The RELX Artisan sits near the top of RELX’s lineup as a sleek, well-built pod device aimed at vapers who want a refined experience: attractive hardware, reliably smooth draws, and a flavor-forward pod system. This review focuses on the flavor performance across the Artisan pod range — what each flavor tastes like, how faithfully it’s rendered, throat hit, cloud/airflow character, nicotine delivery, and who each flavor suits best. No website references—just straightforward tasting notes and practical impressions.
Quick overview of the device
The Artisan is a pod-based device that emphasizes simplicity and consistency. It uses pre-filled pods (or refillable pods, depending on market) with a coil and wick optimized for RELX’s e-liquid formulations. Key functional features that affect flavor: a medium-restriction airflow (not tight like a cigarette, not totally airy), a temperature-stable output that avoids harshness, and a chipset that maintains steady power for consistent flavor across the pod’s life. Those traits—stable power, balanced airflow, and modest throat hit—shape how flavors are expressed: they tend to be clean, slightly muted compared with high-wattage sub-ohm setups, but very accurate and smooth.
General flavor characteristics on the RELX Artisan
- Clarity over intensity: RELX favors faithful reproduction and smoothness rather than blasting tastebuds with aggressive sweetness. Expect true-to-profile flavors without blown-out sugar or overly synthetic notes.
- Mid-centric profile: Flavors typically sit in the midrange—stronger presence in mid-tones (fruit flesh, creaminess) than in extreme highs (bright citrus zing) or lows (deep tobacco base).
- Cooling and menthol: Menthols on the Artisan are usually gentle and well-integrated—not overwhelming, but present enough to deliver the cool sensation vapers expect.
- Throat hit & nicotine: Delivered smoothly; nicotine salts are common in RELX pods, creating quick satisfaction without a scratchy throat hit. Higher nicotine strengths will dampen perceived flavor intensity slightly, as nicotine itself has a bitterness.
Flavor-by-flavor tasting notes
1. Classic Tobacco / Golden Tobacco
A restrained, slightly sweet tobacco with light roasted leaf notes and a smooth finish. It’s low on bitter ash and high on caramelized mid-notes—good for ex-smokers who want tobacco essence without cigarette harshness. Not the deepest tobacco you’ll find, but very approachable and realistic in a pod context.
2. Rich Tobacco / Dark Blend
Darker, smokier, and slightly more tannic than the Classic. There’s a mild earthy base and a hint of toasted woods. This flavor offers more complexity for former heavy smokers who miss a fuller body. It still leans smooth; the Artisan tames any harshness into a pleasant warmth.
3. Menthol / Cool Mint
Clean, crisp, and polished. This menthol is not an ice-bath; instead it provides a fresh, lingering chill that perfumes the exhale rather than numbing the palate. Perfect for those who dislike throat-battering menthols but appreciate a persistent coolness.
4. Icy Mint / Extra Menthol
Stronger than the regular Menthol: immediate cool on inhale and a breezy, almost crystalline exhale. It’s sharper, with more nasal clearance, and pairs well with higher nicotine strengths for a brisk, satisfying finish.
5. Fresh Berry / Mixed Berries
A balanced berry medley: strawberries lead with ripe, jammy tones, followed by tart raspberries and a subtle blueberry underpinning. It’s neither cloying nor washed out—RELX captures the fruit sweetness and tart backbone nicely. A good all-day flavor for fruity vapers.
6. Blueberry / Blueberry Ice
Blueberry on its own is mellow and jam-like, with natural sweetness and a slightly waxy top note that makes it taste honest. The Ice variant adds a cooling edge that brightens the flavor, making it feel fresher on the exhale.
7. Lychee / Exotic Fruits
Lychee is delicate and floral; RELX’s take emphasizes the soft perfume and juicy center without over-sweetening. The result is an elegant, slightly perfumed fruit vape that’s surprisingly grown-up. If you like subtle, aromatic fruit flavors, this one shines.
8. Citrus / Lemon & Lime
Zesty but measured—this isn’t a puckering citric blast. The lemon/lime combo emphasizes bright, clean acidity and a pithy bitterness that cuts through sweetness. Works well as a palate-cleansing flavor or after-meal pick-me-up.
9. Vanilla Custard / Cream
A creamy, lightly caramelized vanilla custard with soft eggy notes and moderate sweetness. It’s dense but not syrupy—more velvety than heavy. Dessert lovers will appreciate the muted, sophisticated approach rather than a sugary sugar-bomb.
10. Dessert Blends (Caramel Tobacco, Coffee Cream)
RELX’s dessert-leaning pods find a nice balance: coffee is aromatic without burnt coffee grounds, caramel adds sweetness without stickiness, and the textures remain smooth. Great for those who want a dessert vibe without an overbearing sweetness.
How flavor holds up over a pod’s life
RELX pods tend to show consistent flavor through most of their usable life. The first 10–20% is often the most vibrant; mid-life remains steady, and the tail end softens slightly—sweetness drops and the subtle notes become less distinct. Because the device’s power is stable, the decline is gradual rather than sudden.
Pros & cons of RELX Artisan for flavor-focused vapers
Pros
- Accuracy: Flavors are true to profile—what you expect is generally what you get.
- Smoothness: Pleasant, non-abrasive throat hit that preserves delicate flavor notes.
- Consistency: Little variance between pods and across their lifespan.
- Balanced sweetness: Not overly saccharine—good for long sessions without palate fatigue.
Cons
- Not for maximum blast: If you crave intense, saturated flavor (like high-wattage sub-ohm rigs), the Artisan will feel restrained.
- Midrange bias: Very high or very low tonal flavors (ultra-bright citrus or deep tobacco roast) may lack extreme punch.
- Pod availability & cost: Depending on region, pods can be relatively pricey compared to DIY e-liquids—worth considering for frequent vapers.
Best pairings & use cases
- Ex-smokers: Tobacco and tobacco-menthol hybrids provide satisfaction without harshness.
- All-day vapers: Fruit and mild dessert flavors hold up well without overwhelming the palate.
- Flavor purists: If you want clean, faithful representation over hyper-sweet novelty, Artisan is ideal.
- Travel & simplicity: The device’s stability and ease of use make it a reliable flavor companion on the go.
Tips to get the most flavor
- Mind nicotine strength: Higher nic salts mute flavor; choose a strength that balances throat hit and flavor clarity.
- Store pods properly: Keep them sealed and at room temp—exposure to heat or sunlight can degrade flavor.
- Avoid chain vaping at the end of pod life: flavor drops faster when the pod is near depletion.
- Clean contacts: Ensure the device-pod contacts are clean for consistent power delivery and flavor.
Final verdict
The RELX Artisan is not about shouting flavors — it’s about refined, accurate, and smooth flavor delivery. If you want an honest rendition of tobacco, menthol, fruits, or gentle desserts with consistent performance and minimal fuss, the Artisan is a strong contender. It won’t replace a high-powered sub-ohm setup for people chasing maximal vapor and intense taste explosions, but for everyday satisfaction, subtlety, and reliability, its flavor lineup is excellent. For vapers who value fidelity and smoothness over sheer intensity, the RELX Artisan and its flavors deliver thoughtfully and consistently
