I agree with you. The nicotine makes for a much harsher hit. As an analog smoker, I need the nicotine. My wife bought some nicotine free liquid, and it doesnt have the same punch as mine. The flavor she has is a Lychee flavor by The Mitsu. As far as flavor goes, it really is very nice. The problem is that there is almost no smoke, and you can puff away all day and still need to go outside for a smoke break.