There is a flurry of activity in the ecig world to get product out before the FDAs August 8th deadline. I am especially skeptical about new items launched in the past two weeks, as i question if these products are truly fully baked.
I saw Cloudride’s post about launching their site a week before the FDA regs take effect. It appears they have been working for months on this venture, and they seem very mature and well funded. Their graphic design is contemporary and very well done. There design is unique with no signs of “cloud bro” tackiness or ripping off established brands in vaping or other industries. The packaging is refined, and I read on their Facebook page that they are producing a television spot. Their flavors are unique, and their slogan is “Created by Chefs, Tested by Scientists.” This slogan is understated. They have hired a James Beard Award winning chef. There are 20 or so chefs awarded the James Beard Award each year. It’s like being named to a professional sports all star team or winning a Tony/Emmy/Grammy/Oscar. They have state-of-the-art, US based facilities run by experts from the chemical manufacturing industry. These facilities, expert people, and marketing are not cheap.
I really wanted to try this juice. Based on the information found, this company is ready for the long haul and not a two year stint. I think they are worth watching.
Now, put aside the pretty marketing, lab certifications, and the resumes of the staff. Can they make good juice? The answer is yes. This is great juice. I tried all six of the C9 flavors and I liked each one.
I was fortunate enough to get the full line in the “retail” sample for the launch sale price. This was six bottles in a boxed set of sorts. Great display and I appreciate the work done to accommodate my request, as this was intended for retail shops, not end consumers. The bottles are contained in a cylindrical box similar to an ice cream container. Personally, I think they should make this available for sale.
Now, the juices. I got 3mg in all. Most are high VG (80/20 or 70/30). All are smooth with no peppery taste from the nicotine.
Tobac Elope- 70/30 VG PG. Tobaccos, Cantaloupe, and butterscotch. The inhale is sweet with ripe cantaloupe (almost mangoish) with a creamy richness from butterscotch, and the exhale is less sweet, with earthy, spicy tobacco, the melon rind crispness of cantaloupe, and a hint of the butterscotch. The melon lingers longest after exhale. It all works very well together. This is a juice I could crave.
Share a Moya- 80/20 VG/PG. This is described as cherimoya in Vienna cream with cookie crumble. I have never had cherimoya. I can describe the flavor in the juice as the initial rich taste of a banana without the heavy banana aftertaste. Maybe a sweet, mild plantain? There is also some pineapple. The exhale is like one of those vanilla oreo with added stuffing. Again, a juice I could vape all day.
Perfect Pina- 80/20 VG/PG. The description indicated pineapple, orange, tangerine, and vanilla. I was thinking this was to be a Pina Colada; however there is no coconut, which I always thought was a requirement for pina colada. The pineapple dominates with a light citrus aftertaste. The pineapple is sweet and tastes juicy, like a can of crushed pineapple. The light citrus at the end finishes it cleanly.
Smokey Oakey- 80/20 VG/PG. Oak, smoke, and brown sugar are the flavors indicated. Inhale is sweet and the light woody flavor hits on the exhale. It reminds me of the barrel aged juices I have tried as well as a milder version of Sloth Sauce’s Brown Sugar Bacco. It is surprisingly the mildest flavor of the group. It has more brown sugar than oak.
Lovin’ Ylang- 80/20 VG/PG. Ylang-ylang, vanilla, and coconut are combined together in this juice. This is a rich juice with the vanilla and coconut creaminess giving it the body. There finish is clean, sweet, and slightly floral. It is like a lip balm or if you accidentally would get some scented lotion on your lips.
Tale of Taro- 80/20 VG/PG. This contains flavors of taro root, creme fraiche, and strawberries. The taro root is really hard to describe. It has a starchy, slightly bitter taste. To me, it is like a uncooked potato with a hint of crab apple. The taro flavor dominates the juice and the creme supports the starchiness. The finish has a touch of strawberry that really completes it. This is a very unique juice. It is not something that can’t be an ADV, but it is not for everyone.
Overall, this juice is excellent quality with flavors I have never seen in juice. If you want something very different from a lot of what is out there, definately put this on your list to try.