REVIEWS
REVIEWS
JUICE REVIEWS BY BENEDICT ‘ NED ’ JONES
PRELUDE
Black Note ’ s products are all naturally extracted tobacco ( NET ) e-liquids . This means the flavour profiles are derived from natural compounds found in the leaf , and no further flavourings are added in order to preserve authenticity . Prelude is made using Virginia tobacco grown in Verona . The leaves are processed specially to produce a light and sweet profile . It seems to me that this very involved methodology has paid off . Prelude is an impressive e-liquid that captures the aroma of unsmoked Virginia tobacco extremely well . It has a light , almost nutty sweetness , along with some mild , earthy tones . The blend is also very smooth , which is more than can be said for many other NET e-liquids . It ’ s important to note that this does not translate to the flavour of smoking a cigarette , though , and is more akin to the aroma of the tobacco itself .
SONATA
Sonata is another NET blend from Black Note , this time derived from dark Virginia tobacco that has been heat treated and pressurised , classifying it as a Cavendish variety . This process is designed to impart a rich , bold flavour whilst maintaining natural sweetness of the leaf . I found Sonata to be an intense tobacco experience , with a complex , dark sweetness and robust earthy body . There is an almost gritty texture to the profile , which is not a complaint , though it does add some throat hit . Sonata is reminiscent of unsmoked pipe tobacco , and may be an acquired taste , but as someone who does not regularly indulge in tobacco e-liquids , I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it regardless . This will be an absolute treat for any vapers who are tobacco connoisseurs .
SOLO
Solo is the last of Black Note ’ s NET range that I have sampled for review . It ’ s described as a blend of smooth Virginia tobacco and naturally extracted menthol crystals . Menthol tobacco is one of the most ubiquitous flavour profiles in the e-liquid industry , so it was a very interesting experience trying one that ’ s made using only natural ingredients . The light and sweet Virginia tobacco is the top note in this blend . It ’ s not as heavy in comparison to the other NET e-liquids I ’ ve tried and doesn ’ t outstay its welcome . Rather , it gives way to a stunning natural menthol which is quite unlike anything I ’ ve experienced before . With hints of a true herbal mint flavour it provides an intense cooling finish to this already light profile . I cannot overstate the authenticity to this blend , I ’ m very impressed with solo and whole-heartedly recommend it to any tobacco fan .
SALTED CARAMEL MACCHIATO
Barista Brew Co do not try to hide the flavour profiles of their e-liquids with cryptic names and their own description should tell you everything you need to know about this blend . The top note is a dark roast coffee flavour , which is quite true to life and brings some bitterness to the party . It doesn ’ t dominate the blend though and is complemented well by a luxurious smothering of salted caramel . It makes for a sweet profile that lingers on the palate long after you ’ ve vaped it . The result is a silky but substantial mouthfeel that ’ s on the extreme end of the decadence spectrum . This seems to be more of an occasional treat rather than an all-day vape and it is easy see why it won Best Tea / Coffee at the Vapouround Awards this year . Those with a penchant for rich dessert style vapes will be pleased with this one .
190 | VM18
CINNAMON GLAZED BLUEBERRY SCONE
Continuing the coffee shop theme , Cinnamon Glazed Blueberry Scone is another decadent flavour profile from Barista Brew Co . Despite being a more complex blend , this is a wellbalanced e-liquid . The top notes here are primarily a candied blueberry and bakery cinnamon . This is supported by a subtle cake base , which adds texture to the mouthfeel whilst making the blend more substantive . Finally , there is an unapologetically sweet vanilla cream to round things off . Similarly to the Salted Caramel Macchiato , this e-liquid is not for the faint of heart . It ’ s a bold profile that lingers on the palate and this may be divisive to those who prefer more mellow blends . I very much enjoyed Cinnamon Glazed Blueberry Scone , but its in-yourface sweetness excludes it from being an all-day vape for me .
MAPLE BAR DONUT
Described by the manufacturer as a deep-fried donut with maple glaze , it ’ s clear that Barista Brew Co are not afraid to stick to their US based roots . This e-liquid is a bold taste of Americana that doesn ’ t pull any punches . The top note here is a potent maple glaze that brings a dark sweetness , almost akin to caramel . It ’ s sticky and luxurious , almost startlingly true to life . This is rounded out by a strong base of fried dough , that adds texture and some body to what might otherwise become a thin flavour . This is a highly accurate recreation of the intended profile , with all the sugary sweetness included and I very much enjoyed my time with this e-liquid .