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 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 terrific. 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…

If we had to come up with one word to describe ELiquidPlanet, it would be “variety.” They don’t quite receive our top-rated designation, but do receive an editor’s choice nod for their flavors and selection. They have a nice choice of flavors, many of which are made in the US under more stringent quality control than overseas-manufactured e-juice. They have a good selection of both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin flavors (the VG is important for the small number of people who can’t tolerate the PG base). And they make it clear exactly what you’re getting, before you order.

The American-made e-liquid they sell is marketed under the brand name “Essence,” so you can easily find the entire list of US manufactured ejuice. There are three tobacco flavors, two menthols, two cigars and a clove; novelty flavors include two versions of strawberry, banana, double apple, coffee, mocha and chocolate, even oddball but strangely addictive flavors like anisette and Dreamsicle. They come in 15 ml bottles for $12.99 with a dropper top available for another two bucks. The strengths are mostly zero, 6 mg, 11 mg and 16 mg; most of the tobacco flavors also come in 24 mg strength. Read more…