DIY Ejuice Q's
- Thread starter NatashaTMT
- Start date
- th_trl_thread_readers 0
- Status
Depends on the flavors. Fruits can be shake and vapes. I always put mix new mixes in a dark place with the cap off. And depending on whether they have alcohol in them or not(if not then)I put the cap back on, give a good shake, then return to dark place with cap on for a few days. If they have alcohol in the flavors, then leave the cap off a few days. If they smell good I will put a drop on my finger and taste. If good, I will vape it. Most creams will start to darken within a few days. This is normal.
So much great advice! Thanks for all the input! It seems I should get some custard / cream bases steeping asap, begin playing around with fruity vapes and hold off on the AP for just a bit until I understand it a bit better. It’s probably normal, in the beginning, but I have SO many ideas I want to try all at once lol. I can see me impatiently waiting for steeping like a family member waiting in labor & delivery lol
1. (re: water for tasting concentrates) Didn't work for me; results were rather unpleasant, and didn't give good feedback of what they taste like when heat is applied and vaped. I have not found a suitable substitute to vaping.
2. (re: 3 month aging) The only time I have a DIY mix last 3 months is because I didn't care for it (and the extra time still didn't help much). I have nothing that "requires" that type of aging. Normal aging for my palate, varies from same day, to maybe a month.
3. (re: Acetyl Pyrazine) I have never tried using this as a flavor unto itself. I have always considered it as an enhancer/additive. It is extremely potent and a little goes a long way. I use it most frequently between 0.25% to 0.75%.I also concur that too much will give an unpleasant "freto" taste. It is useful with nuts, bakery, and tobacco flavors. I have also just learned that is can also be used to bring out a sweetness in some chocolate recipes w/o adding a true sweetener.
4. (re: search for "gooey") Afraid I have nothing for this one. I have experienced "thicker" and "creamier" and even subtle suggestions of "fluffier." But never "gooey".... sorry.
In my mind, how can I understand how/if a juice changes, unless I know how it tastes to start. I try to jot down a few detailed notes of what it tastes like to me at that moment. What I like about it, what I don't, and what I hope some time may do to it. I do NOT make any changes at this time; even if there are "no-brainer" thoughts. I will include them in my notes (so I stand a chance of remembering them
) but no tweaking yet.
Then, depending on what my general expectation for aging for any given ingredient/recipe being tested, I will taste test it again in 24-72hours. Again, more notes (how it is tasting, how is it changing), and no adjusting/tweaking.
Then repeat taste testing/note taking weekly; until I no longer perceive any more changing to the mix. Only then will I consider what adjustments I may want to make.
This is not the only way to mix. Some may find this method waaay too obsessive; and have neither the pacience, nor the inclination to spend the time. But, for me, it works. It tells me how any given concentrate is going to work for me.
So, if we use @Alter's example, we see how this can help:
(using AP at original strength)
5mL X 0.75% = 5.00 X 0.0075 = 0.0375mL
(using AP diluted down to 10% of original strength)
5mL X 7.5% = 5.00 X 0.075 = 0.375mL
Both provide the same amount of actual AP.
Measuring 0.375mL is easier than trying to measure 0.0375 (at least with any precision/potential for repeatability); regardless of whether one chooses to measure by volume or weight.
2. (re: 3 month aging) The only time I have a DIY mix last 3 months is because I didn't care for it (and the extra time still didn't help much). I have nothing that "requires" that type of aging. Normal aging for my palate, varies from same day, to maybe a month.
3. (re: Acetyl Pyrazine) I have never tried using this as a flavor unto itself. I have always considered it as an enhancer/additive. It is extremely potent and a little goes a long way. I use it most frequently between 0.25% to 0.75%.I also concur that too much will give an unpleasant "freto" taste. It is useful with nuts, bakery, and tobacco flavors. I have also just learned that is can also be used to bring out a sweetness in some chocolate recipes w/o adding a true sweetener.
4. (re: search for "gooey") Afraid I have nothing for this one. I have experienced "thicker" and "creamier" and even subtle suggestions of "fluffier." But never "gooey".... sorry.
I am a strong proponent of the "test fresh... taste regularly" school of thought. If I am working with a new ingredient (or ingredients), or a recipe that is outside of my "normal" wheelhouse I always taste immediately after mixing by vaping about a 0.25mL.
In my mind, how can I understand how/if a juice changes, unless I know how it tastes to start. I try to jot down a few detailed notes of what it tastes like to me at that moment. What I like about it, what I don't, and what I hope some time may do to it. I do NOT make any changes at this time; even if there are "no-brainer" thoughts. I will include them in my notes (so I stand a chance of remembering them
) but no tweaking yet.Then, depending on what my general expectation for aging for any given ingredient/recipe being tested, I will taste test it again in 24-72hours. Again, more notes (how it is tasting, how is it changing), and no adjusting/tweaking.
Then repeat taste testing/note taking weekly; until I no longer perceive any more changing to the mix. Only then will I consider what adjustments I may want to make.
This is not the only way to mix. Some may find this method waaay too obsessive; and have neither the pacience, nor the inclination to spend the time. But, for me, it works. It tells me how any given concentrate is going to work for me.
This is a genuine problem when using at very low (less than 1.0%) percentages. One can make it easier to get a more precise measurement by pre-deluting some of your AP. Use 1 part AP + 9 parts dillutant (usually PG or VG) to create a weaker concentrate(only 10% as strong). !0% as strong means I have to add 10 time as much to get the same amount of the original concentrate into the mix.
So, if we use @Alter's example, we see how this can help:
(using AP at original strength)
5mL X 0.75% = 5.00 X 0.0075 = 0.0375mL
(using AP diluted down to 10% of original strength)
5mL X 7.5% = 5.00 X 0.075 = 0.375mL
Both provide the same amount of actual AP.
Measuring 0.375mL is easier than trying to measure 0.0375 (at least with any precision/potential for repeatability); regardless of whether one chooses to measure by volume or weight.
I still have plenty of vendor juice thanks to Om’s 75% off winter holiday sales! I stocked up the last few times they ran a great sale. I’m too stubborn to pay full prices or too much for vape juice in general. I’ll order more just to keep from paying s&h lol. I’ve been using Om a bit too long now though and even though I have pretty much all the flavors, They’re just not doing it for me anymore. I’ve been tempted to add a bit of this or that but want to save my flavors and additives for my own recipes.
So does everything steep for 3 months?
And there it is and so informative! Thanks so much for touching all bases. Best steeping answer yet! Ima bookmark this until I no longer need it. As far as the gooey goes, no one has really been able to answer that one. I was watching DIYorDIE’s FA Passo review. Jack I think is the one thats like the old fashioned hard candy with the goey strawberry middle. Got me wondering how to get that in there. DD wants a PB brownie vape and goey definitely belongs there lol1. (re: water for tasting concentrates) Didn't work for me; results were rather unpleasant, and didn't give good feedback of what they taste like when heat is applied and vaped. I have not found a suitable substitute to vaping.
2. (re: 3 month aging) The only time I have a DIY mix last 3 months is because I didn't care for it (and the extra time still didn't help much). I have nothing that "requires" that type of aging. Normal aging for my palate, varies from same day, to maybe a month.
3. (re: Acetyl Pyrazine) I have never tried using this as a flavor unto itself. I have always considered it as an enhancer/additive. It is extremely potent and a little goes a long way. I use it most frequently between 0.25% to 0.75%.I also concur that too much will give an unpleasant "freto" taste. It is useful with nuts, bakery, and tobacco flavors. I have also just learned that is can also be used to bring out a sweetness in some chocolate recipes w/o adding a true sweetener.
4. (re: search for "gooey") Afraid I have nothing for this one. I have experienced "thicker" and "creamier" and even subtle suggestions of "fluffier." But never "gooey".... sorry.
I am a strong proponent of the "test fresh... taste regularly" school of thought. If I am working with a new ingredient (or ingredients), or a recipe that is outside of my "normal" wheelhouse I always taste immediately after mixing by vaping about a 0.25mL.
In my mind, how can I understand how/if a juice changes, unless I know how it tastes to start. I try to jot down a few detailed notes of what it tastes like to me at that moment. What I like about it, what I don't, and what I hope some time may do to it. I do NOT make any changes at this time; even if there are "no-brainer" thoughts. I will include them in my notes (so I stand a chance of remembering them
Then, depending on what my general expectation for aging for any given ingredient/recipe being tested, I will taste test it again in 24-72hours. Again, more notes (how it is tasting, how is it changing), and no adjusting/tweaking.
Then repeat taste testing/note taking weekly; until I no longer perceive any more changing to the mix. Only then will I consider what adjustments I may want to make.
This is not the only way to mix. Some may find this method waaay too obsessive; and have neither the pacience, nor the inclination to spend the time. But, for me, it works. It tells me how any given concentrate is going to work for me.
This is a genuine problem when using at very low (less than 1.0%) percentages. One can make it easier to get a more precise measurement by pre-deluting some of your AP. Use 1 part AP + 9 parts dillutant (usually PG or VG) to create a weaker concentrate(only 10% as strong). !0% as strong means I have to add 10 time as much to get the same amount of the original concentrate into the mix.
So, if we use @Alter's example, we see how this can help:
(using AP at original strength)
5mL X 0.75% = 5.00 X 0.0075 = 0.0375mL
(using AP diluted down to 10% of original strength)
5mL X 7.5% = 5.00 X 0.075 = 0.375mL
Both provide the same amount of actual AP.
Measuring 0.375mL is easier than trying to measure 0.0375 (at least with any precision/potential for repeatability); regardless of whether one chooses to measure by volume or weight.
I am fairly confident that many reviews that a lot of liberty, and creativity, with their descriptions. I don't know how much is real, how much is psychosomatic, and how much is pure artistic license.
I will be the first to admit that I am no super-taster. I have abused my palate for decades; and I am doubtful it will ever be even "good" again. I am also no master mixologist; I am fair-to-middlin' at best (and that is even pretty optimistic). So, the failure to discern texture nuances could be (likely be) all mine.
Keep in mind that commercial ejuice is
1. Very high in flavor so that really lessens the steeping times, however, if these ejuices steep they will often start tasting awful quickly as in way too much flavoring. These should be vaped quickly and vendors rely upon that so people will buy more (week after week) to keep the taste.
2. Very high in sugars.....vendors know that new vapers are coming off of cigarettes and their taste buds have not healed. High flavoring and high sweetness is used so the new to vaping peep can actually taste their juice.
As your taste buds start to heal you will find that your taste will start to change. You will end up reducing the amount of flavoring and sweetness used. Also, what you liked last week you may hate this week. It is all normal and nothing to fret about. You can always try that newly hated flavor later down the road to see if you start to like it again. This is another good reason to make your mixes in smaller bottles to start with.
Good luck and let us know how your mixing is going.
I made single flavor mixes first, I didn't taste anything before at least a week of steeping. Every flavor has different needs.... So your approach is a good one. I then combined my single flavor mixes in my tank (it's not the same as steeping together but gave me a general idea how what played with what). Some juices require no steeping, others a fair amount.
I am not a huge proponent of leaving the cap off for more than say 10 minutes here and there, but I use distilled water in my mixes so I don't want much evaporation. For me the tried and true method seems to be letting my mixes steep at least a month. A few improve as I vape them, but I'm on a steady mixing schedule now and that makes things easier.
It is also true that as you use DIY your flavoring tastes may change. Your tastebuds will be regenerating. It's unusual for me to be able to vape storebought anymore without dilution and addition to flavors, because they are overflavored for me. That is one risk re: tasting too "early" it can be tempting to add flavoring and sweetener too early resulting in overflavoring which will then need to be fixed down the line, and is usually more complicated. So I think your approach will yield good results. For me patience and keeping things simple paid large dividends in the end. I have not "followed" a single recipe, I follow "building blocks" and my tastebuds.
I READ a ton of recipes and did a lot of taste testing of commercial juices when I started, and that helped me narrow down what I would like and detest etc.
But, steeping, I keep it simple a dark closet and some vigorous shakes, every few days, and am now on a "flavoring schedule" that seems to be working for me. I can confidently say I can make a recipe *I* will love, for far less than what I would spend trying to buy commercial, I use LESS flavoring which makes me happy, and it gives me better coil life.
Best of luck, and I hope you find success.
Anna
I am not a huge proponent of leaving the cap off for more than say 10 minutes here and there, but I use distilled water in my mixes so I don't want much evaporation. For me the tried and true method seems to be letting my mixes steep at least a month. A few improve as I vape them, but I'm on a steady mixing schedule now and that makes things easier.
It is also true that as you use DIY your flavoring tastes may change. Your tastebuds will be regenerating. It's unusual for me to be able to vape storebought anymore without dilution and addition to flavors, because they are overflavored for me. That is one risk re: tasting too "early" it can be tempting to add flavoring and sweetener too early resulting in overflavoring which will then need to be fixed down the line, and is usually more complicated. So I think your approach will yield good results. For me patience and keeping things simple paid large dividends in the end. I have not "followed" a single recipe, I follow "building blocks" and my tastebuds.
I READ a ton of recipes and did a lot of taste testing of commercial juices when I started, and that helped me narrow down what I would like and detest etc.
But, steeping, I keep it simple a dark closet and some vigorous shakes, every few days, and am now on a "flavoring schedule" that seems to be working for me. I can confidently say I can make a recipe *I* will love, for far less than what I would spend trying to buy commercial, I use LESS flavoring which makes me happy, and it gives me better coil life.
Best of luck, and I hope you find success.
Anna
I mix with 10% distilled water, it actually improved my flavors if you ask me. My technique is called "I am PG sensitive and need to minimize it to flavors in my vape). VG isn't the best flavor carrier.
I am NOT sensitive to PEG400 (PG alternative) and I have 1100 mls of juice steeping which I refuse to taste, as it isn't time yet. I just mixed as normal, given that underflavoring is actually preferable to overflavoring, etc. I guess I will see what happens. Ordinarily, I would have mixed a few testers, but meh, I can always ADD flavor if it's needed, I'm sort of doubtful it will be. I'm hoping I get less "VG fog" for the husband's sake, although I also wonder, having been doing that mix for a long time, if I will partially "miss" the fog, etc..
Too much water can cause flavors to go mute and anemic, but in the right amount, it can be useful for some. I would definitely use more PG if that were an option but VG just isn't a fantastic flavor carrier, so there's that.
Anna
I am NOT sensitive to PEG400 (PG alternative) and I have 1100 mls of juice steeping which I refuse to taste, as it isn't time yet. I just mixed as normal, given that underflavoring is actually preferable to overflavoring, etc. I guess I will see what happens. Ordinarily, I would have mixed a few testers, but meh, I can always ADD flavor if it's needed, I'm sort of doubtful it will be. I'm hoping I get less "VG fog" for the husband's sake, although I also wonder, having been doing that mix for a long time, if I will partially "miss" the fog, etc..
Too much water can cause flavors to go mute and anemic, but in the right amount, it can be useful for some. I would definitely use more PG if that were an option but VG just isn't a fantastic flavor carrier, so there's that.
Anna
If you going by ratings at ELR...take them with a grain of salt. Learn who's recipes you the taste of and follow them. Some of the true gems I've found are in the lower ratings. Enjoy using ELR but there is a buddy system to take into account.
Believe you might be right about some of these “descriptions.” My taster isn’t the greatest either. I’ve broken my nose a couple times. For a few years I could hardly taste or smell anything. Started getting better a couple years ago but still not quite right. This is one of the reasons I initially wanted to DIY. Then, I found a commercial I fell in love with but then within 3 days my coil started to gunk. I blamed another juice, then a bad box of coils. Eventually I couldn’t deny, although the flavor was nice, it had too much sweetener. Then decided it’s time to DIY. I’d been thinking about it for over a year already. Thanks again for your advice!I am fairly confident that many reviews that a lot of liberty, and creativity, with their descriptions. I don't know how much is real, how much is psychosomatic, and how much is pure artistic license.
I will be the first to admit that I am no super-taster. I have abused my palate for decades; and I am doubtful it will ever be even "good" again. I am also no master mixologist; I am fair-to-middlin' at best (and that is even pretty optimistic). So, the failure to discern texture nuances could be (likely be) all mine.
I think what you are referring to as gooey and what Wayne was referring to are two different things. I believe he was referring to the thickness, kind of a syrupy feel. Hard to do on something like a brownie. Unless Im missing it you are really referring to "chewy".
I stopped smoking and began vaping September 1, 2016. So while I'm new to DIY ejuice, I’m not too new to vaping. I’ve found what best worked for me with commercial but I don’t think anything will be as good as one made precisely for me by me. I really appreciate your willingness to help! Thank youKeep in mind that commercial ejuice is
1. Very high in flavor so that really lessens the steeping times, however, if these ejuices steep they will often start tasting awful quickly as in way too much flavoring. These should be vaped quickly and vendors rely upon that so people will buy more (week after week) to keep the taste.
2. Very high in sugars.....vendors know that new vapers are coming off of cigarettes and their taste buds have not healed. High flavoring and high sweetness is used so the new to vaping peep can actually taste their juice.
As your taste buds start to heal you will find that your taste will start to change. You will end up reducing the amount of flavoring and sweetness used. Also, what you liked last week you may hate this week. It is all normal and nothing to fret about. You can always try that newly hated flavor later down the road to see if you start to like it again. This is another good reason to make your mixes in smaller bottles to start with.
Good luck and let us know how your mixing is going.
I was second guessing myself with my planed method to flavor test. So this will definitely help me. I like your advice with cap on / off while steeping. Makes sense! I’ll keep in mind to not try tweaking juice too soon. I wondered if DIY would have much effect on my tastebuds. As I mentioned above, I’ve broken my nose a couple times causing some taste / smell issues. So I’m curios how flavoring will be affected. Simplicity and patience sound good to me! I’m also reading a good deal of recipes, both exceptional and with low ratings, for comparison. Great advice though, thanks so much for sharing!
I think you might be right although both gooey & chewy would be great to know how to achieve, if and when possible. So how does one add “chewy” to ejuice?
I like MFS wizard for mouth feel. I think I got mine from Advanced Vapor Supply, but I could be wrong on that.
It's description is that it adds some "mouthfeel" and a slightly almost "smoky" aftertaste, and I've found it really does do what it says. I don't use it in every mix, but I do use a bit in many of them. The "smoky" aftertaste really comes after the initial flavor, so you won't turn all your juices into tobaccos or anything. Plays well with berries, some dessert flavors especially custardy/creamy ones, and I bet it would be good for tobaccos too... It just adds some depth and richness to certain recipes and it might be worth checking out. I've been impressed with its versatility and it really does (for me) seem to work as described.
I don't know if it would play well with like, citruses or watermelons, or whatnot. I think dragonfruit might be another that could add some depth and juiciness without overpowering other flavors, that and perhaps a cactus flavor. I can definitely recommend MFS Wizard for mouthfeel and depth, though.
Anna
It's description is that it adds some "mouthfeel" and a slightly almost "smoky" aftertaste, and I've found it really does do what it says. I don't use it in every mix, but I do use a bit in many of them. The "smoky" aftertaste really comes after the initial flavor, so you won't turn all your juices into tobaccos or anything. Plays well with berries, some dessert flavors especially custardy/creamy ones, and I bet it would be good for tobaccos too... It just adds some depth and richness to certain recipes and it might be worth checking out. I've been impressed with its versatility and it really does (for me) seem to work as described.
I don't know if it would play well with like, citruses or watermelons, or whatnot. I think dragonfruit might be another that could add some depth and juiciness without overpowering other flavors, that and perhaps a cactus flavor. I can definitely recommend MFS Wizard for mouthfeel and depth, though.
Anna
Well, to be honest I dont really know of anything that just makes it chewy either. Maybe in the brownie example it could just be the type of chocolate you use. Take for instance a regular chocolate versus say, a chocolate cake. LB has a lava cake that might work. FH has a cookie dough that seems to have quite a bit of thickness. Maybe a touch of gummy worm. Works with fruit but I never tried it with anything like chocolate. Its really all an experiment till you find what works.
I haven’t used yet but I have MTS VW. Is it true that when used it sorta “blends” all the flavors similar to a milkshake or blizzard? This is exciting, lol
Hmm, you’ve got me thinking. Thanks for the input!
- Status
