The Solomon Islands are comprised of a chain of islands that essentially spill out from the eastern part of Papau New Guinea. During the colonial era, the British called the Solomon Islands "the Happy Isles"because of the graceful countenance of the archipelago's inhabitants (excepting the headhunters, of course) and today one can visit the Solomons and continue to find some of the world's most gentle and friendly people. Kava is not widely consumed in the Solomon Islands and, indeed, when I visited the Solomons to do anthropological research in the summer of 2009, I didn't encounter one single Kava bar. It would be very interesting to know where exactly in the Solomons this Kava comes from.
That being said, I have never seen a more beautiful looking Kava than this Solomon Island's Kava, nor have I ever felt a Kava like this Solomon Islands Kava. As I will describe below, this Kava has a very strong mental impact and a totally different physiological impact. I titled this entry "In a League of Its Own" for a good reason: Solomon Kava feels and tastes like a completely different plant than Piper methysticum. I would invite Kaiden Fox and Anthony LaRusso (regular contributors to this blog) to comment on what the breakdown feels like for this Kava, since they have also drank most of Nakamal at Home's Kavas and commented on their variable chemotypes and their respective effects. I for one am still trying to get into Kava jargon, but as a social scientist most of the complicated terminology flies right over my head.
Before I talk too much about the flavor, I want to say something about how this Kava looks. To me, it looks a lot like hot chocolate that someone has decided to add a lot of creamer to. It has the most calming, appetizing look of just about any Kava I have ever seen. Too bad I never created a category for the aesthetics of Kava. And no, I won't start today. So, let's take a break and take a look at a shell of Solomon Kava.
I, for one, did not find much of the peppery flavor that is described on the Nakamal at Home website and in Kaiden's review from last month. I found the Kava to have more of a general bitterness slowed down by a milkier undertone. Brewed the way I describe above, this Kava definitely didn't give me "Kava anxiety" the way that some stronger-flavored ones like Chief's Jungle do. It tastes like Tongan with perhaps a chunk of ginger and, yes, pepper added to it. But really, the peppery flavor doesn't dominate the way it does in Vanuatu varieties. To me, it is surprisingly mild compared to the euphoric chaos that ensues.
Alas, I can understand why Kaiden commented that this Kava could bring upon an unexpected emotional outcome. It is very cerebral. It has the highest "mind" effect of any Kava I have ever consumed. Most Kavas I have consumed seem to permeate my body but leave my mind relatively untouched. Well, not this Kava. In fact, it is quite close to a medium-strength cannabis buzz, or perhaps even a mild psychoactive hallucinogen. Not entirely relaxing, but more of a "lift" that is combined with a sort of introspective gaze. You could drink this Kava and go watch a jazz quartet play until dawn. It has a stimulating intellectual effect that makes you want to talk a lot, but also makes you want to be conscious of your speech. In some ways, I feel like it is the ideal Kava for me - I like to be inspired and stimulated, but also to have something prepared to hold me back. If I was forced to compare it to any other Kava that Nakamal at Home sells, I would place it somewhere between Niugini and Chief's Jungle, only with a more satisfying flavor than either of those could ever boast. On top of that, it has a longer lasting buzz that throws any notion of sleep in the near future out the door. If you are looking for a Kava that deals with insomnia and restlessness, this won't be the Kava for you.
Another feature of this Kava I want to comment on is its relationship to food. Kaiden claimed that when he drank Solomon Kava he finally discovered the true complexity of the bouquet that is a common banana. Yes, indeed. Drink a few shells of this and take a spoonful of Ben and Jerry's... dear God that tastes complicated, and about ten times better than it normally would. Another quite unusual effect of this Kava is a mild form of dry-mouth. You will feel hungry, parched, and high.
Physiologically, this stuff is a dream. You will melt into your furniture. Every muscle in your body will turn into jelly and you will lose whatever soreness has been bothering you. I can see this stuff being peddled as sports medicine, or for people who are suffering from arthritis or joint pains. It is really quite therapeutic, and one thing I noticed after taking three shells of this was that the numbness on my lips, in my throat, and around my jaw didn't slip away. After three hours, it is still there. Extremities will become numbed - fingers, toes, and ears all tingling in bliss. Really, really satisfying.
I would picture the ideal evening to drink Solomon Kava as such: you have been working hard all day and you are very sore, but you want to go out with some friends anyhow. You are a bit tired and need a bit of a pick-me-up, but nothing that will make you irritable or anxious. You don't feel like sleeping anytime soon, but want to take the edge off. Drink three shells of Solomon Kava and you will be set.
For Solomon Kava I want to start a new trend - Taste, Psychoactive (Mind) Effect, and Physiological (Body) Effect.
Taste 8/10
Mind Effect 10/10
Body Effect 9.5/10
Strength - Very strong
Nakamal at Home's Solomon Kava - 9.2/10
After reading this review, I decided to try buy some Solomon. I only wish this was posted two days ago when I placed an order for my favorite, Stone.
ReplyDeleteAvid reading of this blog, thanks for the reviews.
For the record: this Kava doesn't have a "next day" effect. It is really quite surprising, considering how instantly and powerfully it hits you when you drink it. With Solomon, you can get krunk on a weekday!
ReplyDeleteHi Douglas. I was wondering, do you drink a shell every 10 mins or so. How about snacking in between shells? I assume a shell is 4oz?
ReplyDeleteI have also decided to buy some Solomon after reading this review. I can't wait for my order to come in. This will be my first kava session.
ReplyDeleteYou can get krunk on a weekday with this, but not a weeknight if you've had any caffeine. The insomnia risk is pretty high, as le Kavasseur alludes to. I had some around 11:15 to Midnight on Sunday, and pretty much lied awake in bed wishing I could sleep until 5:30 AM when suddenly 22 hours of straight wakefulness hit me all at once.
ReplyDelete"Hi Douglas. I was wondering, do you drink a shell every 10 mins or so. How about snacking in between shells? I assume a shell is 4oz?"
ReplyDeleteYou can drink it however you want, but I usually drink a full-to-the-brim shell and see how I feel. After that, I drink accordingly. With Solomon, I'd be careful how quickly you down this stuff. It is pretty damn strong.
Douglas, Kaiden:~
ReplyDeleteThanks for the invitation to comment on Solomon's chemotype. Loved Kaiden's review on this strain; informative, personal, smart; Douglas' current review adds to it v. well.
I found it interesting what Kaiden said about the anger amplification. Disinhibitedness with Amplification, Agreed. Loved Solomon Island’s variety. New favorite. Instantly goes to head. Easy euphoria. Nice numbness (pronounced, long-lasting) which seems connected to muscle-easiness; a kind of sway-fulness, a danceability in one’s step. Easy to get excited about things, easy to focus on a subject, or conversation. In that way, it feels “stimulant”-ish, but with the sway-ful background behind it.
My scoop with Kava evenings goes something like this: After arriving home, start preparing it at 6:30’ish, & set up the re-brew of the grounds for my refrigerator (for a few more nights of refrigerated brewing)(as Douglas points out, I have found second brewings of Solomon’s very strong, perhaps 75% as strong as 1st brewings!!!); have first half-cup at 7:30pm.
Don’t know where I read to wait 20-30 minutes before the next cup. But it feels just about right. Like Douglas, I like to have about 4 or 5 shells. So I would NOT have an entire session of the long-acting varieties (Chief, Stone, Wow) – unless it’s a ¼ or ½ shell tiny addition as amplification – but tend to go for something like Tongan, or Solomon’s. Tho Solomon’s, at full-strength, can keep you awake.
So, I dilute the ratio a bit. My Solomon’s ratio is: ¾ cup Kava to 3 cups water. Therefore half-cup dosages (4 oz.), i.e. 1 “shell”, clock in like this: 7:30pm, 7:50, 8:10, 8:30, 8:50. I like the way this extends the experience for a couple of hours & then gradually wears off within another couple of hours. No, I would not snack between shells (empty stomach best both for effects & for anti-nausea). Dinner at 9, sleep by Midnight-ish. Tongan strain: definitely sleepier, drowsier earlier.
If I had to guess the chemotype I’d guess Solomon’s would be more like a 462351 or 465321? Legend: 1) demethoxy-yangonin (DMY); 2) dihydrokavain (DHK); 3) yangonin (Y); 4) kavain (K); 5) dihydromethysticin (DHM); & 6) methysticin (M). First three kavalactones in chemotype code for the chemotype represent 70+% of total kavalactone content. Popular Vanuatu chemotype examples--246531 & 426135-- have dihydrokavain, kavain & methysticin as the first three lactones.
ReplyDeleteRe: kavalactone specific attributes, Lebot thought that the DHK & DHM, in unusual, less-popular strains -- seem to be the chemicals that make for “two-day” (tudei) effects – & for nausea. Kavain (hi-% desirable) is most quickly absorbed & its relaxant/anti-depressant effect goes most quickly to mind/body; numbing. Others: Methysticin is noted as “Slow; Sleepiness, muscle relaxant”. DMY & Y seem to be somewhat of a mystery. Also, sum is greater than the parts of the whole.
Kaiden said Solomon’s Island variety was a Creeper variety; quite possibly whicamanii variant, because it was in the growing range of that wild variety, with chemotype possibly closer to NAH’s Chief’s Jungle (as an aside, Lebot says “Vanuata High Chief Mix’s” [similar?] chemotype is 426135). Good educated hypothesis to keep in mind. Chief’s Jungle prob. has more DHK/DHM (“2” or “5” in chemotype) because there is that tudei/ nausea effect. Solomon’s has something that either minimizes that or has a different predominant kavalactone combo…? Also, wish I knew Yangonin or DMY effects -- hard to find research on these -- as these may prove to be significant lactones in what I will now call “The Solomon Effect!” Bula.
Anthony, Ive read quite a few of your comments and Im impressed with you knowledge. Im fairly new to Kava and Im looking for a Kava with sedating, euphoric kava to also help with my insomnia, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
DeleteRon
First of all, thank you for all your reviews, i know im speaking for everyone getting into kava when i say they are more then helpful, good job :D. As for soloman, I use this stuff before i go to work, as its like no other kava ive ever tried. I usually dilute me kava alot more then usual (6-8 cups of water + lecithin) and it does not give me a sleepy effect but leaves me feeling calm and relaxed, as i suffer from mild anxiety. Therefore I pretty much call this the "daytime kava". Without this site I would have no clue which one to buy or try out, so thanks again for taking the time and money to write these reviews, i really appreciate it!
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteAmazing stuff. I ordered some and anxiously awaited it in the mail!.
ReplyDeleteI only used 1/2 cup of kava with 2.5 cups of water (1 cup cold coconut water, and 1.5 cups near boiling water)..... it was PERFECT. I had no Kava in my system previously, but the effects got me right where i needed to be.
First shell or so I wasn't really feeling it, However i started to notice a tingling sensation in my body, and my "Inner Chatter" started to change. My normal anxious thoughts began to shift to a relaxed state of mind. The come up however had some moments of panic (probably due to PTSD from a bad psychedelic experience I had in high school.) So im gonna say the moments of panic were likely a result from the fear of a new strain (not the kava itself).
After playing team fortress and getting giggly, i decided it was time for a bike ride. I downed 3 more shells in hopes the effects would be stronger and got what i asked for (almost too much)! While riding my bike within 30 min. I REALLY noticed the effects. My body was relaxed and my mindset started to turn to a sort of introspective haze. My vision started to get a little "drunk vision" and noticed i was slightly swerving on my bicycle.
All and all it was a pleasant experience. Good bang for the buck
ok, based on this review I just bought some Solomon. Can you direct me to a URL on how to prepare for a total newbie? Thanks!
ReplyDeletejust drank my first shell of Solomon's five minutes ago. 1 cup kava to 4 cups water and used lecithin. very nice. the second brew of the reused root looked just as nice as the first batch (not sure I kneaded first batch enough, but no matter - this is fine). very relaxing. needed this. thanks.
ReplyDeleteok, I'm back. :-)
ReplyDeletejust had my second shell.
niiiice. bula.
one thing I notice is how incredibly enjoyable listening to music is. anxiety relief is awesome, lip's numb, but man does music sound awesome. bula, bula, bula......
uggh. poured incorrect amounts (had 4 eight ounce shells). nauseous, but fighting it off. still feel good and live and learn...
ReplyDeleteuggggh. just vomited. definitely going to stop at 3 four ounce shells next time. wow...still don't feel bad, though.
ReplyDeletemust. respect. the. kava.
Yes, respect the Kava indeed.
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose you can suggest a NON-'Nakamal at Home' alternative? I found this from another post which said this, Chief's Jungle, or Stone from the same company are "An alcohol-replacement for a Saturday night".
ReplyDeleteNakamal at Home are ridiculously expensive for overseas shipment compared to most other places ($40-$55 shipping cost, more than the actual Kava if sticking to the smaller sized packets to avoid Customs' expenses), so I'd be interested to find an alternative.
Thanks for this amazing blog/resource
Well, this is my favorite kava by far. It seriously is a breathe of fresh air in a stressful world. Also, I used to always strain the nasty bottom of the batch. Buttt i just put the bottom into a coffee monster (my addiction hahah) and omg im krunked to the max and have been for the last hour. I will never strain the bottom anymore. Holy geez. If you are on the fence on trying this stuff, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! It is unlike any kava I have came across. Nakamal at home makes some superb kava for real, It is a little pricey, but man the effects are worth it. And soloman is no exception! With soloman, you CAN get krunked on a week DAY. Yes people DAY. It will not make you that sleepy. Also a tip for newcomers, If you dont like the taste of kava (which most people dont), I use Coconut Coffee Cream Coffee Mate to mask the taste. it almost brings out the good in the kava without totally ruining it. Just my 2 cents :)
ReplyDeleteI have a tincture of Solomons Kava that I place 4 full droppers under my tongue and let sit. The taste isn't bad, can cause some numbness on the tongue but it goes away. Combined with a little blue lotus, yesterday I was relaxed and almost sleepy, which is good because I have very bad anxiety and panic attacks. I'm on high doses of benzos and am trying natural ways to control these. So far, I'm super happy about this product and love that I do not have to do anything to it! Very convenient and great price from my vendor!
DeleteI have a tincture of Solomons Kava that I place 4 full droppers under my tongue and let sit. The taste isn't bad, can cause some numbness on the tongue but it goes away. Combined with a little blue lotus, yesterday I was relaxed and almost sleepy, which is good because I have very bad anxiety and panic attacks. I'm on high doses of benzos and am trying natural ways to control these. So far, I'm super happy about this product and love that I do not have to do anything to it! Very convenient and great price from my vendor!
DeleteAn alternative Solomon Islands Kava? Lot's of great alternatives to Nakamal at Home in general, but as far as I know this is the only Solomon Kava on the market. And believe me - it is a great Kava. This is one of the Kavas that I actually feel like I underrated. It should be closer to a 9.5 or 9.75.
ReplyDeleteAnd seriously Douglas, thank you for this awesome resource for kava!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, to me it is a solid 9.7, a GREAT variety. Man I love this stuff.
ReplyDeleteNo problem, it's fun to do this blog :-)
ReplyDeleteYou do it very well, Douglas. Let me know if you ever write a book or anything, I would pre-order that stuff lol. Also, Im trying to make a account on your kavalounge.com and when making a account I cannot see the words to type in to show im human. I updated java, but still no luck. Any suggestions?? I want in on the kava discussions too
ReplyDeleteI just brewed all I had left, and good riddance. Seriously, it's too strong for me.
ReplyDeleteThis Kava is great. We make ours a little weaker on the weekdays. We like to blend 6 tablespoons of Solomon, and 6 table spoons (3/4 cup)of Chiefs Jungle to 1/2 gallon of water. The effects are awsome. Totally relaxing. Some Kava actually makes me irritable, But not Solomon and Chiefs. Have to really watch out if driving.
ReplyDeleteI do have to agree with Kaiden, irritability is definitely there with this one. I feel like the conditions need to be PERFECT when I'm krunk of Solomon, or else I feel somewhat irritable and uncomfortable. Perhaps mixing this with the more euphoric wow! variety may help to eliminate that. The natural "high" that one gets by engaging in meaningful social conversation may also alleviate this, and I'm trying hard to do so (it's hard to convert people here in the Midwest!). Nonetheless, one of my favorites.
ReplyDelete^Actually, the "irritability" factor may simply be a slight change of effects under certain contexts. While sitting in a comfy chair/couch in silence, with ambient light, the feelings seem to be those of, overall, a fairly strong euphoria, a gentle yet profound warmth, and a "spacey" cerebral effect. If the environment or situation changes (such as the TV, or people being present), these effects change slightly to a "cooler" feeling, an urge to converse intellectually (which may be mistaken for irritability), and a less spacey, more clear mind. Then, of course, multiple shells later, krunkness dominates all! Lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for this amazing blog! I just came across it while researching to make my first Kava purchase. I was all set to order Solomon, following your description of its effect (everything you described sounded like exactly what I'm looking for), only to see it is no longer in stock! Can you (or anyone else here) recommend the closest alternative (any brand)? Definitely something social and not sleepy! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if anyone here has any idea about the kavalactone profile of Solomon Island Kava. This one was the coolest and most unique I've tried so far, and I'd like to find something even a little bit similar. Do you think it's high in kavain? Or is it high in DHM?
ReplyDeleteI read somewhere that KBR's Waka Kava and Tongan Pride mixed was similar, but I can't vouch for that myself. I'll prob give it a try soon though.
ReplyDelete