Some First Impressions: Fun With Sampler Packs

[Sed Contra]

I'll complete the review as I smoke them, but some initial thoughts are in.

First, I'm relatively new to vaping, and over the last few days I put in LOTS of orders. I ordered from Johnson Creek and Virgin Vapor on the same day, and both arrived today. I'm breaking down my juice selections into three basic categories: Coffee (morning vape), Fruit (all day vape), and tobacco (evening vape).

I tested these with an eGo Twist set to 4.8v and an A6 rebuildable drip atomizer.

So...in the order that I tested them:

#1 Virgin Vapor "Organic Kona Coffee Milkshake" - Wow. I like this alot. I was afraid that it would taste too much like a milkshake, but it doesn't. Then again, what're the basic components of a milkshake? Cream & sugar...and I like my coffee with lots of cream and sugar. The flavor absolutely blows away other coffee flavors that I've tried.

#2 Virgin Vapor "Organic Double Espresso" - To me this tastes and smells like the base for the "Organic Kona Coffee Milkshake," just without the other flavors. It's very nice. I might ask for cream & sugar to be added next time.

#3 Virgin Vapor "Organic Coffee Monkey" - I was a bit skeptical about this one, but I was pleasantly surprised. At first the banana smell hit me when I took a whiff at the bottle. When I vaped it I found it sort of going back and forth between coffee and banana. It seems rather balanced. I like it. I would consider getting it again...not for an everyday coffee, but to change things up.

#4 Virgin Vapor "Organic Kona Velvet Milkshake" - No thanks. It's like the "Organic Kona Coffee Milkshake" with cake in it. No Thanks. Someone else might love it, but not me. Maybe I'll try it again after a week.

#5 Virgin Vapor "Organic Dark Roast Turkish Coffee" - This one is strong. If I ordered it again I would definitely want added cream & sugar, if not extra cream & sugar; however, what's nice about this is that its coffee flavor is very distinct from the others. It might be another one of those flavors to vape on occasion just to shake things up a bit.

#6 Johnson Creek "Espresso" - Having just vaped 5 other coffee flavors, I found this one to be fairly strong with the espresso flavor. I think that I need to revisit this one later, but it tasted alright.

#7 Johnson Creek "Merango" - Wow. Strawberries...very nice. I like this. I'm not sure that I'll smoke it straight up much, but I do like mixing various fruits as my all day vape. Unless I find another strawberry that just knocks my socks off, I'll definitely order this one again. I also tested this in an eRoll, and it's really nice.


I have more flavors to test, but I didn't want to get a headache vaping! So, I'll add more from Johnson Creek & Virgin Vapor later, and as the other sampler packs come in, I'll add my reviews in this thread, too.

Questions or comments appreciated...I'm still learning, and I'm excited to have a ton more flavors coming in the mail soon!

Additions:

#8 Johnson Creek "Red Oak Tennessee Cured" - This is a step up in the tobacco department for me. It's not harsh. Lots of vapor. I wouldn't say that it's extremely flavorful, but neither is its flavor offensive to me. Not bad. I'll have to revisit this. I don't think that it's going to be satisfying in the evening for me, but it might work as a base tobacco that I can play with. We'll see.

#9 Johnson Creek Red Oak "Vanda" - This is the vanilla tobacco flavor. Almost immediately, my wife said, "It smells like cookies." I'm glad that it smells like cookies to her instead of cigarettes, but I was hoping for a pipe tobacco with hints of creamy vanilla - not Nilla wafers! It is smooth, though, and I like the vapor production.

#10 Johnson Creek Red Oak "Solstice" - Well...I bought this one based on its description: We start with fresh juicy watermelon then add a splash of raspberry and honeydew, and finish it off with a clean, crisp cooling ice. I really dig fruity flavors, and I do like throwing in a bit of ice sometimes, too. However, smelling the bottle of "Solstice," the first scent that hit my nose was an alcohol type of smell. That made me skeptical, and the flavor did not deliver what I expected whatsoever. I'll revisit the bottle in a few days, but so far it has been rather underwhelming. I can still mix it with other fruity flavors, so it certainly won't go to waste. Maybe I just need to give it some time; maybe I built it up too much in my mind.

#11 AVE "Boba's Bounty" - Based on my faith in the folks here, I didn't bother getting a sampler size; instead, I got 30 ml. My first impression was favorable. It tasted rather like graham crackers straight, and was very pleasant. I'm going to put it away for a month, but so far I'm impressed. Nice throat hit and vapor. I'm looking forward to this developing with steeping.

#12 Mt. Baker "Butter Cream" - I actually did not order this; a 15 ml bottle came for free. I particularly like how the Mt. Baker label includes the date that this juice was made - that's a nice touch! Well, right off the bat, my wife said, "It smells like butter cream!" I vaped it straight up, and it tasted like butter cream, too...but butter cream is not a flavor that I would want to vape by itself. However, I added some of the Johnson Creek Merango (strawberry), and it tasted great: Strawberry Butter Cream! Very nice. I've read that Mt. Baker juices can benefit greatly from steeping, so I'm leaving the cap off for a few hours, but otherwise, I think that I can use a few drops here and there to add to fruit flavors on occasion, and because I won't be vaping it straight, it'll just continue to get better over time. It should last quite a while that way. Lastly, I want to stress that this bottle came for free; maybe they sent it because this was my first order from Mt. Baker, and I did not order any juice. I'll definitely be ordering some juice from them next time, though...just not sure what yet!

 

[EleanorR]

Nice reviews, and congrats on the switch to vaping!

One bit of advice: most made-to-order juices benefit greatly from steeping at least a week; ALL benefit from a good shaking prior to each time you dispense them from the bottle.

Bit #2: Your taste buds will continue healing for at least a month or two; juices you like now may lose their appeal down the road, while juices you don't care for at the moment may suddenly become very enjoyable.

As for tobacco vapes: you are in for many treats. I would advise you to first try out Halo's tobaccos (pricey, but in a class of their own as far as arti-baccos go); and for naturally extracted tobaccos, try Ahlusion (try the non-aromatics first) and Quick Nic Juice.

For more information and insight into NETs, please join us here:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-liquid-discussion/274904-natural-tobaccos.html


BTW, love your avatar!! (Go Fr. Z!)

 

[Shadowdax]

Nice Reviews Thank you

 

[Sed Contra]

As for tobacco vapes: you are in for many treats. I would advise you to first try out Halo's tobaccos (pricey, but in a class of their own as far as arti-baccos go); and for naturally extracted tobaccos, try Ahlusion (try the non-aromatics first) and Quick Nic Juice.

Thanks. Halo is already on the way. As to Ahlusion, I was actually thinking of trying a few aromatics first! Why are you suggesting otherwise?

BTW, love your avatar!! (Go Fr. Z!)

Thanks. I figured that somebody would "get it" - not everybody, for sure, but somebody! We shouldn't have to leave who we are at the door when we come here...thanks for noticing!

 

[EleanorR]

Thanks. Halo is already on the way. As to Ahlusion, I was actually thinking of trying a few aromatics first! Why are you suggesting otherwise?


Thanks. I figured that somebody would "get it" - not everybody, for sure, but somebody! We shouldn't have to leave who we are at the door when we come here...thanks for noticing!

Well, by all means dip a toe into the aromatics (may I suggest Maple Burley or Sweet Georgia Peach?), but be warned that those are, um, very very manly (super-strong, no-nonsense!) tobaccos. (One advantage to the aros is that they do NOT require steeping.) You may love them. I myself am a bit of a wuss, and so prefer the slightly less aggressive non-aromatics!


Ahlusion also makes the most authentic fruit vapes I've ever tasted, and incredible teas (which play a lot like a tobacco). OK I'll just say it, Ahlusion is my number one vendor!

 

[Sed Contra]

#8 Johnson Creek "Red Oak Tennessee Cured" - This is a step up in the tobacco department for me. It's not harsh. Lots of vapor. I wouldn't say that it's extremely flavorful, but neither is its flavor offensive to me. Not bad. I'll have to revisit this. I don't think that it's going to be satisfying in the evening for me, but it might work as a base tobacco that I can play with. We'll see.

 

[Sed Contra]

Well, by all means dip a toe into the aromatics (may I suggest Maple Burley or Sweet Georgia Peach?), but be warned that those are, um, very very manly (super-strong, no-nonsense!) tobaccos. (One advantage to the aros is that they do NOT require steeping.) You may love them. I myself am a bit of a wuss, and so prefer the slightly less aggressive non-aromatics!


Ahlusion also makes the most authentic fruit vapes I've ever tasted, and incredible teas (which play a lot like a tobacco). OK I'll just say it, Ahlusion is my number one vendor!

I was actually thinking about the honey one, myself. I will proceed with caution! I'm really looking for a very aromatic pipe tobacco kinda vape - not a cigarette type flavor. It seems like, mostly later in the evening, I want a pipe vape to relax with. With real pipe tobacco, I'm fan of cherry, honey, and vanilla. Maple sounds like something that I'd try, but I'm not sure that peach is what I'm looking for!

I'll keep that in mind about the fruit vapes, too. I'm loving fruity stuff for my all day vape, and I especially like having various flavors that work well together so that I can blend whatever I feel like.

Thank you.

 

[Sed Contra]

#9 Johnson Creek Red Oak "Vanda" - This is the vanilla tobacco flavor. Almost immediately, my wife said, "It smells like cookies." I'm glad that it smells like cookies to her instead of cigarettes, but I was hoping for a pipe tobacco with hints of creamy vanilla - not Nilla wafers! It is smooth, though, and I like the vapor production.

 

[EleanorR]

I was actually thinking about the honey one, myself. I will proceed with caution! I'm really looking for a very aromatic pipe tobacco kinda vape - not a cigarette type flavor. It seems like, mostly later in the evening, I want a pipe vape to relax with. With real pipe tobacco, I'm fan of cherry, honey, and vanilla. Maple sounds like something that I'd try, but I'm not sure that peach is what I'm looking for!

Thank you.

You are most definitely looking for a NET in that case, and you are in luck -- most of the top NET vendors specialize in authentic pipe and cigar juices (e.g. cavendish, burley, perique, etc.) Your best bets may be GoodEJuice, QuickNic, and this brand new excellent vendor:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/e-cigarette-suppliers-forum/440872-naturally-extracted-tobacco-grand-opening.html

Happy sampling!

 

[Sed Contra]

#10 Johnson Creek Red Oak "Solstice" - Well...I bought this one based on its description: We start with fresh juicy watermelon then add a splash of raspberry and honeydew, and finish it off with a clean, crisp cooling ice. I really dig fruity flavors, and I do like throwing in a bit of ice sometimes, too. However, smelling the bottle of "Solstice," the first scent that hit my nose was an alcohol type of smell. That made me skeptical, and the flavor did not deliver what I expected whatsoever. I'll revisit the bottle in a few days, but so far it has been rather underwhelming. I can still mix it with other fruity flavors, so it certainly won't go to waste. Maybe I just need to give it some time; maybe I built it up too much in my mind.

 

[Mike Sheda]

For those flavors that you think milk and sugar would help, try to get some Whipped Cream, it adds just that little something extra to the tank

(yes, your allowed to mix juice when your dripping... 2 drop of this, a drop of that, and another little drip of this!..... ahhhh... perfect!)

 

[Sed Contra]

For those flavors that you think milk and sugar would help, try to get some Whipped Cream, it adds just that little something extra to the tank

(yes, your allowed to mix juice when your dripping... 2 drop of this, a drop of that, and another little drip of this!..... ahhhh... perfect!)

Actually, I ordered a bottle of sweetener from Ms. T's Bakery for that purpose. I tried a whipped cream flavor from a local shop, and it was disgusting...but, yeah, I was thinking that same thing. I don't know, though; so far this Organic Kona Coffee Milkshake from Virgin Vapor is pretty darn good - no extra cream or sugar needed!

 

[Mike Sheda]

Actually, I ordered a bottle of sweetener from Ms. T's Bakery for that purpose. I tried a whipped cream flavor from a local shop, and it was disgusting...but, yeah, I was thinking that same thing. I don't know, though; so far this Organic Kona Coffee Milkshake from Virgin Vapor is pretty darn good - no extra cream or sugar needed!

I use MBV Whipped Cream. Goes great with Liqua Tiramisu (at 5.69 for 30ML, it can't be beat)

 

[Sed Contra]

Interestingly, Mt. Baker included a 15 ml bottle of 1.2% Butter Cream in my order for free. I don't think that it would taste good with my coffee, but I just tried a few drops with Johnson Creek Merango (strawberry) and it was incredible.

 

[Sed Contra]

#11 AVE "Boba's Bounty" - Based on my faith in the folks here, I didn't bother getting a sampler size; instead, I got 30 ml. My first impression was favorable. It tasted rather like graham crackers straight, and was very pleasant. I'm going to put it away for a month, but so far I'm impressed. Nice throat hit and vapor. I'm looking forward to this developing with steeping.

#12 Mt. Baker "Butter Cream" - I actually did not order this; a 15 ml bottle came for free. I particularly like how the Mt. Baker label includes the date that this juice was made - that's a nice touch! Well, right off the bat, my wife said, "It smells like butter cream!" I vaped it straight up, and it tasted like butter cream, too...but butter cream is not a flavor that I would want to vape by itself. However, I added some of the Johnson Creek Merango (strawberry), and it tasted great: Strawberry Butter Cream! Very nice. I've read that Mt. Baker juices can benefit greatly from steeping, so I'm leaving the cap off for a few hours, but otherwise, I think that I can use a few drops here and there to add to fruit flavors on occasion, and because I won't be vaping it straight, it'll just continue to get better over time. It should last quite a while that way. Lastly, I want to stress that this bottle came for free; maybe they sent it because this was my first order from Mt. Baker, and I did not order any juice. I'll definitely be ordering some juice from them next time, though...just not sure what yet!

 

[jstaubin]

I was actually thinking about the honey one, myself. I will proceed with caution! I'm really looking for a very aromatic pipe tobacco kinda vape - not a cigarette type flavor. It seems like, mostly later in the evening, I want a pipe vape to relax with. With real pipe tobacco, I'm fan of cherry, honey, and vanilla. Maple sounds like something that I'd try, but I'm not sure that peach is what I'm looking for!

I'll keep that in mind about the fruit vapes, too. I'm loving fruity stuff for my all day vape, and I especially like having various flavors that work well together so that I can blend whatever I feel like.

Thank you.

Vaperite Honey Horn tobacco is wonderful! My favorite honey NET!

 

[Sed Contra]

The package from Halo came in today, so here goes (all 1.8%):

#13 Halo "Sub Zero" - It is what it is. Lots of menthol with a hint of mint. The vapor production is decent. It rocked me on the throat hit, but that was to be expected from a strong menthol. The flavor was spot on in terms of that hint of mint. Not bad.

#14 Halo "Malibu" - I agree with Halo's description of Halo as "a frozen Pina Colada twisted inside of a light menthol wrapper." They also are right about it being smooth with a light throat hit; I doubt there would be much throat hit at all without the menthol. I could dig this on occasion.

#15 Halo "Midnight Apple" - No thanks. The vapor production is okay; the throat hit is okay; the flavor is okay. It's not for me. The tobacco is rather subtle, and the apple is definitely noticeable, but not offensive. It's okay.

#16 Halo "Tribeca" - Wow. I can't complain about the vapor production. The throat hit is great. As to flavor, I'm still learning, but this seems like a nice RY4 to me. This would probably never be an all day vape for me, but I definitely feel compelled to buy a 30ml bottle of this to have around to relax with on occasion. It tastes like a cigarette, in a sense, but there's definitely a caramel flavor almost like kettle corn. I'm not picking up the vanilla yet, but what I really like about it is the tobacco. Not only would this be nice on occasion in the evening to relax with, but I can see it coming in handy for those times when I'm craving a real cigarette.

#17 Halo "Voodoo" - WOW! I don't know what to say. I'm picking up raisins and cinnamon, a bit of vanilla...it kinda reminds me of a bread pudding or something like that. It's rich. Then it does change; it really is the weirdest thing. Notes of fruit, light tobacco...spice. Decent vapor production, quite a bit less throat hit than Tribeca, but enough; the flavor, though, is really enjoyable. I want to get a 30ml bottle for special occasions, like an after dinner type, dessert-type vape. I don't think that I could vape this for long, but I definitely want it around!

 

[STLJohnny]

I don't think I saw this mentioned but any order from MBV over $15 they will send you a free 15ml sample usually 12mg. If you want a specific juice and mg you can do so in the comment section. The $15 purchase can be anything not just on juice.

Nice reviews

 

[Sed Contra]

I don't think I saw this mentioned but any order from MBV over $15 they will send you a free 15ml sample usually 12mg. If you want a specific juice and mg you can do so in the comment section. The $15 purchase can be anything not just on juice.

Nice reviews

Thanks. I figured that out yesterday and placed another order today, actually. I wish that I knew earlier that I could make a request on the freebie - thanks for letting me know!

 

[Sed Contra]

#18 Halo "Southern Classic" - I'm not sure about this one. I didn't order it; it came for free. While Tribeca and Voodoo tasted great with no steeping, I'm wondering if this one could benefit from a good steep. The description from Halo is that it is smooth and light, but it seems like neither to me; it tastes harsh and strong. Their description mentions honey, citrus, cloves, and vanilla; I taste none of them. There's something going on in the background, though. So the vapor production and throat hit are both great, but I'm really not digging the flavor. I'll revisit this one in a week or so to see what happens.