DIY Ejuice Q's

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FranC

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    I've been mixing for close to 7 years and my taste buds are still changing.Over the past year I have lost my taste for
    all my fav vendor juice. More recently my DIY is starting to taste over flavored even though I don't mix with high flavor. I've been dropping the flavor % in all my mixes. I rarely if ever use sweetener.
     

    Sugar_and_Spice

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    I did not go back and reread this entire thread so if this has been mentioned, sry. Do/did you know that commercial ejuice makers use very high % of flavoring to capture the smokers who are just starting out vaping? Peoples taste buds are severely dulled by smoking, so they need the newbies to be able to taste the juice and want more.
    I second the suggestions of the posters here trying to help you. How long do you allow a mix to age before making/deciding you need to change something.? Your recipes do look very busy and each flavor has its own need for time to develop. Patience here will be the best thing to do while learning to diy.

    In the meantime, use the one shot flavorings that have been suggested as they will afford you the time you need to learn while having something to vape while learning.

    :)
     

    NatashaTMT

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    I knew I was forgetting one (and that you were asking dc99).:facepalm::D

    Sweeteners (in general) can play havoc with just about anything. I try to always make it the last component I add to a recipe. I try to get everything else about the recipe right first; and then add sweetener only if needed... and then only as little as needed. :D
    This is something I’m finding out quite quickly! It’s actually kinda turned me off of wanting that “sweet” taste for now. ALSO, this morning I tried my sad attempt at sour blue... After steeping a bit longer I’m now getting very “muddied” flavors which previously tasted good but not what I was after. AND, the malic is WAY TOO HIGH! lol
    It isn’t the sour I’m looking for but I taste the sour if I lick my lips while vaping. After researching I found out something so obvious I’m a bit embarrassed I didn’t think of this. We “taste” sour. We don’t smell sour. Thus being why the difficulty in “bringing the sour” to our juices. I have an idea though. I read the flavor notes on that other site when possible. I’ve seen a lot of people note greek yogurt is very sour and more particularly, TFA greek yogurt. I only have CAP creamy yogurt atm which is more like yoplait. So I’ll need to add to an order. I know I’m reaching here. Any opinions on trying this?
     
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    NatashaTMT

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    Do/did you know that commercial ejuice makers use very high % of flavoring to capture the smokers who are just starting out vaping? Peoples taste buds are severely dulled by smoking, so they need the newbies to be able to taste the juice and want more.
    I’m not new to vaping. Only DIY ejuice. So, yes I do know this. I know you mean well though;)

    How long do you allow a mix to age before making/deciding you need to change something.?
    It depends on the type of juice I’m mixing. Fruits 1-3+ days, bakery w/o creams 1-2 wks, gourmet or anything w/ creams 2 wks - 1+ month. I don’t use tobacco flavors but know you can s&v but become richer with time. My OCD a** started researching over 2 months before I started DIY. I think some you just have to learn with experience. I thought I was ready and think I am. This has already taught me loads with this single, way over complicated, recipe I tried to make into something it’s not and never could’ve been due to wrong base flavors.

    In the meantime, use the one shot flavorings that have been suggested as they will afford you the time you need to learn while having something to vape while learning.
    I appreciate your opinion but I’m determined to learn the flavors first before one shots. If I felt one needed a bit of something extra, I wouldn’t know what to try otherwise.

    I mentioned this before but I DO have a reason for using a bit higher percentages. I’ve broken my nose a couple times which affected my sense of smell. However, the recipe I shared which I’ve been trying to get right IS too busy and I didn’t consider one flavor drowning another and a few more things. It didn’t start out that way. I kept adding trying to get the flavor I was seeking. I don’t believe it possible and I took it WAY too far before asking for help! Thanks for advice!
     

    dc99

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    This is something I’m finding out quite quickly! It’s actually kinda turned me off of wanting that “sweet” taste for now. ALSO, this morning I tried my sad attempt at sour blue... After steeping a bit longer I’m now getting very “muddied” flavors which previously tasted good but not what I was after. AND, the malic is WAY TOO HIGH! lol
    It isn’t the sour I’m looking for but I taste the sour if I lick my lips while vaping. After researching I found out something so obvious I’m a bit embarrassed I didn’t think of this. We “taste” sour. We don’t smell sour. Thus being why the difficulty in “bringing the sour” to our juices. I have an idea though. I read the flavor notes on that other site when possible. I’ve seen a lot of people note greek yogurt is very sour and more particularly, TFA greek yogurt. I only have CAP creamy yogurt atm which is more like yoplait. So I’ll need to add to an order. I know I’m reaching here. Any opinions on trying this?
    Its a different kind of sour than you are thinking. Its more of a sour milk if that makes sense. Like real yogurt sour. Its correct that you cant smell sour, you can only taste it. There in lies the problem. Sour just simply doesnt translate into vaping very well. Put a drop of malic on your tongue and its sour. Vape it and its hardly there.
     

    IDJoel

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    ALSO, this morning I tried my sad attempt at sour blue... After steeping a bit longer I’m now getting very “muddied” flavors which previously tasted good but not what I was after. AND, the malic is WAY TOO HIGH! lol
    I often learn more from my failures. It seems that only by doing the "wrong" thing do I get a better understanding of what the "right" thing may be. Make a positive out of a negative (and don't forget to write down your findings... for future reference;)); and almost any outcome can become useful (though not always vapeable:rolleyes:). :D
    It isn’t the sour I’m looking for but I taste the sour if I lick my lips while vaping. After researching I found out something so obvious I’m a bit embarrassed I didn’t think of this. We “taste” sour. We don’t smell sour. Thus being why the difficulty in “bringing the sour” to our juices.
    If you think of the classic "five tastes" the tongue is credited for (bitter, sweet, sour, salty, savory/umami); none are commonly associated with smell/aroma. Both bitter, and sweet, seem to translate easily in vaping. Salty and sour seem to be more elusive.

    I am not saying your hypothesis is incorrect; as my public school science classes are decades ago. And, though I have tried to educate myself, I only seem to add to my own confusion.:facepalm::D

    As my addled brain sees it; we (as vapers) are taking flavor-inducing components (liquids, and solid particles suspended in liquid), and endeavoring to transport them (via vapor and aerosol), in to our airways, where our mouth and nose can perceive (taste and smell) them. It is the success/failure of the transportation, that makes some flavor components harder to achieve, than others. This article describes (kinda-sorta) what I am trying to convey.
    (I freely admit that I may be 100% wrong; and invite correction. Supporting science, and documentation appreciated.:))

    I have an idea though. I read the flavor notes on that other site when possible. I’ve seen a lot of people note greek yogurt is very sour and more particularly, TFA greek yogurt. I only have CAP creamy yogurt atm which is more like yoplait. So I’ll need to add to an order. I know I’m reaching here. Any opinions on trying this?
    Certainly worth a try.:) Just understand that it may impart other flavor characteristics too. Low percentage single flavor testing might be quite informative.

    I use TFA-Greek Yogurt in a peach yogurt recipe (pretty authentic too!;)); and it does have that familiar yogurt "tang." It is not what I would describe a "sour"(like a lemon); but more of the "tang" of buttermilk or sour cream. However; I have only used it at 8%, and the results may well be different when used at lower percentages.

    I am interested to see what you discover.:D
     

    NatashaTMT

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    I often learn more from my failures. It seems that only by doing the "wrong" thing do I get a better understanding of what the "right" thing may be. Make a positive out of a negative (and don't forget to write down your findings... for future reference;)); and almost any outcome can become useful (though not always vapeable:rolleyes:). :D

    If you think of the classic "five tastes" the tongue is credited for (bitter, sweet, sour, salty, savory/umami); none are commonly associated with smell/aroma. Both bitter, and sweet, seem to translate easily in vaping. Salty and sour seem to be more elusive.

    I am not saying your hypothesis is incorrect; as my public school science classes are decades ago. And, though I have tried to educate myself, I only seem to add to my own confusion.:facepalm::D

    As my addled brain sees it; we (as vapers) are taking flavor-inducing components (liquids, and solid particles suspended in liquid), and endeavoring to transport them (via vapor and aerosol), in to our airways, where our mouth and nose can perceive (taste and smell) them. It is the success/failure of the transportation, that makes some flavor components harder to achieve, than others. This article describes (kinda-sorta) what I am trying to convey.
    (I freely admit that I may be 100% wrong; and invite correction. Supporting science, and documentation appreciated.:))


    Certainly worth a try.:) Just understand that it may impart other flavor characteristics too. Low percentage single flavor testing might be quite informative.

    I use TFA-Greek Yogurt in a peach yogurt recipe (pretty authentic too!;)); and it does have that familiar yogurt "tang." It is not what I would describe a "sour"(like a lemon); but more of the "tang" of buttermilk or sour cream. However; I have only used it at 8%, and the results may well be different when used at lower percentages.

    I am interested to see what you discover.:D
    Wish I could give this one 2 ratings. I’ve given you lots of informative ratings so chose optimistic but definitely the former also. I like your thorough style:laugh: I almost never have questions after discussing the topic with you. Also, you’re not dismissive of other ideas and you’re honest without being critical. I’ve been a bit taken back by how abrasive some have been in telling you how to DIY rather than sugestioning and offering help. But I refuse to focus on that.
    I want to read every word of the article you shared but just can’t tonight as I already started dozing twice trying to read it. Not because it isn’t interesting but I’m just getting old. LOL just kidding, did a lot of driving today and it kinda drains me. One thing I can say is I’m glad we call this vaping and not liquid aerosoling lol! Flavored aerosol just sounds peculiar!
    I think I will order the greek yogurt and play around with it though. If I don’t I’ll always wonder. As always, thanks so much for all the advice you offer so freely!
     

    IDJoel

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    I almost never have questions after discussing the topic with you.
    That's my goal.:D ECF was my first forum; and I have only briefly participated in two others. The most frustrating thing for me personally, while I was learning forum S.O.P., was the brevity of the comments (esp. help/tutorial postings). They often seemed to answer only part of the question; or answer the question without any sort of "why." I am a person who likes to understand the whys behind the answers. This is my hangup; and not a criticism of any other participant on any forum. It is just the way my brain works. :blush:

    So, when I got to the place where I thought I could be helpful to others, I have tried to answer thoroughly. I know that often it is probably unnecessary, and maybe even obnoxious to a few, but I figure those folks can skim over it or move on to the next post. I am gad if someone finds it helpful.
    Also, you’re not dismissive of other ideas and you’re honest without being critical.
    Thank you; that is a compliment to my parents. Tolerance and understanding were important to both of them; so it became important to me too. Dad was an electrical engineering professor and I am sure I got my propensity for long-winded explanations from him.:eek::laugh:
    I want to read every word of the article you shared but just can’t tonight as I already started dozing twice trying to read it. Not because it isn’t interesting but I’m just getting old.
    No worries; read it only if you want to. Some folks want more science/documentation than I am able to provide. Others, don't care, and just want the nuts-&-bolts of what to do. When I have a good source, I try to share it, for those who may have further interest. I promise there will be no quiz.:D
    I think I will order the greek yogurt and play around with it though. If I don’t I’ll always wonder. As always, thanks so much for all the advice you offer so freely!
    By all means. If you like yogurt in general, I think you will find it a good and useful flavor; regardless of whether or not it gives you the sour note you are seeking.:)
     

    NatashaTMT

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    I am a person who likes to understand the whys behind the answers. This is my hangup; and not a criticism of any other participant on any forum. It is just the way my brain works. :blush:

    So, when I got to the place where I thought I could be helpful to others, I have tried to answer thoroughly. I know that often it is probably unnecessary, and maybe even obnoxious to a few, but I figure those folks can skim over it or move on to the next post. I am gad if someone finds it helpful.
    I’m very much this way also. Maybe one of the reasons I enjoy your explanations so. I don’t think it’s ever obnoxious or unnecessary. I know I’ve found all this quite helpful and it will most likely help another at some point. Before I joined ECF I’d google my q’s which often led me to older post here. Of course they didn’t usually specifically 100% answer all of my questions but often steered me in the right direction. So you never know how many you could potentially be helping by helping me figure out things.

    Thank you; that is a compliment to my parents. Tolerance and understanding were important to both of them; so it became important to me too. Dad was an electrical engineering professor and I am sure I got my propensity for long-winded explanations from him.:eek::laugh:
    Great qualities I’d be proud of! Great job Mom & Dad ;)

    Some folks want more science/documentation than I am able to provide. Others, don't care, and just want the nuts-&-bolts of what to do. When I have a good source, I try to share it, for those who may have further interest.
    I do appreciate you sharing! Some times I wish I could be more of a nuts & bolts kind of person. Things could probably be easier in some ways. However, I feel for me to completely understand everything I need to know as much as possible. Which in the long run would be easier really IMO lol. I WAS only kidding about getting old! I’m 40 yrs young!
    :rickroll:
    As far as the yogurt goes, whether or not it works, it’ll be a learning experience and that’s what I’m after. So I’ll embrace it and have fun with it because why not?!?!:D
     
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    NatashaTMT

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    I have also used TFA greek yoghurt flavoring, and it definitely adds a tangy/sour note that I quite like (although I am also a fan of Greek yoghurt anyway) and a little bit can go quite a long way. I think it could be a good flavor for you as well.

    Anna
    So, you think it might aid in a sour blue razz recipe (or any sour candy) as a replacement for acids for the sour?
     

    stols001

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    I could see it working well with sour candy, and I don't find it to be acidic. I can't say exactly how it would play with candies generally, you'd have to experiment. I've used it with coconut, and with some chocolates. I figure (I am actually basing this more on my eating of greek yoghurt) that if you like any nut flavors, it would pair well with that. I pairs well with fruits and berries obviously. I can definitely say it's not acidic, how it will taste for you is a bit up in the air. I could envision it working, but I'm not a huge fan of most candy flavors, so it's hard for me to really tell. Based on what I've used it with, though, I'd say start as a small accent, as if you get too much yoghurt/milk flavor in there, that might not pair well.

    I'd start any experiment with a slightly lower percentage, you can always flavor up if you like what you are getting. That would be my main suggestion, probably.

    Anna
     
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    dc99

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    Been thinking about this for a while. I never mean to discourage anyone from trying anything. Just because it doesnt work for me doesnt mean it wont work for you. Anyway, LB has a "sour gummy worm" flavor thats supposed to be sour. Its actually tangy to me but it may help you out. Maybe something like TFA BR@6,FA forrest fruit@2,FW hard candy@1.5,TFA sour@1.5,LB sour gummy@3. Maybe a good starting point anyway.
     

    NatashaTMT

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    I could see it working well with sour candy, and I don't find it to be acidic. I can't say exactly how it would play with candies generally, you'd have to experiment. I've used it with coconut, and with some chocolates. I figure (I am actually basing this more on my eating of greek yoghurt) that if you like any nut flavors, it would pair well with that. I pairs well with fruits and berries obviously. I can definitely say it's not acidic, how it will taste for you is a bit up in the air. I could envision it working, but I'm not a huge fan of most candy flavors, so it's hard for me to really tell. Based on what I've used it with, though, I'd say start as a small accent, as if you get too much yoghurt/milk flavor in there, that might not pair well.

    I'd start any experiment with a slightly lower percentage, you can always flavor up if you like what you are getting. That would be my main suggestion, probably.

    Anna
    I appreciate your input. Thanks!
     

    NatashaTMT

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    Been thinking about this for a while. I never mean to discourage anyone from trying anything. Just because it doesnt work for me doesnt mean it wont work for you. Anyway, LB has a "sour gummy worm" flavor thats supposed to be sour. Its actually tangy to me but it may help you out. Maybe something like TFA BR@6,FA forrest fruit@2,FW hard candy@1.5,TFA sour@1.5,LB sour gummy@3. Maybe a good starting point anyway.
    TFA BR: Is that Velvetone? Informative AND useful. Thanks!
     
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