Quintessence is produced by T-juice http://t-juice.com/, a company located in London, United Kingdom. T-Juice mix, sell and distribute e-liquids. That's it. No eGo batteries, no mods, tanks, atomisers, mixing supplies, no kanthal wire, etc, etc. They make juice and they sell it. They're very serious about it too. As mentioned in my review of VampVape http://vapour-taster.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/vampvape-by-t-juice.html, they think about how their liquids impact and are apprehended by each of the relevant senses (taste, smell, sight and sound (how satisfying is that crackle and sizzle of juice vaporising on a fresh coil?), they source all their ingredients from either the EU or the US and they submit their creations to a panel of seasoned vapers for feedback prior to releasing them on the market.Quintessence is available in 10 ml (£5.95) and 30 ml bottles (£15.95) at nicotine strengths of 0, 3, 8, 11, 16, 24 and 33mg and with a PG/VG ratio of 80/20. The 10ml bottle that Quintessence (and I suspect, each of their liquids) comes in is a clear, easily squeezed plastic with a 1cm needle type dripper and a red, childproof cap. The label contains the following information: the name of the juice, liquid content in ml, nicotine content in mg, an ingredients list, the address of the manufacturer, storage advice, safety instructions, warning symbols and a tactile warning triangle which complies with EU laws regarding the storage and use of toxic substances. The label also advises that the liquid may contain traces of nuts.
On their website T-Juice describes Quintessence as "A mystical potion made from a blend of brandy, grapes and British herbs". In Alchemical lore, quintessence is the fifth substance (the others being fire, earth, water and air) which permeates and binds all that exists. Alchemical quintessence has been otherwise known as Aethyr, Vril, Chi and life force. It's what some of us might equate to the notion of spirit. So with this in mind and given the flavouring of this juice I find the name apt on more than one level.
They go on to say, "This premium juice has taken months to perfect and will not disappoint any fruit vape lover. The complexity of flavour will have you picking out different notes every time you go back to vape it." http://t-juice.com/quintessence.html
Sounds intriguing!
The colour of the liquid is a clear, very lightly tinted yellow. The aroma from the bottle is that of a sweetened non-alcoholic wine. At the front end of the aroma there's a potent hit of the acids and sugars of grape skin, which soften towards the back end with suggestions of the juicy flesh of the grape, combined with herbs indeterminate. How's that for pretentious? It smells like grape.
I'm vaping Quintessence in an Igo-L on a mechanical mod with a battery a few hours shy of a full recharge. As I draw the vapour into my mouth, before inhaling, I notice that the vapour is much less sweet than the aroma of the liquid would suggest. The taste is a somewhat earthy sweetness and the rasping pressure at the back of my throat builds quickly to a hit which outlives the exhalation. As I inhale the vapour and momentarily hold it in my lungs the taste of Brandy and herbs unfurl. I have no idea what these herbs might be, but the marriage of these with the grape is obviously the work of a very accomplished palate.
As I exhale, the sweetness and fullness of the combined flavours of grape, Brandy and herbs emerge, and I feel myself awash in happy memories of the lazy and carefree summer evenings of my youth. Aftertaste is dominated by the flavour of Brandy. As promised by T-Juice, this is an E-liquid delivering complex flavour. It's sweet with the dominant grape notes with the earthiness of the secondary herb and Brandy notes. I find it quite refreshing and would happily vape it all day long, especially in Summer and the lead up to those precious few months (here in the UK).
Throat hit is significant for an 11mg nicotine strength juice. Vapour production is good, though varies on my Igo-L depending on whether the wick is saturated (less vapour) or just about to run dry (more vapour). On the whole however, vapour production is good.
I like everything about this E-liquid. The judicious choice of name lends a depth of character and layers of meaning to the experience of vaping the juice. The flavour is finely crafted and beautifully balanced. I wouldn't hesitate in buying Quintessence and I doubt you'd be disappointed if you did the same.
