Beginner mixing tip - I just learned

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I also use WL for my nic although, Hoosier, I will check out Vapers Tek. I haven't been mixing for long, started in March of this year. I learned a lot over in another forum and continue to gather more knowledge here. I do not in the least consider myself to be an expert, but I do consider myself a good diy'er because mine vapes better than what I can purchase. That's good enough for my tastes and I'm not forcing them on others. I did, however, sell a bottle of my juice to one of the guys at my local B&M, because he shared my opinion of that particular flavor of juice....I presume.
My experience has been that some mixes taste great right off the bat and no matter how long they sit (cap on or off) the flavor doesn't change. Not better, not worse. If I'm not mistaken, nicotine loses on average approximately 3% potency over a year's time. I seriously doubt that leaving the cap off for a few days is going to seriously degrade your nic...storing it in a well lit area might, though.
Some flavors, though, do taste much better after they've sat around for awhile. My RY4, for instance, tastes really good right off the bat, but after 2 weeks, it tastes almost borderline divine. Has a lot to do with the chemical composition of what you're mixing, IMO. I like the spaghetti sauce analogy earlier...has a lot of truth to it when it comes to certain flavor combinations. I make a Smurfberry with Strawberry, Blueberry, Marshmallow, and Bavarian Creme....vapes great right off and never changes flavor or color. The current bottle I have of it has been around for about 3 weeks. Different flavors for different people and different styles.

If everything worked exactly the same for everybody, what's the point of doing it.


Edit: Forgot to mention what qualifies my statements; Majored in Meteorology and Psychology (the latter being irrelevant in this matter, Meteorology does have some basis), Minored in Chemistry in college, 3.9 GPA
The chemistry proved helpful in my apprenticeship to a sous chef at a major restaurant in the Clearwater, Fl area in the early 90's. That should help to qualify my statements about mixing of flavors somewhat.
 
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Shilo

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I I reckon I might be one of those occasional agitators :facepalm: .(sic)

As am I--had to insert some more estrogen into this thread for balance :lol:

jmunk there is no need to air the nicotine out in my mind other than for strong smell which if thats the case vendor should be contacted. Everything mentioned here is not to attack you but to make your nic stay fresh as long as possible based on our experiences and recommendations of the people who sell to us. I have heard of people mixing flavors (recipe) ahead of time with the non nic part of the base. Its not something I do but its fairly common.
 
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Crunktanium

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Steeping or Aging is supported by scientific data as it's used in all types of chemistry. In fact I posted a great video that demonstrates the process of chemical interaction over time a while back. Some flavors do come together quicker then others but even the PG/VG takes time to fully bond. However numerous vendors that produce some of the most prized juice including people who have worked in the food industry for many years have supported steeping. So I guess a few DIY'ers would believe that some of the biggest vendors with full scale labs need to be told they are doing it all wrong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyXtgVIxgmA#t=47

Steeping will provide the best possible flavour from our e-juice by rounding out any harsh flavours, blending multiple flavours together, developing, maturing or ageing flavours. Flavorings need to completely diffuse into the types of base liquids we use, these need time to bond molecularly with any single or combination of base liquids used in a mix (Nic base, PG, VG, etc).

Steeping Advice

Simply speaking, ‘steeping’ is a word used by the e-liquid community. The word translates to “aging”. Steeping e-Liquid isn’t exactly like aging wine, but the analogy cannot be overlooked. Wine needs to be aged, sometimes by weeks and sometimes by decades. E-Liquid, on the other hand, has some basic requirements that are nowhere near as stringent as aging wine. Steeping is simple and straightforward, and the reward for steeping is a much improved vape experience. You’ll enjoy a deeper flavor experience, improved vapor production, and the elimination of a ‘portion’ of what I refer to as the *burning sensation*.

Spinfuel
 
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RocketPuppy

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Steeping or Aging is supported by scientific data as it's used in all types of chemistry. In fact I posted a great video that demonstrates the process of chemical interaction over time a while back.

I'm personally fond of steeping for a few flavors, so I'm not disputing that steeping has it's merits.

The video, however, doesn't seem to explain anything except that their laboratory has high cleanliness standards.

Currently, there isn't quantitative data to support or negate steeping.

Because e-liquid and all things vaping seem to be so problematic to the general public, there are only a few who are doing the necessary research. To this, and like I said above, do whatever method gives you the results that qualitatively make you content.
 
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Crunktanium

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Blueser

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Ladies and gents, continue to do whatever you do that gives you the best results.

Now there you go over-simplifying Rocket Science...Rocket :facepalm: lol

As am I--had to insert some more estrogen into this thread for balance :lol:
now that's funny amongst (sic) all the seriousness...
if there's a "one size fit's all" make mine an extra small :ohmy:
 

RocketPuppy

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Steeping or Aging is supported by scientific data as it's used in all types of chemistry. In fact I posted a great video that demonstrates the process of chemical interaction over time a while back. Some flavors do come together quicker then others but even the PG/VG takes time to fully bond. However numerous vendors that produce some of the most prized juice including people who have worked in the food industry for many years have supported steeping. So I guess a few DIY'ers would believe that some of the biggest vendors with full scale labs need to be told they are doing it all wrong.

I think I said it before but maybe it didn't make sense. There is no doubt that molecularly and chemically steeping changes juice. That's a fact.

What we are arguing has no scientific solution unless somehow we all start perceiving taste the same. Steeping changes a juice. Whether a person believes the change to be beneficial, detrimental, or neutral is something that has no quantitative solution. It's like arguing whether tobacco or bakery juices are better.

And whether a pro who has been selling juice for years sees a benefit to steeping is not data, it's personal preference.

We can't argue how we perceive taste. I think the taste of lamb is disgusting, while I'm sure a few here will try to convince me otherwise. It doesn't matter what others like. No matter how much others enjoy it, it doesn't change how I taste it.

Pepsi or Coke?
 
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AmandaD

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And one other point on steeping: I see lots of companies who steep, or whose juice is known to need steeping, using very high amounts of flavorings (I read recently that Boba's is said to use 40%?). Presumably the more flavoring that is used the more it will change with steeping. When I DIY I use very low percentages (typically 3-6%), and I find the change from steeping is pretty minimal - although I rarely DIY tobacco. That said, as I've said before I've steeped using lots of different methods - my favorite being the crockpot. But with most of my juice an hour in the crockpot just means I don't have to wait until tomorrow for it to be 'done.'
 

RocketPuppy

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I know someone said this earlier, but a few of us got into diy because we weren't satisfied with what was being sold. I was a juice hoarder because I couldn't find anything that I absolutely loved until I started diy, and yes, I've tried every brand mentioned and a few dozen more. I've tried em un-steeped and steeped, month after month, and they still sit in a closet, except when I send em to new homes.

Pro or not pro, people need not tell anyone that they have bad taste or don't know what they're doing when it comes to what they do or do not prefer.

If anyone needs me, I'll be on the swings.
 

Crunktanium

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The problem with taste is many who mix their own juice have smoked for 20-30+ years. If your taste buds are shot certain things will taste the same regardless if steeped or not. And then you have people mixing juice who vape lots of cinnamon and menthol. This is why large companies hire people with good taste buds to sample every batch of soft drink, ice cream or whatever. Many just don't have the time or resources to put into it which is why some people are better off just buying juice.
 

Wingsfan0310

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As long as the person mixing the juice likes it, what else really matters. It doesn't matter whether you or I think its good, as long as the mixer likes it. To me, that's why I DIY my juice, to make juice that I like. I couldn't care less whether it meets other peoples approval.

Steve
 
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RocketPuppy

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The problem with taste is many who mix their own juice have smoked for 20-30+ years. If your taste buds are shot certain things will taste the same regardless if steeped or not. And then you have people mixing juice who vape lots of cinnamon and menthol. This is why large companies hire people with good taste buds to sample every batch of soft drink, ice cream or whatever. Many just don't have the time or resources to put into it which is why some people are better off just buying juice.


Sense of smell and taste come back very quickly, even within a few days after quitting (completely quitting). If you've ever burned your tongue, you know how quickly it heals. Granted, I'm not referring to a third degree burn nor if anyone has had parts removed due to cancerous cells.

Considering this is a diy thread, I'm going to assume that those of us here have the time and resources dedicated to pursuing this endeavor.

I'm not a cinnamon or menthol vaper, so maybe I'm not understanding? Nor do I understand the relevance of how "this is why large companies hire people with good taste buds to sample every batch of soft drink, ice cream or whatever." Not trying to troll; I just don't understand to what this is in reference.
 

Dixie1954

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I am doing DIY because to me the strength of flavor in an already made juice is way too strong. I do not know if I am a *supertaster* but I do know I do not care for in your face flavors.

If leaving the cap off of your base makes the *peppery* taste (which is what I can taste) evaporate, then do it. It is your base not anyone elses.

By the way I smoked for 42+ years and have always been a *taster* that will only get worse lol

I will be trying VapersTek nic base this next month, was told it was the cleanest (least peppery)tasting nic base at this time:thumbs:
 
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