Palarasul Single Cultivar Traditional Grind 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.
This kava has a soft, creamy, slightly cashewy and grassy flavours with relatively little bitterness coupled with a slightly spicy aftertaste. As always, we made an extra effort to meticulously clean and peel every single root to improve the taste and texture.
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.
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: 423156
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
“Incredibly pleasant. An interesting, soft and smooth flavour. The effects are heady, blissfully euphoric, but not as short-lived as is the case with some of the very heady kavas. This kava’s headiness is more profound, the euphoria is less sharp, but more gradual and pleasant. It’s perhaps the most refreshing kava I’ve ever had, it literally washed away all the stress, all the mental tension, anger and chaos. It offered a feeling of happy, peaceful bliss, coupled with clear thinking. One of the best kavas I’ve had”.
“A great heady kava. Just one large shell took away all the unease and put a big smile on my face. It’s also incredibly clean. I slept well and woke up feeling refreshed.”
“Very easy to drink, creamy in the front, slightly peppery on the tail end. Effects-wise, I was expecting it to be a really light, 'empty' one-sided heady kava...but instead it was a nice mix of effects. It was definitely less physically heavy, but it still had a nice warm, dreamy mental sedation feeling mixed with headiness. Together, those two vibes combine into a satisfying balanced effect to me”
