Vapouround magazine ISSUE 23 | Page 203

REVIEW BY BENEDICT ‘NED’ JONES Cosmoberry Ice Singa Slinga Strawb Daiquiri VG/PG ratio: 70/30 Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling VG/PG ratio: 70/30 Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild VG/PG Ratio: 70/30 Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild The Ace of Vapez describe Cosmoberry Ice as a blend of raspberry, lemon and vodka. Cocktail profiles are difficult to capture in e-liquid, so has it been done justice here? The top note is a bright, authentic raspberry. It’s sharp, sweet and has a nice floral aftertaste that really sets this apart from a candy raspberry. It’s also providing some sticky syrup connotations, without becoming overly sweet. This is supported by an equally authentic lemon accent, which enhances the raspberry top note with some citric sweetness and bright zest. The boozy vodka note is mild, but it still brings a bitter twist to the profile that’s quite unlike anything I’ve vaped before. The blend is finished with a moderate blast of flavourless coolant, which keeps things fresh. This is a fantastic cocktail e-liquid that will be enjoyed by many. Singa Slinga is undoubtedly based on the ever-popular Singapore Sling. This is traditionally a very complex flavour profile, so how does it translate to e-liquid? There’s a lot going on here, but a mild cherry comes out on top for me. It’s softer than the usual fare and doesn’t have any medicinal notes to speak of. This is supported by a one- two punch of pineapple and orange, which bring some brighter notes to the blend, along with a touch of sharpness, which is a nice contrast to that cherry top note. This is accented by a mild authentic lime note, which bolsters the sharpness of the pineapple and orange, without dominating the blend, as it can often do. The profile is finished with a subtle grenadine (pomegranate) which is only noticeable from time to time but does do some work to enhance the sharp sweetness of this blend. Singa Slinga is a complex yet uncluttered profile that fruit fans will love. Perhaps the most straightforward of the 7th Floor line-up, Strawb Daiquiri is a simple strawberry, lime and rum blend. A syrupy strawberry is the top note here. Ace of Vapez fans will be pleased to hear that this seems to be the same strawberry used in Just Jam, albeit turned down a few notches in this case. It has a bright sweetness with plenty of depth and sticky texture, perfect for a strawberry daiquiri. This is contrasted by a moderately potent sweet lime, that cuts through the top note with bright citrus and provides a nice helping of tartness. The rum element of this mix is rather subtle, but there is certainly some dark sweetness here that’s unmistakably boozy. A simple but well- balanced cocktail, great for summer. Martini Passion Coolcumber Gin Mai Tai 1944 VG/PG Ratio: 70/30 Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild VG/PG Ratio: 70/30 Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild, with cooling VG/PG Ratio: 70/30 Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild The Ace of Vapez describe Martini Passion as a raspberry and passionfruit infused martini. The top note here is a vivid passionfruit. It’s quite authentic, bringing some sharpness and tropical sweetness to the blend, but it’s a touch sweeter than the real thing, which gives it a passionfruit syrup connotation. This is supported by a moderately strong raspberry note, which enhances the sharpness of the passionfruit, whilst providing further sticky body to the mix. The profile is finished with a light boozy accent. To me, this is mostly a mild alcoholic grape, which is about what you would expect from the vermouth used in martinis. Another fantastic fruit cocktail from the 7th Floor line. Coolcumber Gin is described as a blend of traditional gin, fresh mint and cucumber. This is very unusual in the world of e-liquid, so does it work? The top note here is an authentic fresh mint. It has a very mild botanical flavour, along with plenty of freshness but also brings some sweetness to the mix. This is accented with a moderately strong cucumber note. The cucumber is just as authentic as the minty top note, bringing a mellow vegetal flavour and plenty of juicy mouth-feel to the blend. The profile is finished with a moderate gin accent, which provides a mild sharpness to the mix, along with some boozy connotations. I was quite sceptical of this flavour upon hearing about it, but in practice it’s a refreshing and light vape that’s very moreish. The Mai Tai is a popular cocktail that has gone through various changes throughout the years. The Ace of Vapez are basing this e-liquid on the original recipe, though, which calls for lime, orange liqueur and plenty of dark spirits. The top note here is a moderately strong orange liqueur. It has some bright citric tang, but also a deeper, darker sweetness and sticky body. This is accented with a more natural lime that cuts through the top note and assists with further sharpness. The profile is finished with a robust dark rum base. This provides a boost to the overall sweetness of the profile, with an almost caramelised note. It also gives the mix a slight boozy sharpness that clearly identifies the blend as a cocktail. This profile may be an acquired taste, but it’s been executed very well. Moscow Mule VG/PG Ratio: 70/30 Additional sweetener: Minimal Throat hit: Mild The Moscow mule is another classic cocktail, calling for vodka, ginger beer and lime. The top note here is a moderately potent ginger beer that is absolutely true to life. This is a flavour that is not often attempted in the e-liquid world but in this case, The Ace of Vapez have nailed it. This note brings some mild spice to the blend, along with moderate sticky sweetness. This is accented with a mild natural lime, which provides much welcome tartness to the mix, along with a boost to its sweetness. The vodka element of this Moscow Mule is quite subdued, which is likely a good thing when it comes to all day vaping. It is still present though and has an unmistakable sharp aftertaste that cuts through the sweetness of the profile. Although ice is present in the description of this one, I personally am not detecting any coolant. Another authentic, full-flavoured cocktail from the 7th Floor line. VM23 | 203