A taste for spice is old. Research on our ancestors’ earliest known cooking suggests that more than 7,000 years ago people already wanted mustard, garlic, cinnamon and other seasonings in their food.
Nobody is asking for garlic vape juice, but e-liquid goes well beyond tobacco and fruit, and some of the more interesting bottles are spiced ones. We tried most of what is out there and picked our favorites. Whether you are feeling pumpkin-spicy, minty, in the mood for warm clove or after a little Mexican heat, there is something here.
Scent, taste and texture register in the amygdala, the so-called caveman part of the brain. These seven flavors give it plenty to work with.
Warm baking spices
Pumpkin Spice
It is an autumn staple, but it holds up all year. The spice profile is easy to recognize: nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and lemon, and it sits comfortably on a mild tobacco base. Most vapers who love it find it needs steeping so the smooth, rich tobacco and the spice notes even out.
Kilo White Cinnamon Roll
Fans of red jawbreakers or oversized cinnamon buns should try this one. It is bright, warm and sweet.
Orange Clove
Citrus with clove is a classic winter scent. This blend is sweet orange slices and cloves, plus a faint trace of other warm spices.
Heat and smoke
Habanero and Cocoa
For the adventurous: warm cocoa, a little fruity acidity and a touch of heat. Mexican cocoa gives it an Aztec lean. People tend to either love it or hate it, and it suits cool weather. It is not harsh, though it does kick.
The Elvis
Turning the Elvis special into vape juice sounds odd, and we think it was a good idea anyway. Smooth peanut butter, banana and smoky bacon make a strong combination.
Herbs, exotic spices and mint
Scarborough Faire
Not parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, as the name might suggest. The flavors on offer are saffron, cardamom, pepper and cloves, sold as single notes that you blend yourself.
Catmint, Spearmint and Peppermint
The three mints are each distinct. Expect cool mint with a little heat and a long finish, without much sweetness. They are good ones to share.
Mixing your own
Any of these can bring something exotic to the sweet flavors you probably vape already, and you are free to combine them until you find a blend of your own. Options include your choice of PG/VG, all-organic liquids, single notes and ready-made blends. There is more to read on the blog.