Silesse Single Cultivar Traditional Grind Kava

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.

This is a rare and sought-after kava cultivar originates from and is exclusively grown in the bushlands of beautiful Malekula, the second largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago. Despite its size, Malekula is relatively sparsely populated and yet also the most ethnically diverse population in the archipelago - a reflection of the relative inaccessibility, the rugged terrain and complex, rich history of this land.

Despite being venerated by the indigenous inhabitants for generations, Silesse has rarely been available, particularly in its pure form, outside of Vanuatu. As part of our mission to make more of Vanuatu’s incredible kava cultivars known, appreciated and enjoyed outside the archipelago, our Vanuatu friends made an effort to source some of the finest Silesse plants and meticulously process them to capture and preserve the unique characteristics of this cultivar.

Silesse is a strong and steady kava, with effects that begin to kick in fairly quickly for most, but which can continue to slowly build stronger and stronger, with some people calling it a "creeper." Its effects tend to deepen until a state of immersive inner contemplation is reached, making this noble kava one of our longest-enduring. Unlike most other kavas, Silesse is not known for being a "social" cultivar. Instead, many people find it to be powerfully introspective, making it a crucial addition to any solo kava repertoire.

Silesse has a fairly light and creamy texture, a buttery mouth feel. Its mild bitterness is mixed with notes of breadfruit and a malty, cashewy aroma, accompanied by some very subtle fruity tones.

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.

LIMITED EDITION. Unfortunately, the logistical challenges involved with sourcing sufficient quantities of freshly harvested green Silesse plants, mean that for now this is a one off, limited release, at least as a pure, single cultivar product. While we will strive to source other batches in the future (especially if encouraged by your feedback), it may prove too difficult to do it on a regular basis. Certainly, once this small batch is sold out, we won’t have any in stock for at least several months.