Table of Contents
Mountain Oak Vapors Reviewed
Introduction
There aren’t many Vapers in the USA who haven’t heard of Mountain Oak Vapors… despite the fact that they have been around just a little over one year. Our very first review of MOV (Mountain Oak Vapors) was published during our 1st Annual July is eJuice Month. MOV had launched the business a mere 3 months prior to that, in April of 2012. The amount of growth MOV has seen, and the stellar reputation it has achieved is staggering, and the direct result of Steve Nair and his remarkable creativity and talent for creating eJuice Vaping public, and the wonderful team of people that are dedicated to making Mountain Oak Vapors the best it can be.
In just 15 months Mountain Oak Vapors has expanded its number of eLiquids, is reaching exponentially more retailers across the country, ramped up its wholesale division, launched a very successful retail store in Tennessee, and constructed a new state of the art production facility (featured earlier this year in Spinfuel eMagazine) that is capable of producing much more premium quality eJuice than ever before, including a line of NET (naturally extracted tobacco) eJuice. MOV even performs the extracting themselves for a tighter control on the quality and consistency of their NET line of eLiquids. “Successful” doesn’t begin to describe the last 15 months.
Now, in what looked at first to be a somewhat risky move, Mountain Oak Vapors has begun the development of a “High VG” line of eLiquids that has been a major success in a very short time. Is there any doubt that MOV is always on the move, marching to a beat of their own drum, and setting milestone after milestone, as it becomes a leader in the eLiquid industry?
Natural High VG
Explaining the High VG concept in the usual low-key manner, here is how MOV describes their new line of eJuice; “A New line of Reduced PG E-Liquid flavors that contain Natural & Organic flavorings as well as Artificial Flavorings. While the specific ratio of the Propylene Glycol to Vegetable Glycerin is not disclosed, we can say that all of these recipes contain at least 60% Vegetable Glycerin or higher and while some recipes may contain artificial flavors, they all contain natural flavors as well. Those products which are 100% Natural/Organic will be labeled as such, and those which simply contain natural flavors in conjunction with artificial flavors will be noted as well.”
Is that a sexy description or what? Where in that description does MOV talk about the amazing flavors of a high VG blend, or the wonderful amount of vapor production in a high VG recipe, or even the multiple layers of complexity that is so pleasing to a Vapers palate? If its one thing Mountain Oak Vapors lacks it the talent for hyperbole. Yet, despite the low-key mannerisms these new eJuice blends are already creating quite the buzz in the vape community, as they should.
Six and Counting – As of today there are six (6) High VG eLiquids available at Mountain Oak Vapors. Unfortunately we are reviewing just three of the six, plus the eLiquid ‘Caramela’. Hopefully in the very near future we’ll bring you a review of the remaining High VG blends, as well as the remaining eLiquids by MOV that we have yet to review.
The Four
This review, our last in our 2nd Annual July is eJuice Month, will look at the following eLiquids:
- Grape Medley – High VG
- Chai Tea Latte – High VG
- Vanilla Dream – High VG
- Caramela – Dark Temptations
Not Fair? – Chai Tea Latte and Caramela have already been reviewed by our editor-in-chair. This begs the question; “Is it fair to review these flavors again?”… Naturally we think its fair or we wouldn’t do it, but it does require a bit of an explanation.
Our editor-in-chief really loved both of these flavors. He loves them enough that he’s been buying them over and over again, especially the Chai Tea Latte, but he alone does not have the power to award the two flavors with the Spinfuel Choice Award, that can only happen when 5 of us score an eLiquid with the maximum 5 Stars. Because our editor thought they were so good and deserved to be recognized by Spinfuel as a Choice Award we decided that they should go before the review panel and “get its day in court”.
The Review
Grape Medley – is described by MOV as – “Grape Medley™ is a mingling of subtle yet delicious fruit flavors with a definitive grape punch. With a somewhat sour (and pleasing) after note, this E-Liquid is sure to tickle the taste buds and please the senses. Grape Medley™ is another great addition to our Natural High VG Blends.
This E-Liquid is clear and contains no artificial coloring additives. It has a light grape aroma” – MOV
Our Team Says:
Characteristics: Grape Medley is a delicious vape with more than enough vapor production and a decent throat hit for a high VG recipe. Starkly different from the Mountain Oak Vapors signature flavor profile, it is a grape lover’s ‘dream come true’. Still, it is the first eLiquid we’ve reviewed from MOV that that strayed from the MOV profile. It is the first eLiquid we could not instantly recognize as an MOV eLiquid.
Julia: 4 Stars – Grape Medley is a very grape-centric eJuice despite the presence of other fruits in the mix. On the sweet side, it tastes more like grape jelly than grapes picked from the vine. To me, that’s a good thing.
I enjoyed Grape Medley quite a bit, though not enough to make it an all day vape. The reason has to do more with grape flavors than the quality of this eJuice. This is a naturally sweet juice with full-flavor richness and plenty of vapor. For people that like grape eLiquids this is going to be one of the best you’ve had. It’s High VG ratio works extremely well for this flavor by softening the grape-y tones and making it a gentle full-flavored vape.
Keira: 5 Stars – Grape eJuice has been a secret pleasure of mine for some time now and when I learned of Grape Medley I had to try it. The MOV High VG line is off to a delicious start already and Grape Medley only continues the streak of delicious offerings. It is sweeter than most real grapes I’ve had, both green and red grapes, so in that sense Julia is correct by saying it is closer to grape jelly than grapes from the vine. It lacks the ‘tart’ taste you can get with natural grapes and even some grape eJuices that try to be as authentic as can be to a natural grape. This is better, much better, than any other grape eJuice I’ve tried probably because of the ‘other’ fruits that have been added for complexity. For Vapers that enjoy grape flavors this is a must-try flavor.
Jason: 4 Stars – There is a lot to enjoy with Grape Medley. A sweet grape blend, Grape Medley is all about flavor. So richly infused with naturally sweet grapes and other mysterious fruits that it is hard to put down once you get a nice vape going. One confusing remark by MOV though; they say there is a ‘sour’ ‘after note’ that I could not detect. Grape Medley was sweet grapes from start to finish. I don’t think I would have liked it as much with a ‘sour’ finish. A lot of vapor produced from this high VG recipe and a more than enough throat hit at 18mg nicotine. Surprisingly flavorful, Grape Medley is a ‘grape Vapers dream come true.
Cynthia: 5 Stars – I would have easily awarded Grape Medley a Choice Award had it been up to me. This is the best grape flavor yet, and one that fills your taste buds up with the sweet taste of purple grapes (I’m guessing). I was lucky enough to vape Grape Medley for hours and hours and I could have gone on for several more hours had I not had to give in and switch to another (great) flavor. Other grape eLiquids I’ve tried in the past were not mixed with other fruits and therefore lacked a bit of the magnificent amount of vapor this one puts out. In addition, Grape Medley gives you a nice mid-afternoon, early evening complex flavor that perks you up. It’s a lively flavor profile, one that makes me smile while vaping it.
Janet: 4 Stars – Grape Medley is one of the smoothest grape vapes I’ve ever had, and this one is about the 6th or 7th grape eLiquid I’ve had in the past year or so. While other grape vapes have some form of gimmick, like a grape fizzy soda or grape sweet and sour candy, Grape Medley was a naturally sweet and rich, an almost soothing grape flavor. I know that sounds weird, a ‘soothing’ grape flavor, but that’s the best way to describe it. It invited me to vape more, to allow me to absorb the flavors, and to exhale the vast amount of vapor. It wasn’t a hard-hitting grape flavor, it was a lovely grape flavor mixed with hints of other fruits that cut the intensity of pure grapes from start to finish. I loved it. I’m not sure why I’m giving it 4 stars when it scored so well. My gut tells me it’s a 4, but a very high 4.
Grape Medley – 4 + 5 + 4 + 5 + 4 = 22/5 = 4.4 Stars
Chai Tea Latte (Spinfuel Choice Award) is described as… “Chai Tea Latte™ is a smooth & delicious blend of Chai Tea, Cinnamon Spice and creamy vanilla flavors that will satisfy your taste bud’s cravings. This flavor contains a high percentage of Vegetable Glycerin, and also contains over 50% all natural flavorings. If you’re a fan of traditional Chai Tea Latte’s then you cannot pass this one up, as the taste is simply spot on!” – MOV
Our Team Says:
Characteristics: ‘Chai Latte Tea’, the liquid you drink, is a spiced tea that is mixed with sweet milk and subtle bits of a cinnamon. It is both creamy sweet and slightly spicy. You either love it or hate it, there doesn’t seem to be much room for “eh, it’s okay”. It is, to us anyway, one of the best flavors one can experience with a cup of tea. Mountain Oak Vapors did a spectacular job of capturing a real Chai Latte Tea in vapor form.
Julia: 5 Stars – Oh how I can still hear John talk about how amazing Chai Tea Latte is. Never have I seen him so over the top when it came to an eLiquid before. I’ve seen him come close with many other eLiquids before, but this was different, he was more obsessive about it. Naturally, I expected to like it because I too enjoy Chai Tea, but I didn’t know if I would “love” it as much as he did. To my surprise, and delight, I did and still do love MOV’s Chai Tea Latte.
Chai Tea is an original flavor, as a vapor and as a drink, and nothing I’ve ever tasted compares to it. It is a distinctly ‘middle-sweet’ spicy flavor you can’t forget. Nor would you want to, unless you are one of the few that doesn’t like Chai Tea. MOV’s blend produces a complex flavor of this creamy spice, a flavor you just don’t think you can vape all day, until the day is gone and you’ve discovered you’ve been vaping it from the time you got up to the time you went back to bed some 18 hours later. For Chai Tea or Chai Latte Tea drinkers this is must-have flavor. For the others, perhaps the smaller 15ML might make more sense until you can see for yourself what a splendid vape this is.
Keira: 5 Stars – If you’ve never tasted “Chai-anything” and you hear the word “spice” you might get the wrong idea about it. This is the spice of another world, another culture, a spice that is as sweet and creamy as it is spicy, and about as delicious as anything you’ve ever tasted. For some people, like John, Julia, Tom, it can cause you to become a monogamous Vaper, a person that will vape only one flavor until they tire of it, but come back again and again because it is that good. I loved it, they loved it, and anyone that enjoys Chai Tea vapes will think it’s one of the best around. An absolutely perfect Chai Tea vape, Chai Tea Latte is an instant classic, a masterpiece of eLiquid creation.
Jason: 5 Stars – Yea, I have to agree with the group on this one. Chai Tea Latte is one of the best ‘Chai’ eLiquids around. I’ve vaped a few and none of them compare to this incredible concoction. Chai Tea Latte has this silky/creamy taste with a touch of rich spices and a nice sweet overall flavor. I keep it around now and I probably vape it 4 or 5 times a week easily. Superb!
Cynthia: 5 Stars – I really am enjoying all these High VG flavors from MOV. Chai Tea Latte has been a favorite of mine for while, ever since reading John’s review of it. It’s got a ‘sexiness’ to it, with that spice and cream thing going on, it’s very different from the usual fare and totally satisfying. It’s a great eLiquid for anyone looking for something different, but with a sweet/creamy touch and the mingling of spices. An expertly mixed eJuice of luscious tastes all rolled into one great, all-day vape.
Janet: 5 Stars – Let’s be fair here, since John’s review we’ve all been enjoying Chai Tea Latte so we have way more than 72-hours invested in it. I reorder when I get down to half a bottle just to make sure I don’t have to borrow some any from the others (I’m serious). Tons of vapor, with flavors upon flavors, this is one of the best, most satisfying eLiquids I’ve vaped this year, or any year for that matter. If you enjoy Chai Tea as a drink or an eLiquid, this is going to go straight to the top of your vape list.
Chai Tea Latte – 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 25/5 = 5 Stars
Caramela – Spinfuel Choice Award – is described by MOV as: “Caramela is an absolutely delicious blend of fresh red apple flavor, sweet & tasty caramel, and a healthy helping of soft, smooth vanilla. This flavor is born to please, and has received praises from all who have tasted it. If you’re curious about this one, we think you should give it a try, you will not likely be disappointed!”- MOV
Our Team Says:
Characteristics: An authentic caramel apple flavor profile with attitude. Not your mom’s caramel apple. Definitely an all-day vape for many, but not all. Caramela is a delicious caramel apple for Vapers that don’t ‘cotton’ to common caramel apple eJuice. Different, yet incredibly satisfying, Caramela is not what you might expect. This is NOT a High VG eLiquid.
Julia: 5 Stars – I know this is advertised or described as a ‘caramel apple’ flavor, and it is definitely that, but I can assure you that it doesn’t taste anything like any other caramel apple eJuice you’ve ever had. It’s a brand new flavor profile for a caramel apple, yet so befitting the Mountain Oak Vapors profile.
Caramela is the caramel apple eLiquid for serious vaping, and I mean that as a compliment. There are many versions of caramel apple juices out there and several of them are really good, but play more on being a desert or a candy type vape. Caramela is not a candy or desert vape, it’s something new. It’s tough for me to describe because you get a mouthful of caramel and apple but there is edginess to it, an intensity you don’t normally taste in a sweet eJuice. If you like caramel and apple vaping this is one you simply have to try, and I’d love to hear your feedback if you’ve tried it or plan on trying it, just because it is so different.
Keira: 5 Stars – I agree that there is something different with Caramela that other caramel and apple eLiquids don’t have, but there is plenty of great caramel/apple vaping here. For an eLiquid it has an awesome throat hit, an unexpectedly awesome throat hit actually, and vapor like you won’t believe. I forgot who first turned me on to this one but its one I vape quite often now. A lot of caramel apple eJuices taste like something your kids would love and this version doesn’t. So maybe Julia’s right, maybe this is a great adult version of caramel apple. It is, simply irresistible.
Jason: 5 Stars – Caramela has attitude that’s for sure. It’s a delicious apple and caramel eLiquid that also packs a punch. It’s the intense flavor, great throat hit, and ample vapor that will please even the most demanding Vaper. Anyone looking for a caramel apple vape made with red apple sweetness instead of the usual green apple most apple vapes use this is one you’re going to love. But be warned, Caramela packs an intense flavor you won’t find in other caramel apple eLiquids.
Cynthia: 5 Stars – When I heard Jason mention the red apple flavor in our Skype session it struck a cord with me. That’s what it is that makes Caramela so different from other caramel and apple eLiquids. Red apple has a stronger, and sweeter, flavor to it than other apple flavors so that would account for the intensity of Caramela, I think. I’ve vaped it for a couple of months now so I can tell you it does mellow out a bit after a few weeks, but it’s still an intense caramel and apple vape. And it is an amazing performer, tons of vapor and a great throat hit, with complex tastes going in and going out.
Janet: 5 Stars – To me this is exactly what a real caramel and apple eJuice should taste like. Powerful vapor production, a throat hit that hits great, and the red apple flavoring matched by a wicked intense caramel are just perfect. I urge anyone that has not yet tried this one to order a bottle, and then get ready to place another order because you’ll know you’ll use it up pretty fast.
Caramela – 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 25/5 = 5 Stars
Vanilla Dream – Spinfuel Choice Award – is described as – “One of the first additions to our Natural VG Lineup, Vanilla Dream is a sweet, creamy, and delicious E-Liquid that contains 100% Natural AND Organic Flavorings. This E-Liquid is sweet enough to please and mellow enough to be your new all day vape. This particular flavors like other in the line contain a high amount of Vegetable Glycerin (more than 60%) and a reduced level of Propylene Glycol, which makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a more natural product.
This is a slightly amber colored E-Juice that is a bit thicker than our traditional high PG blends.” – MOV
Our Team Says:
Characteristics: Vanilla Dream has abundant vapor, a light to medium throat hit, and this high VG eLiquid has earned a place in Spinfuel Choice Award wall for being the epitome of a vanilla eLiquid with remarkably high standards. Perfection personified.
Julia: 5 Stars – Vanilla Dream – Vanilla Dream has a smooth and savory flavor, as well as a delicately sweet fragrance. Vanilla, by itself, is a common flavor used in ice cream and other desert vapes, but also lends itself well as a popular complimentary flavor to caramel, chocolate, and even tobacco eLiquids. There are so many ways to use vanilla in an eJuice recipe that when you have the opportunity to vape pure, premium quality vanilla that is at once luscious, creamy, and silky all by itself you can experience a level of satisfaction you thought was impossible. There is nothing like a great vanilla eLiquid, and you need to look no further than Mountain Oak Vapors to experience one. Vanilla Dream is a vanilla aficionado’s dream.
Keira: 5 Stars Vanilla Dream needs to be vaped in a tank with a slightly stiff draw over a more airy one, and believe me when I tell you that it will make a big difference in the ‘satisfying vape’ category. The flavor is a lot like a non-carbonated cream soda made with genuine vanilla extract and a sweet dose of crème. A stiff draw will bring in a thicker vapor dripping with vanilla flavor that it will soak your taste buds with the heavenly gift of real vanilla. Is vanilla a gift from the Gods? If you ask me, after vaping Vanilla Dream I’d have to go with, ‘yea, maybe so.’
Jason: 5 Stars – I will always have a soft spot for the deep, satisfying vapor that stems from an eLiquid made with sweet vanilla. Whether that vanilla is trying to hide in an iced cupcake recipe, or mixed with rich tobacco flavor profile, a great vanilla flavor just mellows out the soul. Vanilla Dream is everything that can be right with the world…and best of all, MOV’s Vanilla Dream is a fantastic all-day vape that pretty much guarantees a pleasant, peaceful day.
Cynthia: 5 Stars – I may not be very poetic, or even able to explain a complicated flavor as well as others, but there is no need for that with Vanilla Dream because the name describes it so perfectly. This high VG recipe of a naturally sweet vanilla is a vanilla dream come true. It is also an eLiquid that should be vaped slowly, deeply, when life is at its most quiet and peaceful. The sweet taste of this exquisite eJuice doesn’t need the thick luscious vapor it possesses to be a delectable pleasure, that’s just a bonus.
Janet: 5 Stars – Vanilla Dream reminds me of the times when I would make my own vanilla shakes. I would buy real vanilla extract, not the artificial extract, and add a couple of capfuls of it to a glass of milk and a bunch of French Vanilla ice cream and put the blender to it. Then, after I would blend it all up I would taste it and if it tasted like a good vanilla shake I would add just one more capful of vanilla and blend it a little more. After that it would wind up being MY vanilla shake with an intensely vanilla flavor. It’s like adding vanilla to vanilla to wind up with a double strength vanilla. That’s what I taste when I vape Vanilla Dream. It’s like MOV came up with a great vanilla recipe and then added just a little more vanilla to make it an intense vanilla. Vanilla lovers won’t be able to get enough, be prepared to keep plenty on hand.
Vanilla Dream – 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 =25/5 = 5 Stars
The Wrap Up:
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Chai Tea Latte, Vanilla Dreams, and Caramela earned the Spinfuel Choice Award since they’ve been a favorite around here for a while. Some may say that this review by the Spinfuel eLiquid Review Team was a formality, since we’ve spoken very highly of each flavor before. Maybe they’re right. They are all superb examples of what it takes to be chosen for a Choice Award by Spinfuel eMagazine. All three eLiquids offer an abundance of flavor, tremendously complex and delicious, with thick clouds of vapor, producing a very satisfying vape for hours on end.
Grape Medley is also a great new flavor for MOV’s High VG lineup, but grape is very different flavor for us. Grape vapor is not as enticing, and although we thought it was an excellently executed flavor it just wasn’t something we would normally buy. Plenty of people over the past couple of years have told us about their favorite “grape” vapes by this vendor or that vendor, so there is a big audience for it. By those standards alone, if you are a grape fan then this will surely please.
There are a handful of eLiquid brands that have become very special to the entire staff, both North and South branches, and Mountain Oak Vapors has always been one of them, since the very first review. The strange thing is, there are still more than a dozen flavors that we’ve yet to put in front of the eLiquid Review Teams. We’re looking forward to rectifying that soon.
Buying Advice:
Mountain Oak Vapors offers both 15ML and 30ML glass bottle sizes with built-in glass droppers. Nicotine strengths are .9% 1.8% and 2.4%. Depending on the particular flavor the cost of a 15ML bottle is either $7.99 or $9.99; the 30ML bottle is $6 more, making this high premium e-Liquid one of the more affordable brands of this caliber. We consider $15.99-$16.99 the “sweet spot” for a premium 30ML bottle, and MOV hits it spot on. Unfortunately, as of this writing, Mountain Oak Vapors is not offering a larger size. We would love to see a 60ML bottle MOV eLiquid, as we are sure many customers feel the same way.
Mountain Oak Vapors also offers a 3-bottle ‘bundle’ for both 15ML and 30ML sizes for $24.99 and $39.99 respectively. MOV offers a 10% discount each month as well. You can find out the discount code each month by signing up for the Newsletter.
Spinfuel Choice Award Special Bundle: Mountain Oak Vapors is offering a special, limited time only, 3-bottle bundle of the 3 eJuice flavors that earned a Spinfuel Choice Award today. This bundle is available in both 15ML and 30ML sizes for a special price. It is the best deal going to try out these three special, award-winning eLiquids. The 15ML Spinfuel Bundle – The 30ML Spinfuel Bundle
Whichever flavor(s) you choose to buy in the 4-flavor review you won’t go wrong, unless of course you dislike, say, grape flavors and expect our high score for grape medley to mean that you’ll like it despite not liking anything grape. There are many people who don’t fancy Chai Tea, and if that is the case with you we certainly cannot recommend that you buy MOV’s amazing Chai Tea Latte. Vapers that do enjoy Chai Tea in a vape or as a tea should try Chai Tea Latte because it is the best we’ve had and it is a magical recipe that is impossible to resist. So, you know, a little common sense goes a long way.
If you have tried any of these eLiquids we reviewed today we would love to have your input below. Do you agree with our review? Disagree? Sound off, and share your experience.
