I don't think replicating what you smoked is as important as just finding one you LIKE. I smoked Marlboro Red Labels (formerly Mediums) and I have no desire to vape anything similar, and never did from the start. Also, I hated menthol cigarettes but like minty and menthol vapes.
My suggestion: give friend a variety of juices. Get a sampler, pick out some stuff you think they would like. Fruit, coffee, cupcake, and one or two menthols. Maybe one menthol tobacco and one menthol and fruit or vanilla or something. I'm usually surprised with what I like. My first vape was blueberry pie, I was obsessed. I don't think I could do it now, too sweet. Ordered a sampler, I KNEW I wouldn't like the strawberry shortcake one. It's one of my favorites now.