Not all nicotine is peppery or spicy starting out, it's true that some manufacturers come up with a harsher product than others (sometimes purposefully, since some people actually like that sensation.) It is also true that when nicotine oxidizes, it may become more harsh. There are not only flavors but also additives that can give a throat hit, as well as PG.
If you are anti throat hit there are also other alternatives, like nicotine salts which have been converted to a salt form by using malic, benzoic, or citric acid, and some folks do that at home, converting their nicotine by using citric acid .I think there is a thread on it somewhere. However, many DIY vendors will offer a nic salt version if that's something you are interested in, it's usually a bit more expensive than freebase, but most manufacturers will also send a free sample for the cost of shipping, so it might be a less expensive way to see if it's for you. There are also premade nic salt juices you can purchase, as well.
I used nic salts in the beginning because I was in such respiratory distress overall the LAST thing I wanted was a throat hit, and I like them. I can also tolerate freebase now.
I think there are now nic salts (at least some places) that are labelled "harsh" or "smooth" I can't say much about their differences as I haven't tried them.
Best of luck,
Anna