Is Taste Really “Subjective”?
Watch or read almost any review of e-juice, and chances are pretty good that the reviewer is going to say “….but, of course, taste is subjective.” Some folks go so far as to spurn juice reviews as a waste of time because, well, “taste is subjective.” But is it really? Perhaps, if we’re talking about one’s perceptions of clothing style, or of more emotional stimulation, like music; but when it comes to something like e-juice, which is carefully crafted with chemicals designed to replicate certain flavors, how true is that statement?
Taste qua taste is simply a sensation perceived presented via chemical reactions with receptors on the tongue as well as by interaction with olfactory perceptions. Through our evolution, our senses have developed to provide us with clues as to what will either harm us or help us…and the sense of taste is included in that process. Typically, our sense of taste evolved to warn us that sharp, bitter-tasting stuff is probably poison, or that sweet stuff is in some way good. It’s a bit of a protection mechanism, like our eyesight. We don’t say, “This is a pleasant blue color…but eyesight is subjective.” Your appreciation of the color blue may be subjective, but the color itself is not.
When it comes to taste. much like our other senses, some thing is what it is. Barring injury or some malfunction in either your taste buds, olfactory system or nervous system, an orange tastes like an orange, and an onion tastes like an onion. You’ll never find a Brussels sprout that tastes like an apple, or a potato that tastes like ice cream. However, our reactions to these tastes may, indeed, be subjective. I love Brussels sprout — you may find the taste abhorrent. You may really love the taste of anise; I can’t stand it except in extremely light applications so that it’s barely perceived. Salty stuff tastes salty, and bitter stuff tastes bitter; only our perceptions of these tastes may likely vary.
When I review an e-juice, the review is based upon what the manufacturer claims it to be, not whether or not I like a particular flavor. I don’t care much for the flavor of smelt, but if someone wants me to do a review of a smelt-flavored e-juice, I can do so because while smelt may not be up my alley, I know what smelt tastes like. I can then tell someone whether or not this smelt e-juice really tastes like smelt or if it vapes like mackerel instead. Whether or not I actually enjoy the taste is another matter, and would only be mentioned in the context of my preferences — not as a detraction to the manufacturer’s skill or anyone’s likes or dislikes. The job of a reviewer isn’t to tell you whether or not you like smelt, or banana pudding, or Perique tobacco — only the degree to which the product replicates the flavors of those things.
I believe that e-juice reviews, done correctly, are important; otherwise, we’re all left to our own devices in trying a boatload of “Perique tobacco” juices to see if any of them, indeed, even come close. If you don’t like Perique, then it doesn’t matter — no manufacturer is ever going to make a Perique juice that you’ll enjoy; but if you do like it, then isn’t it nice to know which ones come close and which are, pardon the pun, close but no cigar? Viva le juice reviews, fellow babies!
Taste is subjective….to a point.
It depends on how the person enjoys the flavors, and more so with juices since they are trying to replicate the flavors of something with missing elements.
for example, I love peanut butter, but I hate peanut butter flavored juice. It’s not because of the flavor, it’s because the things I enjoy about peanut butter and effect the flavor(to me) are the texture and the way it feels in my mouth as well as the scent(big part of flavor btw).
so yes juice reviews are important, but they are kinda subjective. you have to find someone who has tastes similar to your own. I do that by seeing how my own review of a flavor lines up with theirs, but YMMV.
True, but when it comes to e-juice, you’re never gonna have substance and texture, because all you can possibly get is flavor.
I do very much agree with this slap. When i look at a juice review, knowing whether they like it or not is just a slight plus, i really just wanna know if it does what it claims. I don’t wanna buy a cinammon danish that taste like tofu. Or a strawberry banana that taste like mixed berries. That, to me, is what is important. I always try to give an opinion based on the juice as to what it taste like, even if i don’t like it. However, there was one juice in particular i couldnt even vape once, but i’ll not go there, lol. Thanks slap!
Very true, I definitely agree.
agreed with all…… just because you like a certian juice does not mean i will like da same juice as you…>:}
usually it tastes like what it tastes like… i have had a juice where the man thought it was ice cream, i tasted celery…
Good blog. I have bought juice before that didn’t taste anything like it was described and juice one person loves and i hate. It’s all defferent.
I think taste is subjective in that we all won’t have the same taste experience due to many factors. I really think the disclaimers intent is – I like or dislike this juice, this is why- you may have the opposite impression if you were to try this juice.
I think is is subjective, but only a little. Especially with tobacco juice.
Either you like it or you don’t!!
Your blogs are always appreciated and thought provoking.
I agree with Michelle personal taste is as simple as it gets, some may like it and others will hate it
Liking or not liking a flavor is one thing; and I think that’s possibly what some reviewers mean — they may like a juice, you may not — and for language accuracy, perhaps that is what they should say.
Well, Pizza ..and blue cheese taste like buttt,,,,,Subjective or not…
Reviews, when done correctly, are very helpful. If someone is reviewing an apple e-juice I like to know if it’s a Washington Red or a Golden Delicious, then I can determine whether I would like it or not. When a reviewer is talking about a banana flavor I want to know if it is a real fruit or a candy type banana. Even if I really enjoy a certain food that does not mean I will like it in a vape, like spoon said about Peanut Butter. Candy or Fruit – Red or Green Apple – Cocoa or Milk Chocolate, that is where the importance of reviewer opinion ends and where my personal taste preferences begin. I have been enjoying your reviews Slap and I look forward to more.
Good reviews, like any form of media, must paint a picture for the observer. If this is not accomplished, the observer will be left with questions and uncertainty.
I find the reviews helpful, especially if the reviewer mentions which flavors have the most punch in a particular juice. It gives me an idea of if i think i might want to try it or not.
yes taste is subjective