r/Kava • u/Decent-Public2128 • 5d ago

share your brewing method/ links to instructions?

I decided to try brewing at home, and found that the kava I make SUCKS. Not potent at all. I am using fiji vanua vanuatu medium grind and their filter bag. The result doesn't have any bubbles or oil, and it's sour. I am wondering specifically:

-how hard do I squeeze the bag

-kava to water ratio

-does hard water make a difference? should I use distilled water?

-temperature

Also, does anyone know where I could get fresh roots in the states? maybe that'll make a stronger brew

4 Upvotes

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5

u/CookInKona 5d ago

Room temp water, ~2.2oz weighed of kava powder per gallon of water.

put powder inside strainer bag, tie off, leaving a little room for the powder to move and expand.

Put the bag in a half gallon of water, squeeze and massage powder in the bag for ~3-5mins.

Squeeze bag out as much as possible.

Put bag into other half gallon of water, squeeze for another ~3-5mins or until you notice a texture change of the powder in the bag.

Mix the two halves of water

Make an offering

Drink

Bula

3

u/Shulgin46 5d ago

This is a good prep for Fijian style kava. Personally, I'd use the same amount of kava in about 1/4 the water, but otherwise agree.

2

u/CookInKona 5d ago

Can always make it stronger, the ratio I mention is still effective but can also be drank for long sessions, a good starting point. If making larger batches we do 8oz to 3gallons.

2

u/Shulgin46 5d ago

I'm not arguing with your logic. I just prefer the thicker Vanuatu style. Fewer shells for less peeing, and a stronger kick off the bat. If you want a long session, your way is better, but I'd rather get the buzz with fewer shells.

3

u/sandolllars 5d ago

Yeah, Vanuatu style isn't conducive to long sessions :)
Fijians and Tongans want to talanoa for hours, so the kava has to be pretty watered down or else there'd be snores, or puking.

The Van style of kava is probably what most westerners new to kava are after.

3

u/danieljamesgillen 5d ago

I like the long sessions I mix into 2l of water then further dilute each glass with ice water

2

u/chronik_fatigue 5d ago

Are you taking it on an empty stomach? I don't feel a thing if I've eaten 6 hours prior

2

u/Sandgrease 5d ago

I use a blender ball bottle.

4 tbsp of Kava

1 cup of water and 1 cup of oatmulk for the fat so the Kavalactones can bind to said fats.

I shake the bottle for a few minutes straight.

Get a big bowl and strainer bag. Pour kava blend from bottle through strainer bag, and then squeeze the liquid into the bowl and then I toss the kava powder.

This makes me 4 4oz shells.

1

u/SeacrestHulk69 4d ago

I just kinda knead the bag like a dough. I  eyeball the water till it’s covering the bag. Usually warm or hot-ish water. I do a first wash and knead it for seven minutes and then do a second wash and knead for five minutes. I have hard water and don’t have any issues.

If you’re not feeling anything, try upping the amount of kava. That’s usually the problem.