The new pouches have a slight curve at the top, and a little lip around them. The can has a 14 gram weight with 20 pouches in each can. The pouches weigh 0.7g each. Each can lists the nicotine strength as 8mg/pouch, so in total that would be 11.42mg/g. However, as we all know, the nicotine per pouch is all that matters, so we'll classify these as regular strength. They all seem to deliver right at that regular strength level. The pouches have a pretty soft feel to them. You can't fluff them much, as they stay pretty well in their current shape. Under the lip, they have a slim fit, and a soft feel against the gum. Now, let's take them one by one and see how they taste.
Flavor Description: "A spearmint flavor".
My Thoughts: When I open the can, I pick up a mild aroma of spearmint. It isn't as sweet as other spearmint flavors I've had in the past. Under the lip, I pick up a warming sensation. The flavor of spearmint is pretty gentle, with some slight heat to it, and a very subtle sweetness. I find the flavor lasts about 30-40 minutes.
Velo Shift: Cool Peppermint
Flavor Description: "A peppermint and menthol flavor".
My Thoughts: In the aroma for this one, I pick up a gentle aroma of peppermint, along with hints of menthol. It's not overly sweet, either. Under the lip, a little cooling presence comes on. Flavor-wise, it's a pretty even balance of peppermint and menthol. It's not mega sweet, and is pretty well balanced.
Velo Shift: Hot Peach
Flavor Description: "A taste of peach".
My Thoughts: In the aroma, I pick up a smell of peach, along with hints of pepper. The heat comes through in both the lip, and in the flavor profile. The peach taste is pretty gentle. It's lightly sweet, and has a nice presence to it.
Velo Shift: Hot Grape
Flavor Description: "A grape flavor".
My Thoughts: Hot Grape, doesn't that sound interesting? This one certainly does have a present aroma of purple grape to it. It's lightly sweet, and has some heat to it. Under the lip, some warming tones, as with the others. In the flavor profile, I pick up a gentle, but present taste of grape. It has some sweetness to it, and some heat!
Velo Shift: Hot Dragon Fruit
Flavor Description: "A taste of dragonfruit with a hint of spice".
My Thoughts: I was quite curious to try this one out. Velo Dragon Fruit is a pretty popular flavor here in the US. Opening the can, I pick up a tart, almost tangy fruity scent. It has a little heat in the lip, and in the flavor profile. It's interesting how the heat pairs with the tart, tangy, fruity flavor of the dragonfruit. I found this one to be a pretty intriguing flavor profile, with a lot going on. This one is definitely not as sweet as the US one.
Rating and Final Thoughts
Let's go top to bottom. In the can design, I like it. I like the shape. It feels good in the hand, and it doesn't give the familiar can ring in the pocket. The pouches are interesting. I don't think they redefine or reinvent pouches, but they do have a nice feel in the lip. The nicotine delivery and flavor longevity is satisfactory. Flavor-wise, Dragonfruit and Grape were my favorites, at 3.25/5. Hot Peach next, at 3.17/5. Lastly, Spearmint and Peppermint at 3/5.
All in all, these are fascinating products. I think it's great to see companies thinking outside the box. Honestly, 99% of nicotine pouches on the market are virtually identical, so it's wise for companies to try to find ways to stand apart. This was a smart move on BAT's part, as the market is becoming overcrowded and homogenized. Velo Shift is worth a look, and a try, if you're a nicotine pouch enthusiast!
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