I've tried the kava at other kava bars and I've always maintained that what we serve is as strong or stronger. It is true that we have used very tightly woven strainer bags which do not allow very much sediment to pass through but that has always made our kava quite drinkable. If you've ever had kava served at any sort of traditional ceremony you know that the kava that is drank there is often times quite thick and contains a lot of sediment. This does make the kava a bit stronger but for some it also can make it tough to get down.
Well we've changed our philosophy at BKH. Drinkability based on flavor is no longer a top priority. We're strictly going for effect now, if the flavor of kava was already offensive, you probably weren't going to be spending much time with us anyway. If you already are a repeat customer or are a future regular we assume that you're drinking it for the effect and you either like the flavor or it isn't bad enough to keep you from drinking more. Kava has never been about taste, it is a sacred beverage revered for its ability to bring the drinker to a place of calm, peace, and comfort.
Because of a much more loosely woven strainer bag and a kava mixture that is agitated more heavily before straining we're now serving a thicker grog. Chug a shell of any of our kavas and the mouth numbing effect is amplified greatly and the physiological effect is much more intense and long lasting. This kava is so thick that if you don't drink your shell quickly, a puddle of sediment collects at the bottom. This can be remedied by spinning the shell on the table or swirling it like a glass of wine.
Our new, more potent kava may not sound incredibly appealing to the uninitiated drinker but trust me, this revamped kava making process is a good thing. With kava, taste is secondary. If you happen to like the flavor, as some people do, consider that a bonus. Those that are regular kava drinkers at BKH are already raving about the new prep method, so come in with some good company, sit down with a shell or three, and chill.
