Instant Kava Tea Powder Kelai - Volcano Island’s Secret - 12+ Servings - Noble Kava Juice from Epi Island Vanuatu - Stress Release & Mood Support - Non-Habit Forming - Easy Mix 30:1 Concentrate

Kava is an occasionally fickle substance. There are a number of variables in a Kava experience, from storage/seasonality/importation/strain standards to the interaction of the Kavalactones (and their respective concentrations). Indeed, even the respective *mindset* of the Kava drinker can impact the experience. Kava is a social beverage, despite people insisting that it is best used as a sleep aid—it isn't Valerian Root or Chamomile. While it *may* promote restful sleep, I have always found Kava’s soporific effects to be underwhelming.Like the original Kava drinkers in Polynesia and the wider South Pacific, you're best served sharing a shell with a friend or loved one (ideally both are the same).With that said, I want to highlight that Coral Sea is the real deal. If you message him (it is a single-man passion project) on social media, you'll learn that he has an abiding passion for Kava. And he's serious. Before you ask, no, Coral Sea did not pay for this review. I’ve simply been meaning to try Coral Sea’s offerings for a while. By the way, his Instagram profile is a trove for anyone interested in Kava.The first thing I noticed about Coral Sea was the packaging. Finally, it seems like Kava vendors are realizing that the drink has a notable terroir. While there’s a lot of circulating information about Kava’s “bad” taste, I’d liken it to a strong herbal medicine. Indeed, after acclimating to its distinctive combination of acidity and peatiness, someone (like me) can develop an appreciation for its flavor. Among the Kava I’ve tried, Coral Sea’s Instant Kelai has a winning flavor profile. It is inoffensive. I find that the color of Kava can often hint at the upcoming flavor intensity, and Coral Sea’s Kelai falls on the “Manilla Folder” color profile of Kava vis-a-vis the “Brown Water” kind that I typically enjoy. This could be due to the fact that it is instant, but I suspect that the traditional root powder would yield a similar result.This color profile is notable, especially as Vanuatuan Kavas are known for their intensity (in a way that Polynesian ones are not). I’ll quibble with some of the packaging’s taste notes, however, as the Kelai’s taste profile didn’t strictly fit the described categories: “Cashew, Vanilla, Honey, and Cracked Pepper.” As the Kava world develops, I’ll look forward to a standardization of flavor notes/profiles. I wouldn’t volunteer myself (maybe one day!), but there are almost certainly would-be Kava sommeliers out there.Speaking of taste, I’d like to (again) stress Coral Sea as a great option for an introduction to Kava. For many people, the prospect of traditional Kava preparation—with its emphasis on pulverizing rootstock, often with ample contact from human hands—still strikes some as alien, even unsanitary. In this sense, Coral Sea’s Kelai is an excellent alternative. Preparation is simple: pour into a glass and stir. And yet, so much of what makes Kava distinctive is taking that 8-10 minutes and really pulling, pressing, and pounding out your desired Kavalactones. I think this is a matter of preference, but it still comes to mind. It just doesn’t feel *right* to only stirNow, on the subject of my experience. I am an experienced Kava drinker. And that means I’ve sampled more than a few Kavas. As you can see in my earlier review of another brand, I am a believer in Kava’s transformative potential. Alcohol abuse has done a number on our society, especially in the wake of the pandemic. With that said, I struggled to get a strong enough experience with Coral Sea’s Instant Kelai. Granted, I always enjoy my Kava experiences, but the Kelai didn’t have enough of a discernible effect on either my mood or musculoskeletal relaxation (the common distinction between so-called “Heavy” and “Heady” Kavas). A couple of caveats to this: A) I am certain that I didn’t have a “tolerance” (doesn’t exactly work like that with Kava) that would have dampened my experience. In fact, I specifically tried to only dedicate a couple of nights a week to a Kava session. B. Instant Kava is expensive (by necessity), and I could have underdosed. That being said, I think Coral Sea would benefit from separate dose instructions for those who are versed in Kava drinking and culture. The standard range of effects did apply, although. I enjoyed restful sleep and a wave of calm. The effects, however, were a little more fleeting than the ones I’ve had from traditional root powder prep.Overall, I am happy that the Kava space on Amazon hosts more reputable vendors. Kava has incredible transformative potential for growers, providing a valuable cash crop for foreign export. For instance, in places like Vanuatu, Kava is used to pay for school fees, buy vehicles and farm implements, and even provide long-neglected island communities with electricity (whether by grid or local solar generation) and sanitation. I want to underscore how critical Kava is for this purpose: unlike most agricultural commodities grown in the South Pacific, Kava is quite storable and spoilage resistant. If not Kava, then farmers are often left with few options for foreign export. Additionally, Kava is not successfully grown outside Polynesia/Micronesia/The South Pacific. It is the South Pacific’s respective gift to humanity, and, by extension, a lifeline for those who are normally at the bottom rung of the world economy, peripheral islands. If you’re interested in exploring Kava, Coral Sea’s Kelai would be a great introduction. I just do not think the price point is compatible with an experienced Kava drinker.

It works. You feel the tingle and relaxation soon after drinking. It would be nice if it was cheaper or had more servings, but aside from that, it's a good kava powder. I tried it by itself and I've also tried half a serving with coffee and it blended in well. I'm not sure how a whole serving would be though, you might get the earthy taste then.

This Coral Sea Kava tea powder is a very interesting product 👌. From my short little research on kava, I found out that it is a type of depressant drug that can give a similar effect to alcohol depending on how much you intake, making it a good alcohol substitute 👍. When taken in small amounts (as instructed by the packaging), it can help with stress & anxiety relief as well as elevate relaxation. Considering how one serving of this "tea" is 1tsp powder + 4oz of cool water, this one 0.88oz pack of powder should be able to last me a while.The tea itself does not have any strong taste/flavoring to it, (not sure how to describe it... it did have a slight herbally taste but its very light?) The powder kind of dissolves in the water when mixed but does separate when the drink settles, so it does need to be mixed well before drinking. So far, I do notice the slight mouth numbing effect that is listed in the effects description and I do feel a little more relaxed each time I drink this. I like that this can be a good alternative to alcohol and cannabis, so guess I shall continue using this occasionally when I need to unwind a little or need a bit of assistance with falling asleep.My only complaint for this product would be the packaging. It comes in a paper baggy with a zip-lock at the top, but the zipper on one side of the opening just ripped off the first time I tried opening that package.. 🥲 sad.

My usual brand was out of stock, so I tried this. Big mistake! The bag is tiny & says 12 servings, but I only got 3, with no effect at all. I’m very upset I can’t get my $ back because this was definitely a waste. I’ve tried many brands, but nothing tops Instant Koa Kava (blue bag). If you’re looking for great kava that’s convenient and a much better value, then purchase instant Koa Kava and you will not be disappointed. It comes with a measuring scoop and I stir it directly into warm water. The taste is much better than most and has an immediate effect.

Started taking this on Dec 30th every night about two hours before bed. Yes it numbs your throat and nose. Does not taste very good. The 1st night it has the opposite affect, could not fall asleep. Some nights have been better falling asleep but mostly it makes me have a very difficult time falling asleep. I have never had that issue before. I will say I did stay asleep which is good for me and if I did wake up to go to the bathroom I fell right back to sleep. I think I will look for another supplement. I also gained 2 lbs since starting which may or may not be related to this product but in any event no willing to gain anymore.

I love this stuff! Was very relaxing and tastes good. I noticed the effectiveness right away even helped with my anxiety and I slept so good afterward. Will be purchasing again

I love kava and really like the relaxing effects it has on me. This one is very nice. Pure and simple. Mix with coconut water and a splash of pineapple juice 😎

This Kava was very effective, potent and honestly the taste was not that bad. I feel like the price was a bit steep but that’s typical of a quality product that has been made with care.