our catalogue, but it paved the way for the creation of our entire range of outstanding single cultivar kavas.

Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: Natural (30-70)
Typical Chemotype: 423156
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Cerebral/heady, refreshing, gently euphoric, quick onset with relatively short duration
Flavour profile: Smooth and creamy with notes of cashew, lemongrass and spice

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.