Guidelines for Sensory Evaluation of Electronic Cigarettes (1): Evaluation Methods

The sensory evaluation of electronic cigarettes plays a decisive role in the product development and quality control of electronic cigarettes and related products. In the current market environment, the sensory evaluation level of electronic cigarettes is particularly important for enterprises. Establishing a scientific sensory evaluation system for electronic cigarettes is extremely valuable and worth long-term planning.
Topic 1 Evaluation Method
The smoking evaluation method may be the most easily overlooked key detail by e-cigarette practitioners. However, the use of different smoking methods by members of the sensory evaluation team will have an impact on the sensory evaluation results, leading to distorted sensory evaluation results.
In the Chinese tobacco industry standard "Tobacco and Tobacco Products - Sensory Evaluation Methods" (YC/T 138-1998), two evaluation methods for sensory evaluation of tobacco and related products are specified:
(1) Local circulation smoking Manner
This method, also known as the "small loop" evaluation method, refers to the evaluation of tobacco and tobacco products by the evaluator using only a portion of the sensory organs for evaluation. After a brief pause, smoke enters the mouth and is slowly expelled from the nasal cavity. This method utilizes the oral and nasal cavities to create a small local circulation of smoke, allowing evaluators to evaluate items such as aroma, impurities, and smoke intensity. This method is often used for the identification of essence and fragrance, the identification of flavoring, or the comparison of some other single item in the smoke.
The limitation of this method is that, although the irritancy of smoke can be felt, it is limited to stimulating the nasal cavity and cannot feel the stimulating effect on the throat; The perception of bitterness is also very limited; In addition, the feeling of coolness and aftertaste is not comprehensive.
(2) Overall circulation smoking Manner
This method, also known as the "big cycle" evaluation method, refers to the use of all sensory organs by evaluators when evaluating tobacco and tobacco products. When smoke is inhaled into the mouth, it is swallowed through the throat and slowly expelled from the nasal cavity. This method makes a comprehensive judgment on the quality of smoke by repeatedly inhaling, swallowing, and exhaling. The conclusion drawn from using this method for suction evaluation is comprehensive and can truly reflect the multi-dimensional suction experience of the sample, including aroma, harmony, impurities, throat sensation, and aftertaste.
This method is similar to the habits of most smokers and is more representative in sensory evaluation of tobacco and its products. In another tobacco industry standard, "Tobacco in Process - Sensory Evaluation Methods" (YC/T 415-2011), it is designated as the only available smoking evaluation method.
(3) Nasal aspiration method
This method, also known as "Huilong", only uses partial sensory organs for evaluation. After inhaling smoke into the mouth, pause for a moment, then slightly open your lips to allow the smoke to naturally escape. While the smoke rises naturally, inhale all the smoke through your nose, and finally exhale from your mouth or nose.
This method does not swallow at the throat, and the users are few. It is often used by perfumers in the industry to judge the advantages and disadvantages of essence, spices and smoke. In addition, there is currently no standard or literature at home or abroad that lists this method as a standard evaluation method.
In summary, for the sensory evaluation of e-cigarettes, the author believes that traditional tobacco and its products can be used as a reference, but the same evaluation method must be used in the same group of sensory evaluations.
If it is necessary to conduct an overall evaluation of smoke (or aerosols) and describe the flavor profile, the overall cyclic absorption method is undoubtedly the most optimal choice; If it is necessary to assess the specific properties of smoke (or aerosol) or identify essence and fragrance, it is recommended to select the local circulation assessment method.
In addition, in the sensory evaluation process of electronic cigarettes, in order to ensure that the amount of smoke (or aerosol) sucked by each sensory evaluation group member remains consistent (or roughly consistent), it is recommended to continue the entire suction process for 2 seconds, with a natural suction force (no obvious force action, close to the force of natural mouth breathing).