Halo, one of our two top-rated e-liquids, is American-made. While we don’t want to say that was the only factor in our rankings, we think it’s important. Halo e-juice is definitely near the top of the line, and in large part, that’s probably due to the quality control that’s inherent in manufacturing the eliquid here instead of in China. All ingredients meet USP pharmaceutical standards and are FDA and FEMA approved. The bottles are shipped with a lot number and an expiration date; that’s unusual and we think it’s important.

As for the crucial factors in the e-smoking experience, both the flavor and throat hit of Halo e-liquid are very good. The taste of their various juices is strong but not overpowering and the tastes are authentic, quite close to those of regular cigarettes. We found the throat hit to be consistently strong, even at lighter nicotine concentrations; it’s something Halo pays attention to, so that you don’t have to increase the nicotine level in order to get the punch you expect – and that attention pays off. Of course, the higher nicotine levels (18 mg or 24 mg) are more satisfying if you’re looking for punch, but even at the ultra light (6 mg) or light (12 mg) levels, the throat hit is strong. Read more…

Perhaps the most successful two-piece electronic cigarette anywhere is from V2 Cigs. What most people don’t know, though, is that they also sell refillable cartridges and tank systems, and because of that they market a hidden gem in e-liquids.

V2 Cigs e-liquid is made according to a proprietary formula with rigorous testing standards, and some of the best flavors we’ve tasted, which earned them an editor’s choice designation for taste. The list of flavors isn’t huge, but it includes some real winners. There are three tobacco flavors: Sahara (like Camel), Congress (like Benson and Hedges) and Red (you can guess what that one is like); three menthol flavors: regular menthol, peppermint, and mint tea; chocolate, coffee, vanilla and cherry. All are available in four nicotine levels: high (18mg), light (12mg), ultra light (6mg) and no nicotine. Read more…