o.k. , so I am starting to write a review... not easy for me, because english is not my mother language.
Thanks to Cian from GKE for the free package which gives me the opportunity to test the current batch of this Kava. Shipment from Ireland to Germany took only a few days.
So what do we know about Malekula Magic? It is described on the VKS homepage (the original supplier) as follows:
"Our smoothest-tasting kava powder is the Malekula Magic range. Malekula Magic is made by removing all of the skin off the stump root (no lateral roots are used). It's then refined into a powder. This is done to replicate the kastom way that the villages in Malekula prepare their kava which is to remove all the skin with a piece of coral.
Rated by
Kavasseur as one of their best kava powders in the world - 9.33/10 - the Malekula range has become one of our most popular kava powders."
The GKS page explains it similar, but gives some additional informations:
"Strain: Borogu
Effect: Very Strong
Taste: Smooth as it is made using ONLY stump
This is the mildest tasting Kava blend we have, so if you are introducing a wary friend to Kava or who has a weak stomach then this is the product for them. It's not only for first timers though, and is a favourite with experienced Kava drinkers because of its stronger effects compared to other strains of Kava.
Sourced from the earthy and rich soil found in Malekula, it is an extremely smooth blend of Kava.We buy Kava straight from the growers in Malekula. It is prepared by them in the 'Kastom' (custom) Malekula method by removing a large amount of the skin, which reduces the bitter taste normally associated with Kava
from other neighbouring islands."
The Malekula Magic was one of the first Kavas I tried when I started drinking Kava in 2011. I was thrilled by the Kavasseur`s review and was very satisfied with the stuff. It had a coarse grind and tasted rellay mild. The effects were really strong. But later, when I ordered more, I was no longer satisfied. They still called it Malekula Magic, but it seemed to be a different Kava. Fine grind, other taste, very weak effects. So I was curious to see how the current quality in 2014 is.
Usually I take 10-15 gramms of Tongan Pride with about 200ml water in the morning, but I also have experience with a dozen other Kavas.
In the last days, I tested up to 20g Malekula Magic every morning, but unfortunately... I am not impressed about the effects. There is a noticeable feeling in the head, but I miss an euphoric kick. I felt absolutely no muscle relaxation. What I wonder is: Is it even possible, that this Kava has very strong effects, when it contains no lateral roots?
About the taste: Compared to the Kanna Kaolik or Marang-Marang this is much less peppery. But there are definitely Kavas with a milder taste.
I hate to say this, but in my opinion this is a very weak and decent Kava. It has definitely not the same quality as the stuff I had in 2011 and is probably also not the same Malekula Magic that the Kavasseur has rated.
The best I can say is that it really seems to be better tolerated by my stomach and intestinal than other Kavas.
But be aware: Kava effects are not equal for everybody. So everyone's opinion is bound to be subjective. Do not stop from testing Malekula Magic and build up your own mind!
Very nice of you.
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