This has been a VERY good week for me DIY-wise. I developed a couple of new flavors that have made it in my 'Keepers' book. I can't thank the people that have helped me learn DIY from the vendors I shop for the flavors from to the kind folks that are members here on ECF. Y'all are the best, because every single one of you (you know who you are) have helped to assure that I am able to stay off of analogs while not completely breaking the bank. DIY definitely has a learning curve for some of us, and I feel like I am finally able to trace that curve.
I know there are a lot of members out there just starting out in DIY that feel like it is almost impossible to come up with something good, but if I can do it, anyone can. I did a blog post a while back about some of the things I have learned about DIY, and I think I would like to expand on that post a bit. Some of it is advice that I got from others, and some is what I have learned through trial and error.
Work on a stringently clean surface and keep paper towels extremely handy.
Don't do DIY when you are extremely rushed for time.
Make a juice, and by all means try it, but let it sit for a few days before making a complete judgement, unless it is too yummy to leave alone.
If you spill, clean the area immediately.
If you spill, wash your hands immediately. Better yet, WEAR GLOVES.
Sometimes, less is more. Many flavors shine at 3%-6% if the juice is given time to develop.
Label every bottle of juice you make, so you never have to sniff and wonder what the juice is.
If you don't like the time-consuming hassle of making small batches every week, make large batches that will last a while, providing you have the supplies to do so.
DIY is not always the end-all and be-all. Some vendors make truly amazing premixed juices.
One success can wipe out 10 failures when mixing your own juice.
Think out of the box. You might come up with a unique, tasty, unheard of juice flavor. Then share it on the forums here!
Above all, have FUN! If it isn't fun, then DIY just isn't worth doing, and premixed flavors can save you a lot of aggravation.
Okay, so I will step off of my soap box now.
I know there are a lot of members out there just starting out in DIY that feel like it is almost impossible to come up with something good, but if I can do it, anyone can. I did a blog post a while back about some of the things I have learned about DIY, and I think I would like to expand on that post a bit. Some of it is advice that I got from others, and some is what I have learned through trial and error.
Work on a stringently clean surface and keep paper towels extremely handy.
Don't do DIY when you are extremely rushed for time.
Make a juice, and by all means try it, but let it sit for a few days before making a complete judgement, unless it is too yummy to leave alone.
If you spill, clean the area immediately.
If you spill, wash your hands immediately. Better yet, WEAR GLOVES.
Sometimes, less is more. Many flavors shine at 3%-6% if the juice is given time to develop.
Label every bottle of juice you make, so you never have to sniff and wonder what the juice is.
If you don't like the time-consuming hassle of making small batches every week, make large batches that will last a while, providing you have the supplies to do so.
DIY is not always the end-all and be-all. Some vendors make truly amazing premixed juices.
One success can wipe out 10 failures when mixing your own juice.
Think out of the box. You might come up with a unique, tasty, unheard of juice flavor. Then share it on the forums here!
Above all, have FUN! If it isn't fun, then DIY just isn't worth doing, and premixed flavors can save you a lot of aggravation.
Okay, so I will step off of my soap box now.
