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.

I’ve been genuinely impressed! The quality is amazing: it’s fresh, finely ground, and super easy to prepare. I could feel the effects within minutes — calming, grounding, and perfect for unwinding without reaching for anything that throws me off balance.As someone who values natural wellness and a clear mind, this has become a favorite in my routine. Whether I’m relaxing after a long day or setting the vibe for a mellow creative session, Coral Sea Kava has been such a soothing addition to my ritual.Highly recommend if you’re looking for a gentle, natural way to relax and reconnect — especially if you’re sober or mindful about what you consume.

Here are my initial thoughts:The taste is very smooth and surprisingly pleasant. Also, the numbing effect is faint. I was concerned it wouldn't be effective considering its subtle taste, but was surprised after two servings! Definitely a positive for those who desire the effects of kava without a strong taste. First serving brought a subtle feeling of calm and I could feel my muscles start to relax. Second serving delivered the familiar vanuatu ease and relaxation to the mind and body, and was slightly sedative. It started softly - but noticeably - and lasted around two hours. Im certain that a third serving would have been a great night cap. I drank the kava with a friend, who had a similar experience. We were both surprised by the pleasant taste!I'm not too familiar with instant kava yet I'm very impressed with the product and I think I'll be buying again in the future.

***UPDATE*** After a 2 day break, I tried two heaping tsp. and this time looked at my mixer instead of just washing it and as you can see, there's a decent amount of root fiber for an a "dehydrated", instant, powder kava.I really don't like leaving this bad of a review. As someone who's been taking kava for almost 3 years this is overpriced and beyond underwhelming. I was in a pinch and taking off for the weekend and this was the only next day delivery available for instant.This isn't heady, heavy or uplifting. If I'm being honest, it has the effects of a second or third rinse kava. I figured at 30 bucks for LESS than an ounce, it would at least be decent. I started with the recommended tsp. and waited 10 - 15 minutes, nothing. So I quickly whipped up a second serving, nothing. I stopped there because I didn't want to get an upset stomach. I feel it's worth mentioning I hadn't had any kava for exactly one week. After a horrible drive Thursday, all I wanted was to unwind. Come Friday, I took a heaping tsp. and chugged it hoping I just needed a larger dose. NOPE, still not even just a little relaxation.In close, do yourself a favor, order the 8oz. Yellow bag for twice the cost, vs. Less than an ounce. It works and is more of a heady, micronized kava.

This tea is good, and although I saw it was pricey for a small bag, I didn’t mind because I needed it. I will say the same as another commenter mentioned, it takes more than one serving to feel an effect (that could be because I was severely stressed too). I ran out of mine so fast. It was a really nice drink though. I warmed a mug of milk, sweetened it with dark bourbon barrel maple syrup, and then put the powder in and frothed it….. I can’t imagine drinking it any other way. I don’t know why I decided to make it like this, but it was a really delicious treat!!!! It makes your mouth nice and tingly. Tastes good, although like I said, I added it to maple sweetened whole milk. I’d buy more, but I will look around for more product for the cost now that I know I needed about 5x the serving amount to chill me out. Very good for drinking before therapy. Or with a friend.