Kelai Single Cultivar Traditional Kava
Epi's Legendary Cultivar: Fast-Acting, Blissful and Uplifting
A legendary cultivar from the island of Epi, Kelai delivers remarkably uplifting, cerebral effects that manifest almost instantly. Dr Vincent Lebot and colleagues described Kelai as "the pinnacle achievement" of cultivar selection—the result of centuries selecting for the most enjoyable effects. So prized on Epi that most is consumed locally rather than exported, Kelai is ideal for mental reset after demanding days or blissful social sessions.
What Makes Kelai Distinctive:
- Intensely cerebral and uplifting: Among the most mentally refreshing kavas available—pure heady character with minimal body sedation
- Exceptionally fast-acting: Effects onset within minutes with relatively short duration—perfect for focused sessions
- Clean, fresh experience: Rapid cerebral effects with fresh after-session feeling and no heavy lingering
- Pleasant euphoric character: High dihydrokavain contributes to notably blissful, mentally uplifting effects
- Remarkably smooth: Relatively mild, creamy taste combining nutty, cashewy smoothness with subtle sweetness and spicy heat (hints of ginger and black pepper)
- Unique aroma profile: Creamy and slightly fruity with notes of ripe bananas, dark chocolate, and almonds
- 421365 chemotype: High kavain, very low dihydromethysticin, and distinctively high desmethoxyyangonin—a unique profile contributing to Kelai's exceptionally euphoric, clean character
Kelai represents the logical outcome of generations selecting kavain-rich mutations with the most pleasant effects and lowest potential for undesirable side-effects.
Origin: Epi, Vanuatu
Chemotype: 421365
Processing: Fully washed, peeled, temperature-controlled drying
Laterals-to-stump ratio: Natural (30-70%)
Preparation: Traditional grind requires straining (view our kava strainer bag). Start with 30-35g per session; adjust to your needs. Complete preparation guide.
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Organically Grown Noble Kava
100% pure noble kava from pristine volcanic soils. Our farmers cultivate specific single cultivars in regions best suited for each variety. Each plant matures for 3-5+ years using traditional organic farming methods passed down through generations.
Always Processed from Fresh
Each batch is exclusively made from kava harvested to order - never old village-dried stock. All plants undergo rigorous assessment: cultivar verification, freshness inspection, contamination screening, and rejection of any unhealthy or damaged roots.
Cleaned and dried to fresh perfection
Freshly harvested roots are meticulously cleaned and dried using proprietary methods. The process preserves maximum potency, fresh aroma, and bioactive compounds, while ensuring food safety. Each batch is immediately vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed, locking in peak freshness.
Every Batch Tested
Our kava undergoes comprehensive testing using UHPLC analysis (superior to standard HPLC), full microbiological screening, and chemotype verification in an advanced in-house laboratory. Every batch comes with complete certificates of analysis and exceeds FSANZ Standard 2.6.3 requirements.
Check out our Certificates of Analysis