Boulder New Amber Vape: Hands-on Report on 7 Cartridge Flavors
First, let me give you a brief introduction to the Boulder cartridges. The Amber 2nd generation cartridges have a storage capacity of 3.5ml, while most competing products on the market are around 2.0ml. So why can 3.5ml be a selling point?
Why don't other competitors make them this large?
The first reason is that different brands have different product philosophies and marketing strategies.
The second reason, and this is key, is that 2.0ml represents a technical barrier in the industry (at least at this stage), and it’s not something that can be easily achieved. It’s like how domestic car brands can develop V8 or even V12 engines, but the product positioning and technological maturity determine whether the brand chooses to mass-produce. The 3.5ml cartridge capacity not only offers a cost-performance advantage but also provides the convenience of not needing to change cartridges frequently.
Of course, this isn’t the main focus today; let’s dive into the flavor section.
Blueberry Burst, Nicotine Content 3%
One of the default cartridges in the set, the leader among Amber cartridges. Unlike other competitors, it doesn’t have the rich sweetness of blueberry jam or blueberry-flavored drinks; it’s somewhat similar to the taste of blueberry-flavored cookies with a cream filling, but not entirely. A subtle blueberry aroma, slightly sweet with a hint of tartness, without excessive menthol, but with a slight cooling sensation, makes the name Blueberry Burst quite fitting.
The flavor is very delicate, allowing for deep inhalation and slow enjoyment. It’s also the most repurchased flavor among the Amber cartridges.
However, due to the technical principles of vapor e-cigarettes, this flavor may have a slight burnt taste towards the end, when the e-liquid is nearly depleted. People around me say it’s not noticeable, but as a flavor-sensitive e-cigarette reviewer, I usually change cartridges when I have about 1/5 of the e-liquid left. But this is only the case with Blueberry Burst; the other flavors are fine.
Black Gold Tobacco, Nicotine Content 3%
Another default cartridge in the set, a great choice for cravings. First, I should clarify that my smoking history is only one year, averaging a pack every two weeks, so my cravings are not strong. Therefore, Black Gold Tobacco requires some adaptation for me; it’s not something I would continuously puff on, but rather take a few puffs occasionally. For those around me with stronger cravings, their evaluations of this flavor are much higher than mine.
In terms of flavor, it’s definitely not the traditional tobacco taste; it’s more like a blend of tobacco with chocolate and hazelnut flavors, quite rich, without the bitterness of traditional tobacco. Of course, don’t expect to taste hazelnut chocolate; it’s just tobacco.
Watermelon Ice, Nicotine Content 3%
A very unique watermelon flavor, still different from the sweetness of watermelon drinks or candies; it’s more like the taste between watermelon flesh and rind. The light flavor is very smooth, like fresh watermelon juice flowing with ice in your taste buds, completely enjoyable, and won’t irritate your nasal passages even with prolonged use. Two words: refreshing.
Due to its crisp flavor, it might even make you think its nicotine content is less than 3%. In fact, for this flavor, it’s recommended to inhale slowly, allowing enough vapor to accumulate in your mouth before deeply inhaling into your lungs and exhaling slowly. Ah, delightful.
Jiulong Frozen Lemon Tea, Nicotine Content 2%
Well, the most important thing in life is to be happy. Jiulong Frozen Lemon Tea is essentially a Hong Kong-style lemon black tea flavor. Again, it’s not as sweet as drinks, and continuous puffs won’t lead to a cloying or throat-irritating issue, making it suitable for after meals.
I once had a few puffs of frozen lemon tea after a hot pot meal, and it was quite refreshing. However, due to the low nicotine content, you need to take deep puffs multiple times to feel satisfied. If you have strong cravings, it’s more suitable for casual use.
Tainan Pineapple, Nicotine Content 3%
This flavor is definitely a unique presence in the Amber sweet flavor series because it’s genuinely sweet. In previous reviews, I pointed out that Tainan Pineapple was too sweet and somewhat irritating, and today I must apologize: "Tainan Pineapple, I was wrong; you are truly enjoyable." When first unwrapped, the flavor is the strongest, and the first puff indeed has a sweet throat hit that makes deep inhalation difficult. However, after a day of adaptation, it has replaced Blueberry Burst as my favorite.
The flavor is simply the pure taste of subtropical pineapple flesh; honestly, there’s not much to describe. You just need to take my advice and try this flavor; don’t be scared off by the initial discomfort; savor it slowly, and you will fall in love with it.
Mint Tobacco, Nicotine Content 3%
Ah, speaking of this, it’s another flavor I strongly recommend. Compared to competitors, it’s quite special. A slightly sweet mint mixed with a hint of roasted tobacco flavor, refreshing and satisfying. Unlike the inferior mint flavors that taste like cheap toothpaste, this Mint Tobacco flavor represents an organic combination of mint and tobacco, with a milder hit than Black Gold Tobacco, which I believe most users can adapt to.
If I had to describe it, it’s more like the cool smoke of Marlboro Burst, with both throat hit and cooling sensation, but it’s not as intense as pure mint or mint candy; the flavor is relatively rich.
Ultimate Weapon Classic Tobacco, Nicotine Content 5%
5% nicotine content, my friend, but that’s not the main point. The key is that I have tried many brands of e-cigarettes with pure tobacco flavors, and most of them are not enjoyable, possibly due to my low cravings. Many brands try to replicate the taste of real cigarettes, and I can’t say they’re hard to smoke, but the strength is too much, and the experience of smoking pure tobacco flavor feels a bit strange.
This Classic Tobacco flavor is more like a stronger version of Black Gold Tobacco, with a heavier tobacco taste. I’ve tried it, and I can’t handle it. If you’re a heavy smoker, you can give it a shot; if you can’t handle it, you won’t lose anything.
In summary, the flavor profile of Boulder’s e-liquids is generally not overly intense, lacking artificial flavors, and is suitable for savoring. Coupled with the technology of large cartridges and the quality of the vape pen, you can truly feel the brand's commitment to product excellence. I hope they continue to strive for improvement.
