Vapouround magazine ISSUE 21 | Page 180

REVIEWS REVIEW BY BENEDICT ‘NED’ JONES HAPPY FEET VG/PG ratio: 50/50 Throat hit: Mild Additional sweetener: Moderate BEST FRIENDS VG/PG ratio: 50/50 Throat hit: Mild Additional sweetener: Moderate FISHIN HIM VG/PG ratio: 50/50 Throat hit: Mild, with cooling Additional sweetener: Moderate ‘Happy Feet’ is described as a blend of banana, peach and pomegranate by BordO2. This is a highly unusual combination of fruits, so does it work? The top note here is a bright candy peach. This is very reminiscent of the gummy sweets commonly found in confectionery shops and brings plenty of sweetness to the mix, along with a moderate dose of tartness. This is contrasted by a more reserved candy banana note, which adds some creaminess to the profile and makes for a really unique pairing with the more dominant peach. The blend is finished with a pomegranate accent that doesn’t interfere with the balance of things but does give a slight increase to the overall sharpness of the profile. ‘Best Friends’ is described as a blend of raspberry and pastry. This is a more familiar profile, with stiff competition from other brands, so what sets this rendition apart? Raspberry dominates the blend. It’s a very authentic portrayal of the fruit and carries much more of the natural sharpness than is usually found in e-liquid. There is still some sweetness and sticky mouth-feel, but these qualities play second fiddle to the sharper notes. This is balanced with a moderately strong bakery note, which adds some substance to the body of the mix, and also lends some rich buttery flavour, which somewhat counteracts the bright raspberry. This is a competent, mature dessert vape. ‘Fishin Him’ is described as a blend of red fruits, passion fruit and menthol, making for another unusual entry in the Les Deglinos line-up. The red fruit medley takes centre stage here. It’s a bright, sweet combination of fruits which are quite hard to pick out but could well be strawberry and raspberry. This is contrasted by the tropical sweetness of passion fruit. It’s quite potent, but not to the extent that it overpowers the berry flavours and offers a modest sharpness which helps the top note pop. The blend is finished with a moderately strong menthol additive, which makes for a light and refreshing fruit vape. HELL’S KITCHEN VG/PG ratio: 50/50 Throat hit: Mild Additional sweetener: Moderate FREE HUG VG/PG ratio: 50/50 Throat hit: Mild Additional sweetener: Moderate BordO2’s choice to create unusual flavour profiles continues with Hell’s Kitchen. This is described as a blend of guava and red fruit jam, so there’s no excuse for a bland mix here. The top note is a potent candy guava, which brings plenty of sweetness to the blend, along with a mild earthy note that’s often found with this fruit. This is complemented by an intense red fruit medley. This further increases the sweetness of this profile, though I’m not sure I would describe it as a jam. To me, this is more like a candied fruit medley. This doesn’t hamper the profile, though, in fact it works very well to create a unique fruity blend. ‘Free Hug’ is described as a lemon verbena blend by the manufacturer. This is a popular herbal infusion in France, where BordO2 is based, and is made with a species of herb indigenous to South America. This is an ingredient I’ve never heard of, let alone seen in e-liquid form, which often makes for an interesting experience. The top note here is a potent medicinal lemon. It has some sweetness, but mostly brings an authentic bitterness to the blend. This is complemented by a strong herbal note and the result is a simple yet sophisticated vape, which may be something of an acquired taste. 180 | VM21