Kava's Unique Taste
Kava is made from plant roots, so it has a distinct flavor and, let's be honest, an acquired taste. Kava derives from the Piper methysticum plant which is part of the pepper family. This naturally means it has a more bitter taste. People often say it's earthy, kind of like dirt. The earthiness connects you to nature, like the soil where the plant thrives.
Like many traditional drinks, kava takes some getting used to. The first sip might be a surprise, but unique flavors often grow on you, especially with kava's effects. It can bring on a wave of calm, loosen up tight muscles, melt away stress, and set you up for better sleep.
Remember, kava taste isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It varies with the plant strain and how it's prepared. Just like different grapes make different wines, kava cultivars bring a spectrum of flavors. Some may be more mild, others robust, offering a colorful palette in the world of kava.
Some kava drinkers will use chasers like fresh fruit, hard candy, sweet fruit juice, or other options that will distract your taste buds with a new taste.
Kava's Tingle
One fascinating aspect of kava is its knack for making your tongue and lips tingle or go a little numb, also known as "kava mouth." This is a good sign that your kava is high quality and that it’s working well. Some enthusiasts find charm in this sensation, considering it part of the complete kava experience.
We highly recommend following the correct preparation method for the type of kava you purchased. First impressions matter with kava. If you don't prepare it correctly, the experience can fall flat, and many newcomers walk away and never give it a second try. That's why we've put together our top tips for what to expect the first time you drink kava, so your introduction is a good one.
Potential Kava Effects
Kava doesn’t cause just one singular feeling after you consume it. It can cause a range of sensations.
Here are just a few of the soothing effects that our customers have experienced while enjoying kava:
-
Mental calm
-
Bubbliness
-
Increased sociability
-
Lifted mood
-
Ease in falling asleep
-
Quick workout recovery
-
Relaxed muscles
-
Eased anxiety, worries, and fears
What’s a Kava Session?
Kava is rarely consumed all at once. It is traditionally enjoyed in a "session." Much like grabbing a few drinks with friends at a pub, a kava session involves sipping multiple servings over the course of an evening.
This gradual approach isn't just a fun social tradition. It’s practical, too. Because it takes 15 to 30 minutes for the effects of your first serving to kick in, pacing yourself allows you to learn how your body responds.
From there, you can decide whether to enjoy another shell based on how relaxed you feel and how long you plan to hang out.
Shell ‘Protocol’
Kava is usually enjoyed in smaller containers like shells or cups, rather than gulped down like beer or alcohol can be. Serving sizes will vary on what you’d prefer, but most of the time it is enjoyed sip by sip and at your own pace.
Enjoy Responsibly
Do not combine kava with alcohol. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after consuming it, and follow the warnings printed on your pouch.
Take a Journey into Kava Tradition
Kava's taste isn't just about what hits your taste buds; it's a venture into tradition, culture, and relaxation. The earthy tones and the kava numbness paint a flavor picture as unique as the plant itself. So, when you bring that cup of kava to your lips, relish not just the taste but the rich history and tradition that come with this Pacific elixir. And yes, it's an acquired taste, but the journey is worth it!
Koa Kava Tips
-
Give it some space
-
Many people prefer to enjoy kava when they have not just eaten a large or heavy meal.
-
Keep a chaser nearby
-
Fresh fruit, juice, or another strong flavor can help clear the naturally earthy taste if you find it strange.
-
Give it time
-
Kava can feel more subtle than some first-time customers expect.
-
Find a comfortable setting, slow down, and give yourself time to notice the experience rather than looking for something dramatic.
-
Kava can also build gradually over a session, so give it some time before deciding whether you would like more.
Related Questions
Why didn’t I feel anything the first time?
How should I be preparing my kava?
