DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free (from Viva Zen) in exchange for a review. I have chosen to post this review publicly so that perhaps it can help someone else decide whether they wish to purchase this item.
Appears to be light brown in color, smells of kava, dirt, and mint. The taste is slightly sweet but bitter with notes of chocolate and mint underneath on a gritty, sludgy body. The finish is long and fairly bitter with notes of mint, kratom, and dirt. Overall, this tastes awful, at no point is the flavor or mouthfeel enjoyable. I do also find myself wondering why both of these were sent to me by Viva Zen but the Relax & Relief says “Distributed exclusively by: VZ Distribution LLC… Phoenix, AZ” while this bottle says “Botanic Tonics LLC… Broken Arrow, OK.”
As for effects, the glass bottle and convenient markings make it easier to measure doses, and with a little bit of shaking all of the sludge from the bottom gets mixed in, though I feel that also contributes to the grittiness. Effects are essentially the same, though slightly itchy. The bottle claims to have an extra 10mg kavalactones per serving (260mg) but I don’t really notice it, however the comedown is MUCH smoother. It is nice that with both of these the kava kicks in quickly and then as it wears off the kratom kicks in.
Best by: 5/26/26
