I wouldn't classify a Hot extraction as harsh compared to Cold extraction, just each method will probably accentuate different flavor elements of the extraction, the same can be said for mixing at different strengths. My cold extracted Kuba Kuba extract, both from the same batch, tastes more Botanical/ Herbal @12% than it does @20-25%.
My Cold extracts are usually ~90 days, I've also done a Window extract during the Summer, putting my jars on my kitchen window sill for ~90 days. I like using the Sun during the Summer, and still do the low heat reduction after filtering the extract. I guess I should do the Window & Cold (kept in the cupboard) extraction of the same tobacco to see if there is any flavor difference.
Smell is a big indicator for the presence of alcohol, but since I reduce my extracts ~70-80%, ~4-6 hours, I'm sure I'd detect an alcohol note in the vape juice. Highly doubtful but, if alcohol was present, leaving the cap off your juice for a day would probably cure it.
My opinion of Potato vs Grain Vodka was made during the drinking of it, which I believe would translate to using it as an extraction medium.
I like keeping my extractions simple and like to experiment, if it's a failure, I'm out the price of a Cigar or Pipe Tobacco, $6-$12. I usually average 60-100ml of finished Tobacco extract depending on the amount of Tobacco I macerated.
There are no rules to extracting, you're only limited by your imagination... Clay's (net.com) Hybrids are a great example, and the next step in my experiments.
