##INW Shisha Vanilla##
Summary
One of my favorite vanillas, simply because of how versatile it is, especially when used with creams. This is a very creamy, light vanilla with a nice sweetness about it. When I say light I don't mean light in flavor, but light in profile, as opposed to dark. You definitely get some nice vanilla, but it's not quite as dark of a vanilla as say FA Bourbon Vanilla or McCormick's Vanilla Extract (lul). This flavoring adds some decent creamy body, smoothness, and a touch of vanilla sweetness to a mix. IDK about you but that's exactly the kind of thing I want to bring to a cream party.
On the Nose
A creamy sweet vanilla. Reminiscent of CAP's VCv1, but not quite as heavy.
Recommended Usage
Stand alone: 3%
In a mix: 0.5-2%
Throat
Mild
Pairings
Creams, berries, marshmallow, tobacco, coffee, caramel, butterscotch
Avoid
I wouldn't say to avoid anything necessarily, but may mute or distract from brighter fruits & citruses.
Steep
2-3 days
Simple Recipe: Shisha Strawberry Cream
Ratio: 15PG/85VG
Steep: 2 days
- INW Shisha Strawberry @ 4%
- INW Shisha Vanilla @ 3%
I mixed this up on a whim just because they were my two favorite ingredients at the time, and wanted to see how a "Mustard Milk" play on them would work. While not as successful as Mustard Milk, it is an enjoyable vape and really lets these two shisha flavorings shine, and gives you a great idea of what both of them bring to the table.
Complex Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Cream
Ratio: 15PG/85VG
Steep: 3+ days
- TFA Strawberry Ripe @ 3%
- FA Red Touch @ 0.5%
- INW Shisha Strawberry @ 2%
- TFA Vanilla Bean Ice Cream @ 3%
- INW Shisha Vanilla @ 1%
- LA Cream Cheese Icing @ 1%
- FLV Cream @ 1%
INW Shisha Vanilla is just an accent here, but is vital to the mix. It really helps to sort of tone the creams and bring them together, lend some creaminess, and add a touch of vanilla
Does this work as a standalone vanilla? Or is it better as an accent? In your recipe (and many others), I noticed people like to pair it with CAP French Vanilla or some sort of vanilla flavoring to give it a strong presence.
For the most part, I'd say a vanilla accent. It really depends on the recipe though, how much vanilla you're looking for, and what kind of vanilla. It's just kind of a creamy vanilla, but if I'm looking for a robust or pronounced vanilla I will either use this and another vanilla, or just another vanilla entirely.
If you want a standalone vanilla, go with either MF Vanilla or DIY Flavorshack's Holy Vanilla. IMO they are by far the best ones available.
How does inawera's strawberry compare to shisha strawberry?
I haven't tried Shisha Vanilla yet though it's definitely near the top of the list because I want mix that Sweet Strawberry Cream. For some reason, I guess just looking at recipes it's used in and adding a dash of wishful thinking, I imagined it was a bolder vanilla. But the way you've described it makes it sound very similar to TFA Vanilla Swirl. Can you compare/contrast those two?
I'd say they have similar properties, but the shisha vanilla is definitely stronger on the vanilla notes you get from it, and doesn't offer as much sort of body or creaminess as the vanilla swirl.
Setup
RDA/ Velocity Coil/ 6 Wrap Single Fused Kanthal Clapton 2×26 core 32 wrap W/ 45 Wicking/ Full Rayon Ω/0.26
Testing
Steep Time/3 weeks % Used/ 1 PG/VG 50/50 Nic%/0
Mouth Feel
Heavy on the tongue and nose, perfect density I would give it 7 out of 10, with a slightly creamy mouth feel.
Throat Hit4/10
Flavor Properties
~Describing vanilla is like attempting to describe a color. Vanilla is strongly aromatic and contributes warm, floral notes. It’s a gentle but distinct flavor that complements many other spices and foods.~
Found this to be the perfect description of vanilla, this particular vanilla is Rich, earthy, with very light floral notes, with a complex sweetness. Not artificial at all taste very much like genuine vanilla bean.
Relatable Flavors
Vanilla has a reputation for being boring and/or bland nothing could be further from the truth, this reminds me of eating fantastic homemade vanilla ice cream.( not to say that the flavors extremely creamy but on point with what I would expect from a good vanilla )
Position In The Recipe
Accent, base, or top note. I think this particular flavoring and be used in all three categories as a top note in any cream recipe. Part of a complex base with bakeries, and as an accent should really bring out and brighten berry and fruit flavorings.
Off notes
I stated earlier I think this is a great vanilla, not getting any off flavors definitely a lingering aftertaste, and a word of caution this flavoring is extremely strong I found over 2% begins to overwhelm everything.
Pairings
Having a hard time thinking about this is not going to pair with. Should work well with desserts, bakeries, fruits, berries, spices, tobacco's, creams and other floral notes such as Rosemary.
Notes
As always if you're interested in some more information on vanilla, where it came from how it's grown, applications and so forth, along with where to find it.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla
http://www.bullcityvapor.com/shisha-vanilla-inw/
Rating 98/100
Please if your opinion differs, or you have another review for this post it in the comments. Will help the master list with multiple reviews in one spot.
I use it in any mix I would normally like to add a vanilla accent, or sweet cream, or just accent fruits or custards in .75-3% range. I would best describe it as a bright Vanilla Sweet Cream. Fantastic accent flavor, not dark or heavy like vanilla extract or bourbon vanilla. I don't like it by itself, doesn't have enough dimension to it for a stand alone flavor. Excellent when you want a vanilla that doesn't hide easily behind slightly stronger flavors. Holds up well with citrus flavors as well, like for an extra vanilla note in orange creamsicle.