NJX, I was using Johnson Creek, the Original and also Tennessee Cured. The strength was almost perfect, but I had to use their VG formula. Now, of course, they have completely changed their recipes, they no longer contain 100%VG, now have a 30%PG added to it for better vapor. It is unpalatable to me now. The flavors are also different, way too much vanilla added.
So, I'm in the process of making my own juice, 36mg/ml
ECOpureVG (Krystal) and a plain no nic for mixing, I dilute it 1/2 & 1.2 for a nicotine density of 18mg/ml. I just cut back from 24mg/ml. With no side effects, by the way, was unbelievably easy and comfortable, no withdrawal at all.
But then I use a real tobacco flavor made from tobacco leaves called "absolute",
very tiny bit (it's a very dark, concentrated, and thick paste-like substance)with a little bit of Ethyl Maltol to smooth out the harsh side of the tobacco, yes it can bite! (
Check the D.I.Y. Threads for help with this.) I tolerate these two additives with no problems, and I do like a real tobacco flavor. But I have no problem using
plain VG if I had to, with 18mg/ml nicotine. But as for more additives, exotic flavors, no way would I even try them. I don't want to ruin a good thing, and my goal is to do no more harm to myself. After 44 years of heavily smoking cigarettes I am a little afraid of adding anything. But I am sort of a purist, I don't want flavors added to my 100% Colombian dark roast coffee, either! I enjoy an occasional Cappaccino, but wouldn't want it 24/7!
So, my juice has a grand total of four ingredients, which are verified as pure and safe as scientifically possible,
VG, nicotine, tobacco absolute (less than 2%), ethyl maltol, (about the same, 2%) and a very tiny amount of grain alcohol (EverClear) for diluting the absolute for mixing, which is usually exhausted out of the mix by evaporation. Any nitrosimines or other possible contaminants would fall into the 2 parts per billion category, don't think it will hurt me. There are more nitrosimines in a carrot.
[edit]PS: I am still working out the ingredients for strength, amounts, etc., but when I have it exactly right I will post the recipe in the DIY Thread. This takes a lot of try, try again. I am aiming for just a very mild Tobacco Juice that I can use day in and day out. Sometimes a formula tastes really good for a day or two, but then tastes a little too strong after constant use over several days. The ECOpure, however, is my preference for VG, strictly becasue of the testing the company has done. (Read about it on the Intellicig UK website.)