If you’ve been feeling like the current e-liquid market has become a bit of a repetitive loop—endless variations of the same "mixed berry" or generic "ice" flavours—then I have some very exciting news for you.
The team at Riot Eliquids has just dropped their brand-new range: KURO.
KURO is, in a word, unapologetic. Inspired by the neon-lit, energetic streets of Tokyo after dark, this range is a complete departure from the safe, conventional profiles we see on most shelves and online. We’re talking about sophisticated flavour pairings like funky ume plum, earthy matcha latte, and icy blood orange kakigori. This isn't just another fruit-ice range; it’s a total mixology masterpiece, a collection of complex, layered experiences built for vapers who are ready for something with real personality, that develops over time, with a bit of shout out to the complex flavour profiles of old.
The Riot X Kuro Product Specifications & Value
Riot Eliquids has ensured that the KURO range is accessible regardless of how you prefer to vape:
- 10ml Nic Salts: Available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths. 50VG/50PG blend, perfect for pod kits and MTL devices. from £3.99 or 3 for £10
- 100ml Short-fills: 0mg nicotine-free in a 120ml bottle. Comes with two free Nic shots. 70VG/30PG blend, optimized for Sub-Ohm and DTL devices. from £11.99 or 2 for £20
Every bottle is manufactured in the UK by Riot Labs at their Fantasia Flavour House, fully registered with the MHRA.
The KURO Flavour Experience: An In-Depth Review
I have spent the last week or so exclusively testing the KURO range. One thing is immediately apparent: these are designed for longevity. Because the flavour delivery relies on sophisticated aromatics, I noticed very little coil degradation even after an entire day or two of heavy use.
Kuro / AKIBA GRAPE 萄
Flavour Profile: Japanese grape (kyoho) / Blackcurrant / Ice 🍇
Review Feedback: You are greeted immediately by the heavy, rich sweetness of what I can only imagine if the Kyoho grapes on the inhale; it’s much more intense and perfumed than standard table grapes in the UK. As you move to the exhale, the blackcurrant provides a tart, rich, jammy backbone that stops the grape from feeling too syrupy, and keeps it on track.
Performance: This blend handles heat beautifully. Even after several hours of chain-vaping, the grape doesn’t lose its signature "soda" vibe.
Kuro / MOMO FUJI 岳
Flavour Profile: Japanese white peach / Fuji apple / Shiso leaf / Crushed ice 🍑 🍃
Review Feedback: This is an incredibly elegant profile. The inhale is all about that delicate, succulent fresh white peach, which feels very natural and juicy. On the exhale, the addition of the stated Shiso leaf introduces a herbal, green note that makes the vape feel much more "grown-up" and sets it apart from any normal peach inspired vape.
Performance: I was surprised by how stable this remained. The apple component here keeps the flavour profile crisp and defined and in it's lane, even when the coil has been running medium to hot.
Kuro / KAKIGORI BLOOD 血
Flavour Profile: Blood orange / Shaved ice / Sweet syrup 🍊 🧊
Review Feedback: The initial draw captures that slightly tongue twisting bitterness, essential-oil edge of fresh blood orange peel. freshly cut. It’s followed by a clean, bracing menthol hit on the exhale that mimics a well crafted shaved-ice dessert perfectly.
Performance: Because this doesn't seem to rely on excessive sweeteners, it is a dream for your coils. The flavour stays just as bright and zesty three hours in as it was at the first puff.
Kuro / SAKURA NIGHTS 桜
Flavour Profile: Dark cherry / Sakura (cherry blossom) / Menthol 🌸
Review Feedback: You get a deep, almost licure -like dark cherry on the inhale that sits heavy, satisfying and very moorish. The exhale highlights the floral notes from what I can imagine is the Sakura , which provide an almond-like infusion that steers the cherry away from being medicinal.
Performance: As the coil settles in over several hours, the menthol seems to become more integrated, cooling the cherry base and keeping the profile refreshing.
Kuro / RYU BERRY 竜
Flavour Profile: Dragon fruit (pitaya) / Lychee / Blackcurrant 🐉 🍇
Review Feedback: You start with the soft, kiwi-like tang of dragon fruit on the inhale, which quickly transitions into the sweet, floral notes of lychee. The exhale brings it all home with a robust, dark berry finish from the blackcurrant.
Performance: What I found impressive is how the blackcurrant depth actually seems to gain a bit more prominence as you vape, creating a well-rounded, jammy profile.
Kuro / TOKYO MULE 騾
Flavour Profile: Zesty lime / Spicy ginger / Crushed ice 🧊 🍋🟩
Review Feedback: The inhale hits you with a sharp, bright burst of lime zest that is genuinely exhilarating. The exhale is where the magic happens, with the ginger bringing a subtle, spicy heat to the back of the throat.
Performance: This is a fantastic coil-saver. You can tell there’s practically no sweetener build-up here, so the flavour stays as clean and punchy as when you first filled the tank.
Kuro / UMESHU PLUM 梅
Flavour Profile: Japanese plum (ume) / Brown sugar / Green apple
Review Feedback: This is the "funkiest" one in the collection. I don't think I have ever tried a 'Plum' vape. You get a sharp green apple hit initially, followed by that unique, almost fermented-plum tartness . The exhale adds a mellow, brown-sugar warmth, with takes it to another level in my opinion.
Performance: This flavour deepens the longer it sits on the coil. The heat brings out the molasses notes, making the profile feel richer as the day progresses. Bringing an almost caramelise Plum sensation into the mix.
Kuro / MATCHA LATTE 茶
Flavour Profile: Sweet matcha / Condensed milk / Vanilla 🍵 🍃
Review Feedback: You get a lovely, earthy hit of authentic green tea on the inhale—it’s slightly grassy and toasted, just like a proper cup. The exhale is incredibly smooth, with the stunning addition of the creamy, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla softening the natural bitterness of the matcha. Personally i think Condensed milk should be used in more blends. As it leaves an intense sweetness on the lips.
Performance: The slight bitterness of the tea keeps the creaminess from feeling heavy or "burnt," ensuring a smooth and pleasant vape from start to finish.
Conclusion & Recommendation
The KURO range is an absolute breath of fresh air. It is rare to see a brand go this far out of their way to create flavours that actually have personality.
My personal top picks? The Matcha Latte is a masterclass in creamy, earthy balance, and the KAKIGORI BLOOD is quite possibly one of the most refreshing citrus vapes I have ever used.
Where to get them: You can pick up 3 x KURO 10ml Nic Salts for £10, or grab 2 x KURO Shortfills for £20. by heading over to https://rioteliquid.com/pages/kuro
Have you tried any of the new KURO range yet, and which of these unique flavour profiles are you most excited to experience for yourself?
Many thanks to Guy and the team over at Riot Eliquids for sending over their new range of amazing flavours.
