E-Liquid confusion

[redraven]

Greetings all-
Pretty new to E-smoking, but quite happy with the general concept. Now, I'm trying to find some liquids I like & can stick to for general use. I've got a few questions, though...

I've tried a few different e-liquids & cartridges & have found that they all seem to be more of a flavor + smokey undertone. Sort of like the taste of a flavored pipe tobacco, I suppose. (I'm testing 0 mgs, so it's not a taste from actual nicotine). This seems to be consistently the case with everything I've tried. I find the nicotine/artificial tobacco flavors gross. I think I'm too used to the taste of burning tobacco & the tobacco clone flavors just don't do it for me. And I'm trying to quit the analogs anyhow... So, I'm wondering if there is such a thing as an E-liquid that only tastes like, say, cherry, without that smokey undertone. (Yes, sweet tooth). I've emailed several companies & they responded nicely, but didn't seem to quite understand what I was asking.

It seems like I'd be able to get that with mixing my own, since the flavorings many people are using are for baking & such. But, I'm a bit leery of getting into DIY mixing at the moment. (And it's hard to find 0 mg unflavored liquid - seems to be sold out all the time & expensive- so I'd have to actualy get into mixing the PG etc.. makes me nervous as a newbie).

Would anyone let me know if pure flavors without that strange undertone exist & which you'd reccomend? (I did find one place to get 0 mg unflavored liquid now & would be willing to spend the money for it if I knew that I'd be able to flavor it as I wished... just don't want to spend more money & continue getting something I don't want).

Also, would like to make sure that I'm not doing something wrong that is causing this. I've seen people talking about getting a burnt taste when the cartridge is not wet enough? Using Johnson Creek, for example, it said fill the cartridge to the top. Taken literally that would mean having all sorts of liquid sloshing around, so I filled it to the top of the filtery thing. And that was just too much - massive amount of the stuff getting in my mouth. One of my other liquids said 5-6 drops, which seemed more reasonable (though that liquid is awful, so I tried that amount with Johnson Creek.) Seemed better as far as strength & leakage... just a bit the first couple hits & seemed to be working okay. But, am I doing something wrong? Or do those liquids just naturally have that undertone?

Any advice much appreciated! Thanks - RR

 

[Rhaevyn]

First, welcome Redraven

Let me tell you that I remember being in your shoes only a few months ago. This is not something you will learn overnight. It's a learning curve to be sure. But it is well worth it.

After reading your post, the first thing that comes to mind is - what are you trying to get out of vaping? If you are already ready to go zero nicotine, have you already quit cigarettes? If so, why would you want to vape? I only ask because I know what the body goes through when quitting cigs. If you can go cold turkey, then is vaping only going to be a hobby? Please don't take this wrong, I am actually curious.

As far as liquids and flavor, etc. so much of this is subjective. We all have our own tastes. When I first started I was convinced I would only like something that tasted like my cigarettes. I didn't want to suck on a fruit. Well, never say never is right. Two of my favorite flavors are now pineapple and peach. (Check out Wet Your Stick, Matt's juices are amazing).

You will find that as you get used to vaping, you will learn how much liquid to use, which kind of filler or carts to use, and the flavors and vendors that are best for you. I highly recommend looking in the members area for a forum for the area you live in, if they have one. I am very fortunate to have a group here in Phoenix that meets once a month and we share mods, liquids, and have a really good time. I've learned a lot from these people.

I know others will come and tell you their favorites as well, but really - the only way you'll ever settle on what you like is by trial and error. And a LOT of reading!

Good luck to you, welcome again, and happy vaping!

 

[VapingRulz]

So, I'm wondering if there is such a thing as an E-liquid that only tastes like, say, cherry, without that smokey undertone.

Do you think that the undertones you're tasting may be the nicotine?

Many of the fruit and strong coffee flavors that I've tasted are good, but you'll find that taste is *very* subjective.

From Vapor4Life (24mg or 36mg):

• Peach - People rave about it. I hate it.
• Pear - I've seen it described as mild and flavorless but to me it tastes strongly like juicy pears. I love it.
• Cherry - Some hate it; some love it. I like it.
• Blueberry - It's just plain delicious & fruity.
• Grape - This one is a keeper.
• Banana - Excellent
• Orange Juice (not orange) - the best of the bunch!
• Watermelon - Yuck. I think that I'd like this one if I had a lower nic level. At 36mg, it's just too much.

You say that you like sweets. Some flavors that I have tried:

From Vapor4Life (24mg or 36mg)

• Peanut Butter Cup - Absolutely revolting. I hate it.
• Ice Cream Sundae - Also revolting.
• Lemon Meringue Pie - Not bad at all. Tastes like lemonade.
• Cappuccino - It's ok; not bad and not great.
• Chocolate - Some people love this one. Not me. It's just ok.

You may want to try double-flavored juices like those sold by MyFreedomSmokes. (Dawn's DIYFlavorshack also sells them but I haven't tried hers yet.)

• Keoke Coffee - Very strong black coffee flavor. My favorite.
• English Toffee - Absolutely delicious. Add banana for a real treat.
• Parliament - Tastes really crisp, sharp and a bit peppery. Not sweet like so many of the tobacco juices tend to be. My favorite tobacco-like flavor.
• Bubble Gum - Revolting. What was I thinking??

People rave about DIY Flavorshack's Red Hot ejuice and I also hear a lot of praise for Mrs. T's Bakery flavors. I am planning to try both when my bank account recovers from my latest buying spree. (Merry Christmas to ME!)

As the above illustrates, everyone's palate is very different - and I've noticed that my favorites change regularly, probably because my taste buds are in recovery after 37 years of abuse. There may come a day when I actually like the peanut butter cup e-juice. (Not anytime soon, I suspect.)

I would advise you to at least try the fruit flavors. You may really enjoy them. I would also recommend getting double-flavored juices as it may better mask the undertones that you don't like.

 

[WhatAClumsyGirl]

LOL Vaping...love your post !

I started out vaping menthol....period.

Now i find myself staying away from any tobacco flavors..and leaning towards the fruity flavors.

I thought i would love chocolate / peanut butter..but not so crazy over it once i got it.

I do love the red hots from dyiflavorshack...and i love Nhalers juice and Tasty Vapors.

The things i thought i would love i found that i didnt..and the ones i think i wouldnt care for much have become my favorite. Its an odd thing.

Anyways...Welcome to the forum and good luck. I suggest you try sample flavors until you find something you really like.

 

[bluesuede]

I'm the opposite. I find I can only take sweet stuff in very small doses. But I understand the point made about the funky undertones because I dislike those too! But there are very very good tobacco flavors out there that have none of the skunky/funky undertones and are just smooooth. One being Dunhill from myfreedomsmokes. I love that one! HV Drewbacco-1 from Nhaler is very good also. Another surprise for me was Rum and Cola 18mg from Vapor4Life. It could easily be an all-day vape for me because there's barely a hint of sweetness there.

 

[redraven]

First, welcome Redraven
After reading your post, the first thing that comes to mind is - what are you trying to get out of vaping?...

I highly recommend looking in the members area for a forum for the area you live in, if they have one...
Good luck to you, welcome again, and happy vaping!

Ahh, that's a reasonable question. In the past I've quit smoking with herbal cigs (no nicotine). I start alternating with regular smokes, then eventually just herbals, then eventually nothing unless I'm around smokers & need a little crutch. My issue is much more of a hand-to-mouth one than a nicotine craving. I spend a lot of time reading, on the computer, driving, etc. -situations that make me want to chain smoke like crazy. I know I'm not actually having a nicotine craving every 4 seconds - I'm just hooked on the physical motions.

Since the herbal thing has worked for me in the past, the e-cig sounded ideal. I've not been able to find my favorite herbals for ages & with the ban on flavored cigs, it will be worse. Plus, the fact that I'm smoking again is due to running out of herbals at a bad moment (Lots of drinking with lots of smokers. Haha.) Since I can just recharge batteries with an e-cig, I don't have to worry about running out & I can have whatever flavor I like.

I guess most people do more of a stepping down levels of nicotine, etc. but I already smoke ultra-lights. Based on past experience & my particular smoking style, this should work for me. I guess I just need a chew toy! (But things like carrot sticks or candy have never worked). I have been trying to alternate analog & e-smoke, but not enjoying the flavors I've tried, so I end up grabbing an analog.

Hrm, hadn't occured to me that there might be local groups. Probably not one here, but I'm moving to Austin in a couple months & I'm sure I can find plenty of people there. Thanks for the tip.

Also thanks for the reply & the welcome.

Do you think that the undertones you're tasting may be the nicotine?

I would also recommend getting double-flavored juices as it may better mask the undertones that you don't like.

What I'm tasting shouldn't be nicotine as I'm working with 0 mg. liquids. But, I'm trying to figure out if that's just a characteristic of all e-liquids. I'm unsure if manufacturers think "Aha, smokers, they'll want that cigarette flavor, even if there's some fruit along with it!" For me, personally, something as far from analog taste as possible is better. If I'm in love with a flavor I'm more likely to go for that than an analog when I'm simply having a hand-to-mouth craving.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will definitely help narrow down shopping. And I hadn't come across the double-strength stuff- that might work very well.

I suggest you try sample flavors until you find something you really like.

Thank you for the reply & welcome.

Trying a sampler is actually what brought up this question. I got a Johnson Creek sampler- nice flavor selection, but that's when I realized the problem. While I can taste the flavors a little, I get more of the smokey taste overall-as I said, kind of like a flavored pipe tobacco. And it's consistent with all flavors. This is with 0 mg juice, so I was expecting the juices to just taste like whatever flavor they were, not flavor + fake tobacco taste. And this has been the case with other brands as well.

But I understand the point made about the funky undertones because I dislike those too!

Thank you. I'm glad it's not just me! I have a condition that makes my senses a little mixed up - taste is super-acute, so I tend to taste things many people can't (chemicals, etc.) I wasn't sure if this was just a sensory issue on my part or a common thing.

Thank you all for the help & some great suggestions. Sorry to keep repeating the question, but I can't seem to get a yes-or-no answer. Are there liquids that only taste like fruit or whatever & don't include the tobacco taste component, or is that just how all e-liquids are? And, if so, would I be able to get rid of that tobacco/nicotine taste by using unflavored liquid & flavoring it myself instead?

Sorry for the long post - This is much more complicated than I expected. LoL.

Thanks again, everyone. - RR

 

[laurieok]

I think your problem might be the jc. All of their new recipe juice that I have tried has some underlying weird taste. I do not care for it at all. Their old stuff was not that way and I wish they would go back to it. Try Dawn at DIYflavorshack or Drew at NHaler. Their juices are made in the USA and are really good, with no underlying weird taste.

Dawns cherry taste exactly like a cherry slushie!

 

[redraven]

I think your problem might be the jc. All of their new recipe juice that I have tried has some underlying weird taste. I do not care for it at all. Their old stuff was not that way and I wish they would go back to it. Try Dawn at DIYflavorshack or Drew at NHaler. Their juices are made in the USA and are really good, with no underlying weird taste.

Dawns cherry taste exactly like a cherry slushie!

Hrm, good to know. Hadn't seen anyone comment on that.

I think all the other juices I've ended up with had some amount of nicotine because that was how they were available for sampling, so I haven't really tried a huge assortment of 0 mg yet. Just trying to narrow things down a bit so I'm not spending a zillion dollars & not knowing what I'm getting. I'll have to look through the reviews some more, but often it's hard to tell if people are talking about a flavor + tobacco flavor or a pure flavor. *shrug*

Cherry slushie sounds perfect. I'll take a look at Dawn's stuff for sure.

Thanks very much! - RR

 

[Rhaevyn]

Red, another thought, reading your responses...

Could it be possible you are tasting the primer of your atty? I know you are trying liquids and you did mentions carts, are those cartomizers? Unless I'm blind I don't think you mentioned which type of PV you're using. To me the atomizers are horribly nasty tasting at first use. I find blowing them out into a paper towel a bit, then just puffing a few drops of VG (without inhaling) helps to clear a new atty out and get it ready for good tasting liquid.

This may or may not be the case, but certainly something to consider. So, tell us what you're using and we can grab you by the shoulders and point you to the right forums/threads for info that's more than likely already been written.

Oh, thinking in terms of "herbally" you might want to check out Drew's lung juice and his other natural flavors at Nhaler.com. I am sure there are other sites with this type of thing, but I know that is available there, for a start.

 

[redraven]

Red, another thought, reading your responses...
Could it be possible you are tasting the primer of your atty? I know you are trying liquids and you did mentions carts, are those cartomizers? Unless I'm blind I don't think you mentioned which type of PV you're using. To me the atomizers are horribly nasty tasting at first use. I find blowing them out into a paper towel a bit, then just puffing a few drops of VG (without inhaling) helps to clear a new atty out and get it ready for good tasting liquid.

This may or may not be the case, but certainly something to consider. So, tell us what you're using and we can grab you by the shoulders and point you to the right forums/threads for info that's more than likely already been written.

Oh, thinking in terms of "herbally" you might want to check out Drew's lung juice and his other natural flavors at Nhaler.com. I am sure there are other sites with this type of thing, but I know that is available there, for a start.

I'm so new to this I really have no clue about the differences in hardware. Unfortunately, that's something I definitely can't afford to play around with at the moment.

I'm using the SS Choice No. 7... Doesn't seem to be a lot of information on that one in reviews. I chose that one because they had a disposable version I was able to try out before ordering a kit & I was pleased with that. The flavored cartridges I can order for it aren't bad - they do have the smokey undertone, but not as bad as the juices I've tried. They'd be tolerable, but they don't seem to come in 0 mg & are overpriced. (Think I tried the medium strength, just to check out flavors). Besides, I want yummy not just tolerable. Hehe.

So I got blank cartridges figuring I just needed to find a good 0 mg liquid. I think that's probably still where the issue is, but it could be an issue with the PV itself. I'm a bit clueless there, I'm afraid. Have no idea about issues with atomizers causing odd tastes, etc. Been reading a lot, but maybe just not looking in the right place.

(I've actually been using my rejected flavors by adding a drop of clove essential oil to them- it overwhelms the majority of the odd taste & actually makes a nice blend with some of them. But I'd like to have more choice of flavors. I love clove, but it's a bit much for all the time. And I have to use an atomizer reserved just for clove- it's so strong, it takes a lot of vaping to get it all gone. So I have to use a different atomizer if I want to try other flavors- that's a bit of a pain.)

I don't think the cartridges are are cartomizers. They are just plastic tubes with fuzzy stuff in them. (Technical term- It's not actually fuzzy, but, ya know, the filter material). The atomizer is a separate part that screws into the battery.

Been doing some more juice shopping today though & have found some that look like possibilities. I'll keep on the research, whee!

As far as herbal stuff - actually never liked the herbal cigs much, just found them the best option for my quitting process, so I'm not looking for those types of flavor. Thanks though.

Thanks again - RR

 

[fourplay]

well you should check out drews stuff anyways at nhaler.com under lung juice . don't dissmiss it as of yet reserch it. they are not herbal flavors

 

[bluesuede]

I think you have to be careful about using oilbased flavors. I think I read somewhere that they can destroy an atty. But I'm sure someone else that knows more about it will post here and enlighten us.

 

[bluesuede]

Oh, meant to post this and forgot. There are lots of fruit flavors that don't have the underlying skunk taste. Apple and Orange come to mind right away. I don't care for Pina Colada and Watermelon though and even though I don't like sweet stuff, I love Apple and Orange!

 

[Ghalenlee]

Thank you. I'm glad it's not just me! I have a condition that makes my senses a little mixed up - taste is super-acute, so I tend to taste things many people can't (chemicals, etc.) I wasn't sure if this was just a sensory issue on my part or a common thing.

Thank you all for the help & some great suggestions. Sorry to keep repeating the question, but I can't seem to get a yes-or-no answer. Are there liquids that only taste like fruit or whatever & don't include the tobacco taste component, or is that just how all e-liquids are? And, if so, would I be able to get rid of that tobacco/nicotine taste by using unflavored liquid & flavoring it myself instead?

Sorry for the long post - This is much more complicated than I expected. LoL.

Thanks again, everyone. - RR

It's possible it could be primer on the atty. But it sounds like you've vaped enough to wear that off already.

You mentioned that you have super-sensitive taste buds, so I will mention this as something I found from my own personal experience. You could be tasting the PG (or VG in some cases), it does have a flavor, it's like a strange "note" (from my point of view) on the back end of all the flavors I have tried. Most of my stronger flavored liquids hide it better, but it's there on all of them. I tried vaping the PG and the VG without nicotine or flavor and it's not strong (to me) but it is there. *shrugs* It could all just be my imagination of course, take that in to consideration.

Try some of the double flavor liquids from places like Tasty Vapor or DIY Flavorshack. Or mix your own, check out the DIY part of the forum. All of the recipes can use just plain PG or VG as a base. You can flavor as much as you wish then.

 

[redraven]

I think you have to be careful about using oilbased flavors. I think I read somewhere that they can destroy an atty.

If you're referring to the clove essential oil I mentioned somewhere, it's not really an oil per-se. Proper term would be "essence" I suppose. Most of them are extracted through..uhm...distillation or pressing, I think. Been a while since I've read about that. But I'll keep it in mind. If I can find good flavors then it won't be a concern.

Oh, meant to post this and forgot. There are lots of fruit flavors that don't have the underlying skunk taste. Apple and Orange come to mind right away. I don't care for Pina Colada and Watermelon though and even though I don't like sweet stuff, I love Apple and Orange!

Ahh, cool. Apple sounds good. Orange sounds...odd, but might end up being good. I'm narrowing down companies & will order some samplers.

Thanks for the advice.

It's possible it could be primer on the atty. But it sounds like you've vaped enough to wear that off already.

You mentioned that you have super-sensitive taste buds, so I will mention this as something I found from my own personal experience. You could be tasting the PG (or VG in some cases), it does have a flavor, it's like a strange "note" (from my point of view) on the back end of all the flavors I have tried. Most of my stronger flavored liquids hide it better, but it's there on all of them. I tried vaping the PG and the VG without nicotine or flavor and it's not strong (to me) but it is there. *shrugs* It could all just be my imagination of course, take that in to consideration.

Try some of the double flavor liquids from places like Tasty Vapor or DIY Flavorshack. Or mix your own, check out the DIY part of the forum. All of the recipes can use just plain PG or VG as a base. You can flavor as much as you wish then.

Ahh, thank you. That's helpful. Never have tried straight PG or VG so it's certainly possible that might be what I'm tasting. I'll have to do some testing. Hadn't seen anyone mention that they do have their own taste.

I'm not quite ready to get into DIY mixing - would rather avoid it if i can find some decent premade flavors, but I'm sure I'll start eventually. Hehe. So tempting to play with things. But I'll definately look into the double-strength stuff.

Thanks for the pointers. --RR