Those award winning, playfully anti-establishment rogues, RIOT are back with their new Riot Bar EDTN E-liquid range.
These guys have come a long way. I can distinctly remember the flavour that caught my attention – and we are going back.
Tropical Fury, now part of their Original Range was a game changer for me. Never had I savoured such a finely balanced fusion of tropical fruits. See, I was into flavour complexities back then and Tropical Fury had it by the vape load.
Riot Squad or simply RIOT as they’re now known have been on my vaping radar ever since.
They’re based in Milton Keynes in the UK and their initial goal was to convert 10,000 smokers into vapers.
Well it didn’t take long and very soon they were waving about industry award after award while capturing the hearts of vapers with their unique style of on-line shenanigans. They featured in our own Ecigclick Awards 2023 with many nominations!
As I say, these guys have come a long way and despite the light hearted approach have recently been conveying a serious message regarding the impact of disposable vape waste on the environment.
That message was crystal clear with the subsequent release of the Riot Q Bar disposable vapes and more so with the recent Riot Connex pod vape.
They haven’t forgotten their roots though. Fans of starter kits and vape pens now get a chance to capitalise on the flavour intensity of the Q Bar with the release of the Riot Bar EDTN 10ml range.
Let’s take a look.
What Can We Expect From the RIOT Bar EDTN E-liquid Range?
These 10ml bottles have been crafted from the disposable flavours Riot Bars are infused with.
It’s the ‘in’ thing and a good thing. It means vapers get the chance to dust off their old yet still reliable vape pens and pod vape kits. To find out (flavour wise) what all the fuss is about and what makes disposable vapes tick.
They’re currently only available as 20mg salt nicotine so yeah, stick with those lower powered devices to get the very best from them. Riot do reliably inform us that 5mg and 10mg strengths are on the way.
Again since the E-juice ratio is 50VG/50PG, lower powered MTL (mouth to lung) devices are suggested. They also closely mimic the vapour production experienced from disposables.
There are a total of 15 flavours to choose from and these are mostly fruit based but there’s also drinks and dessert style thrown in.
..Grenade style, knowing this bunch of renegades lol
Specifications
- 10 ml bottle
- 20mg salt nicotine strength
- 50VG/50PG E-liquid ratio
- Blended for MTL vaping
- TPD compliant
- Made in the UK
- Childproof cap
- Tamper evident seal
- Recyclable bottle
Ok, let’s see what Riot have given us this time. Please be aware that the views expressed are merely my own interpretation. We can’t all like the same thing. Be a boring old world if we did, wouldn’t it?
And you’ll probably be using a different device too. That can make a difference. I’m using the Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini pod kit. With a 1.0ohm MTL mesh pod.
I’d like to give a big thumbs up to Vape Club for sending the Riot Bar EDTN e-liquids across for the purposes of review. As always, it’s very, very much appreciated.
Strawberry Pina Colada
They say
A tropical burst of Strawberry, Pineapple & Coconut
We say
If you like Pina Colada…yeah that song is stuck in my head now too!
So this one switches the usual Pina Colada combination up a little bit, and throws in some strawberry for good measure.
Strawberry is the first flavour note that I pick up on, then I get the pineapple flavour note and a fairly strong coconut at the end to round it all off.
At first I was a little bit skeptical about the combination, but Riot have blended the flavours really well indeed, this is well balanced and bursting with exotic flavour.
Very exotic and fruity, a delicious summery e-liquid, perfect for those warmer days that are hopefully on our way to us!
Strawberry Kiwi
They say
A vibrant blend of tangy kiwi and sweet strawberries.
We say
Well, the strawberry flavour was certainly vibrant, however I’m not so sure about the kiwi element to this.
I felt that the kiwi flavour note was a little bit subdued whilst vaping this, and could have benefitted from being a touch stronger.
As it is, the strawberry does overwhelm the kiwi, relegating the kiwi to more of a background flavour note.
The two flavours did taste authentic enough though, and I had no problem vaping the whole bottle!
Smashed Apple Pie
They say
Mouthwatering apple pie, baked to perfection
We say
This is mouthwatering apple pie indeed, blended to absolute perfection by the experts at Riot!
First, I get a syrupy green apple flavour, much like the filling. Then there’s a pastry undertone, a sugary sweetness and a slight hint of cinnamon. All combined, this gives a mouthfeel of eating an actual slice of apple pie.
When you pump some wattage through it, north of 30 watts (wouldn’t recommend this with the
20mg strength, maybe with the 10mg or even 5mg one!), you get that fresh out of the oven mouthfeel of warm apple pie. Simply excellent!
Genuinely, this is one of the best Apple Pie e-liquids that I have tried, Riot have absolutely smashed it with the blend here.
It has all of the depth and flavour you would expect, this one is easily an all day vape for me.
Cherry & Berry
They say
A Medley of Blueberry, Cherry & Cranberry
We say
Absolutely one for fans of mixed berry e-liquids.
I find that there is a dark cherry flavour that takes centre stage here, with a mixed berry undertone present.
I absolutely could pick up on the blueberry and cranberry flavours, and they are right at home here. I like the fact that they are authentic tasting too, rather than artificial.
I think there might even be a hint of raspberry in this too, I could swear I was picking up a hint of raspberry when vaping this…but could be my palate! There is a very juicy and syrupy mouthfeel to this one.
Quite a sweet one but it also has smooth flavour delivery, and the sweetness is definitely to be expected when picking up a cherry and mixed berry e-liquid flavour like this one!
Peach XL
They say
A freshly ripe assortment of sweet, tender peaches.
We say
A dream vape for those that are fans of peach flavoured e-liquid!
This doesn’t hold back at all. This is bold, and in your face, peach flavouring from start to finish. A veritable smorgasbord of peach.
And it is a majestically crafted peach flavour too. The mouthfeel is just like eating the actual fruit itself, a superb representation of it.
You have the mouth-watering juiciness of peach, along with the sweetness, close your eyes and you pretty much have the texture as well!
And although this is full on peach from start to finish, it doesn’t feel like the flavouring is overdone either.
It is balanced perfectly making for an e-liquid that can be easily vaped all day long…my bottle of this didn’t last too long that is for sure!
Cherry Cola
Riot Says:
Just like the sweet & refreshing drink, immerse yourself into a fruity Cola flavour e-liquid that sends you deep into the sweet notes of a delicious Cherry Coke drink.
I Say:
A very finely balanced mix of Koolada, Cherry and Cola and each one is present by the vape load. That impresses me.
Riot haven’t over done it on the sweetness levels either. Every flavour note zings along very nicely with this one.
If I were to be hyper critical (and I can be), that icy cold chill lingers a bit longer than it needs to but then again, the same thing applies to disposables.
So the Cherry fuses very effectively with the Cola and as a result we get something just a little bit different. Again, that impresses me.
The sweetness develops during the inhale, explodes throughout exhale and leaves a pleasant taste on the palate after the vape. Just as I like it.
On that subject, I’m almost inclined to suggest Cherry Cola as a palate cleanser. It’s powerful and it’s flavoursome.
Forget the disposable equivalent – this one’s much more effective in term of blending.
Cherry Fizz
Riot Says:
This bubbly & unforgettable flavour is bursting with tang & fruitiness. Fill your pod with a delightful but daring collision of rich Cherries and face quenching Sherbet.
I Say:
There’s definitely a fizzy edge to this one and it doesn’t take long to build. It’s partially noticeable on the inhale and fuses with the sweetness of the Cherry.
The Koolada element also doesn’t take long to take a grip but it’s not actually to the same intensity commonly found with disposable vapes.
That, in my opinion, is a good thing.
So I’m left with flavour freshness as the fruit pops around quite nicely on the old taste buds.
Of course, it’s not the most natural tasting of Cherry but it is the most accessible, especially to the newer vaper. The flavour intensity of disposables is ever present throughout the exhale.
Made so much more enjoyable due to a less throat cutting ice.
Cherry Fizz is one to savour.
Mango Peach and Pineapple
Riot Says:
Indulge in a tasty tropical trio of magnificent Mango, perfect Peach & pure Pineapple to give your taste buds an extreme rollercoaster of fruity magic.
I Say:
Oh I like this one!
This is what you call a medley of intense flavours and exactly what you’d expect from a disposable vape. There’s just the right level of sweetener and noticeable from the very first inhale.
The icy chill is once again quite cutting but works much more effectively with this tropical treat.
The Pineapple and Mango partnership is absolutely spot on! It’s blended to perfection as one overlaps the other at regular intervals.
It’s juicy, vibrant and very lively as a flavour profile. All the attributes I’m looking for.
The Peach content ducks and dives and maybe a little less so than the other ingredients. My fears of an overly sweet, sickly vape have been well and truly allayed with Mango Peach Pineapple.
A true masterpiece in terms of flavour.
Mango Vanilla Ice Cream
Riot Says:
Dive head first into your favourite dessert, a smooth & delightful flavour to bring the fruitiness of a Mango and the sweetness of velvety Vanilla pod.
I Say:
What clever flavour blending!
This one creates a very unique mixture of fruit and cream which is completely different in terms of flavour.
The Mango is very delicately applied so not the usual sickly, ammonia driven fodder which is a huge relief. It harmonises perfectly with the creamier aspects and produces a very clean, smooth exhale.
So to see ‘velvety’ mentioned in the flavour description would be an exact description of what I’m getting.
There’s just a touch of bitterness thrown in to keep me on my toes and I like that. It adds something to the overall experience, never interfering with the sweeter elements.
Of course, you guessed it. Koolada has again been applied but on this occasion is more of a welcome than a hindrance. It never replicates Ice Cream very well in my opinion but it does amplify the flavour qualities and keeps things chugging along.
A very unique vape and one that Riot have put together very effectively.
Peach Ice Tea
Riot Says:
Inspired by the classic summer beverage, quench your thirst with this irresistible, sweet and ultra delicious Peach Ice Tea vape.
I Say:
I often find that Peach vapes can be on the sharp, rough side when it comes to the vaping experience.
Thankfully that’s not the case with Peach Ice Tea. It vapes very smoothly and the Peach has more body. It has a broader appeal. There’s plenty enough on the exhale, in other words without it being sickly or cringe worthy.
Although it retains the juiciness of the real thing it still leans towards the artificial, synthetic version commonly associated with disposables. So don’t expect any real surprises if you’re looking for realism.
The Ice Tea works a treat and does assist with the saliva inducing, mouth watering appeal. Of course it brings along Koolada, adding to the refreshing properties of the vape.
You definitely get what you pay for with Peach Ice tea with good flavour and a vape designed to quench the thirst on a hot Summer day.
Strawberry and Blueberry Ice
Riot Says:
Strap in for this Strawberry & Blueberry medley that is bursting at the seams with its fruity goodness & ice cold persona.
I Say:
The ice cold persona part is right. It cuts in quite intensely and to be honest is a little top heavy for my own liking.
I don’t mind a chilly blast during the inhale but when it hangs around for an extended period it becomes irksome. I understand that’s the nature of Koolada but increased levels often kill off the flavour enjoyment for me.
Strawberry and Blueberry Ice isn’t as sweet as I was expecting given the combination of berries used. It’s not so present during the inhale and seems to concentrate its efforts mid exhale instead of throughout.
What did surprise me was the Blueberry. It’s definitely the more prominent flavour. Usually Strawberry wins hands down.
What this does is create something of a unique blend, which is cool. Admittedly there’s nothing organic tasting to be found but the semi floral tones created are effective, nonetheless.
It’s just a shame the Koolada reduces flavour intensity on this occasion. Not one of Riots better examples of how to recreate the experience of a disposable.
Watermelon Ice
Riot Says:
Bring the vacation vibes with an iconic fruit & ice paired vape. A sweetened mouth-watering watermelon that has been frozen to its core.
I Say:
It’s the little things, isn’t it. By simply adding Menthol instead of Koolada this profile takes on an altogether different taste.
So what are my thoughts?
I can categorically state that it works much, much better. So much more effective.
Menthol as an ingredient really helps to attenuate the fruit, giving the Watermelon a much sharper, much more distinct flavour.
As a by product to this partnership the sweetness levels are given room to groove. By this I mean the vape doesn’t taste too intense or concentrated. The included sweetener never reaches saturation point, instead aids with the juiciness of the single fruit.
The Watermelon nestles perfectly behind that icy cold blast (felt on each and every inhale) and although not exactly the most natural tasting still gets the vape message across.
Watermelon Ice is one of the best E-liquids I could recommend for the long hot Summer months.
.. And boy! Does that Menthol pack a punch. Great work.
Pink Lemonade
Riot Says:
Carefully created with a zesty lemonade foundation and a fusion of summer berries for you to experience a truly mouth-watering flavour.
I Say:
A highly refreshing and flavoursome vape.
The mix between a pleasant, subtle tasting Strawberry and cooling Lemonade is on point.
It all begins with a soothingly cool inhale thanks to some well balanced use of Koolada, fusing with a juicy sweetness. Then the flavour explosion on exhale!
The beverage side of the vape instantly takes hold and the dilution of the Strawberry filters through in just the same way you’d expect from the chilled drink.
Not one aspect of this vape is obtrusive and the mix of Lemon, Strawberry sweetener and Koolada collectively ensures that Pink Lemonade is one for the list anytime of the year.
The blending has been expertly applied.
Grape Ice
Riot Says:
A divine set of dark grapes have been supercooled to supply a thin layer of an ice sensation as you take each vape. An icy cool grape sensation to take the top spot as your go-to flavour.
I Say:
Unfortunately Grape Ice is never going to take top spot as my go to flavour. I’m just not a fan of Grape vapes in general.
Could Grape Ice change my mind?
I’m afraid not. I’m getting the usual chemical, synthetic tasting flavour I’ve come to expect.
The heart-breaking thing is that the Koolada or ice factor actually blends in very well. The sweetness levels aren’t too bad either.
Don’t get me wrong.
The Grape here isn’t as overwhelming or sickly as many disposables on the market. I’d even go as far as to suggest Grape Ice succeeds where they generally fail.
The intensity isn’t there and that’ll be part of the appeal if you’re a fan of generic tasting Grape vapes.
.. I think it’ll be quite some time before this flavour replication rings true for me. That’s no reflection on Riot – It’s just my belief.
Guava Passionfruit & Pineapple
Riot Says:
Dive head first into a tropical tornado of the sweet notes of passionfruit, the citrusy zing of pineapple and the exotic flavour of the Guava fruit.
I Say:
When it comes to a tropical treat in a bottle it really doesn’t get much better than this.
The characteristic cutting chill of a disposable vape inhale is perfectly replicated with Guava Passionfruit & Pineapple.
And it comes down to subtle flavour nuances often experienced once the vape is complete.
As well as picking out Guava and Pineapple during the vape, those flavours resonate on the palate for an extended period thereafter.
Always the sign of top flavour blending, in my opinion.
Personally, there are hints of Orange too. It’s very sweet, very tangy and above all extremely lively when it comes down to flavour properties. These are all the attributes found with a disposable vape.
Seems Riot know exactly how to bottle that magic when it comes to Guava Passionfruit & Pineapple.
Blue Raspberry
Riot Says:
A mass collision of bright blue raspberries come together to bring the juiciest & freshest blue raspberry vape around. Pure flavour. Pure fruitiness.
I Say:
As the name suggests, there’s not much in terms of a natural flavour with Blue Raspberry.
So it’s main focus is to create a candy sweet like, artificial taste and that’s what we get. As flavour goes it’s not bad. I’m not so keen on it because generally speaking, sweet inspired profiles aren’t really my bag.
I do get the vape sensation of a boiled sweet too. Those tooth cracking ones that have a saliva inducing property.
The Raspberry content itself isn’t overplayed. It’s not laden with sweetness so in this respect differs from what I’d expect from a disposable vape.
There’s also Koolada to sooth the temperature. That works very well, helping to refresh and invigorate the exhale.
It’s a very smooth, consistently flavoursome vape all round.
Blueberry Sour Raspberry
Riot Says:
Fruity, sour & tongue tingling, brace yourself for a seriously sour and invigorating fruit fusion.
I Say:
This one’s definitely fruity. I get that from the very first exhale. The flavour’s also quite rich thanks to the combination of Blueberry and Raspberry.
One offsets the other. The Raspberry brings along its own layering of sweetness and the Blueberry softens the edges with its subtle, mellow back notes.
And running through the very centre of exhale is that strong and vibrant sourness. It helps to prop everything up with the assistance, of course, of Koolada.
The fusion of sweet and sour works very well in this flavour profile. Those two are instantly sucked up on the inhale just as the cooling properties begin to unfold.
Ultimately this is a flavour profile that’s equal to any disposable vape equivalent. It has the chill factor, the sweetness levels and a concentrated fruity quality.
So yeah – a disposable in a bottle.
Sweet as F…
NEW! By popular demand RIOT have updated their BAR EDTN range to bring a whole new set of flavour experiences. Here’s my take on five of them.
Pineapple Ice
Riot Says:
Escape to the tropics with a refreshing exotic blast of sweet and tangy pineapple, with a supercool icy sensation.
I Say:
What a fantastic blend!
The Menthol really kicks in during the inhale – sharp and cutting. Just as it should be with this profile because it perfectly complements the tangy taste of Pineapple.
And the fruit content is something of a pleasant surprise for me. I was expecting the usual sugar cube sweet version, quite often too sickly for my particular taste buds.
Instead it’s slightly more natural tasting. With just the merest hint of bitterness, the sweeter elements are held in check and if anything more balanced than what you’d find from a disposable vape.
It’s bright, lively and very much ‘in your face’ when it comes to flavour values. It’s a tropical treat containing a tidal wave of ice cold Menthol.
Great stuff. It works well for me with a hangover! 🙂
Apple & Blackcurrant
Riot Says:
Indulge in the tantalising taste of crisp juicy apples balanced with the bold, tart notes of ripe blackcurrants.
I Say:
This is RIOT at their best, in my opinion. This is an awesome blend of two popular fruits and one that delivers on every exhale.
It’s very rich in flavour without being being overly concentrated. The Menthol content has been toned down but there’s still enough to keep things sharp and vibrant.
RIOT have created a flavour that’s very unique and can only come from their vaping stable.
The Blackcurrant is heaven sent, wrapped around a delicate layering of sweetness yet never outstays its welcome.
The Apple glides through the exhale at all times. Sometimes it appears stronger, other times allowing the darker fruit to take over. Now that’s what I call clever flavour blending.
In all honesty it’s far too good to be described as anything like the experience from a disposable vape.
.. I keep returning to it, for one thing!
Lychee Watermelon
Riot Says:
Experience new sensations with a sweet, aromatic lychee flavour, combined with a juicy fresh watermelon to quench your thirst.
I Say:
Another unique flavour from the peeps over at RIOT and this one is quite complex. Too complex for anything approaching the taste of a disposable, put it that way.
Full kudos to RIOT for coming up with something completely different – at least I’ve never tried this flavour combo before. However, it’s not entirely a happy affair, for me.
There’s really not much to fault when it comes to the ice laden inhale and it does set the scene for a flavour explosion.
I’m just not sure how I feel about Lychee and Watermelon as a combined force. As with Apple and Blackcurrant, the blending is expertly applied but my issue is more with the after taste.
It’s an odd experience. Probably because I’m not used to the flavour but I’m not over keen on it. As I said, the blending itself is on point but things seem to go a bit pear shaped towards the end of the vape.
.. Not that Pear features in the description. Still – you can’t knock originality. Fair dues.
Blue Cherry Burst
Riot Says:
Get ready for a cherry explosion! The burst of sweet juicy cherry combined with a blue icy slush leaves a mouth-watering cooling sensation.
I Say:
Far too sulphuric tasting for my liking. That’s not to say it’s without flavour because it’s there by the bucket load.
It’s just a bit too intense for me. There’s a distinct floral theme on the exhale too that I’m not over enthused about.
The inhale is silky smooth and the Menthol has been applied to perfection. It doesn’t sting the throat but certainly leaves its mark. So that’s the refreshing element of the vape.
The Cherry is dominant for me and brings a layering of bitterness to the proceedings. It’s a tad too heavy on the sweetness but then again, as a disposable replicating E-liquid it must be expected, I guess.
I think it’s the combination of Raspberry and Cherry that’s causing the sulphuric exhale.
Still, it does have a nice tangy edge to it. I just don’t see myself persevering too much.
.. Flavour is subjective, remember.
Banana Kiwi Ice
Riot Says:
A delicious blend of ripe bananas, complimented by a subtle hint of zesty tartness of fresh kiwi. A harmony for your taste buds.
I Say:
Another awesome blending with oodles of sweetness on the after taste. Just the kind you’d expect from a disposable vape. And Banana Kiwi Ice replicates those devices perfectly.
In fact you can expect the same elevated levels of sweetness to be sucked in during the initial inhale. Such is the similarity.
I’ve never vaped a rough tasting Banana before! That’s the experience created by the exhale. No doubt contributed by the Kiwi content. But again it shows off the flavour blending qualities lovingly crafted by RIOT.
The Banana is consistent throughout and while not the most natural tasting, pretty much the standard for both E-liquid or disposable. But it does avoid the pitfalls of those foamy sweet varieties so that’s got to be a plus.
Kiwi brings up the rear to add that rough texture and is subdued to an acceptable level. The Menthol is maybe a touch too heavy for my liking but if you’re used to disposables you’ll feel very much at home here.
Overall, I don’t think Banana Kiwi Ice is RIOT’s finest hour but it gets the job done.
Final Review Verdict
The Riot Bar EDTN E-liquids will give you the experiences of a disposable vape. If anything, this is the flavour intensity I would prefer from the latter. Why do I say that?
Overall the blending is better, the Koolada works at different intensities (a welcome change) and the sweetness levels are generally appropriate to the flavour profile.
This makes the range much more versatile and effective than the average disposable while still retaining many of their attributes.
Admittedly there’s little in the way of authenticity when it comes to the fruits but Riot are clearly catering to the newer, casual vaper with the range.
So plenty on offer in terms of a mainstream vape. Keep up the good work, Riot. We may see more vape pens being dusted off and less disposables laying around on street corners.
