Four hours in a crock pot at 150 degrees? Sounds logical to me. You say it adds two weeks steep time, what if one were to do the initial 4 hours then let the juices cool down to room temp and reinsert into the crock pot again for an additional 4 hours? Do you think it would add an additional 2 weeks steep time (some tobaccos take 4-5 weeks to fully develop)?
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Four hours in a crock pot at 150 degrees? Sounds logical to me. You say it adds two weeks steep time, what if one were to do the initial 4 hours then let the juices cool down to room temp and reinsert into the crock pot again for an additional 4 hours? Do you think it would add an additional 2 weeks steep time (some tobaccos take 4-5 weeks to fully develop)?
I sometime add 1 drop of lemon juice to 5ml of fruit mixes and never really noticed flat flavors. I guess it's hard to tell really because I think with steeping, flavors mellow out, which could also be interpreted as flavor drop. Heck sometime I pick my KFL+ Clone in the morning and the exact same juice tastes different to me then it does later in the day. I guess I need to make a batch of fruit, split in half and try it with and without the lemon juice.
Cheers,
Steve
Cheers,
Steve
The last mix I did with Indian tobacco and Jamaican Rum I added both EM/ACV. Even though I added more flavor than my initial mix (2% additional for each), the flavors were definitely less noticeable after steeping. But man, they smelled great initially! I'll mix another batch at the same % but without any additives.
Thanks for the info buffaloguy.
Thanks for the info buffaloguy.
I read all of this thread and it really got me to thinking (a dangerous thing 
).
I had a store bought bottle of Lemonade and it was really tart. I added a touch of Raspberry Sweet and it really tasted better, Now the Lemonade wasn't as strong and tart anymore but you could still taste it, and you could also taste some of the Sweet Raspberry. I guess depending on how you want to think about it. The Raspberry either muted the Lemonade or enhanced it. I always think there is more than one way to interpret things.
Then I started thanking about cooking. It's basically the same thing. You make Lemonade or Tea and add sugar (sweetener) to it. Depending on your way of looking at things it either mutes or enhances the mix. I also thought about making mashed potatoes. You can add the butter and milk and taste them and it's sort of blah. Add a little salt and to magically it tastes sweeter. So does the salt mute the potato taste or enhance it by bringing out a little sweetness?
I guess in the end, when you add an extra ingredient to any mix, it's going to change the overall taste of the mix, it's the nature of the beast. Whether you look at it as muting it or enhancing it depends on your personal taste. Not arguing with anyone or saying anyone is wrong. Just some thoughts I had as I was thinking about this thread. Taste is such a subjective thing, there is no way to say anyone is right or wrong.
Cheers,
Steve
). I had a store bought bottle of Lemonade and it was really tart. I added a touch of Raspberry Sweet and it really tasted better, Now the Lemonade wasn't as strong and tart anymore but you could still taste it, and you could also taste some of the Sweet Raspberry. I guess depending on how you want to think about it. The Raspberry either muted the Lemonade or enhanced it. I always think there is more than one way to interpret things.
Then I started thanking about cooking. It's basically the same thing. You make Lemonade or Tea and add sugar (sweetener) to it. Depending on your way of looking at things it either mutes or enhances the mix. I also thought about making mashed potatoes. You can add the butter and milk and taste them and it's sort of blah. Add a little salt and to magically it tastes sweeter. So does the salt mute the potato taste or enhance it by bringing out a little sweetness?
I guess in the end, when you add an extra ingredient to any mix, it's going to change the overall taste of the mix, it's the nature of the beast. Whether you look at it as muting it or enhancing it depends on your personal taste. Not arguing with anyone or saying anyone is wrong. Just some thoughts I had as I was thinking about this thread. Taste is such a subjective thing, there is no way to say anyone is right or wrong.
Cheers,
Steve
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I guess in the end, when you add an extra ingredient to any mix, it's going to change the overall taste of the mix, it's the nature of the beast. Whether you look at it as muting it or enhancing it depends on your personal taste. Not arguing with anyone or saying anyone is wrong. Just some thoughts I had as I was thinking about this thread. Taste is such a subjective thing, there is no way to say anyone is right or wrong.
Cheers,
Steve
Ha...yep...the very reason I don't give out advice...some taste is subjective...some is psychological...some believe what isn't...IS...me, I just know what I don't know!
I have to use sweetener/sucralose in my Lemonade mixes. EM takes the bite out of the lemon. I use EM in my orange because it has too much peel taste otherwise and the sucralose just makes it taste like candied orange peeling.
I have been thinking about salt, lately. I'm one of those people who puts salt on tomatoes, cantalope, watermelon, grapefruit & apples to bring out the sweetness. Always have eaten them that way. I can't get any apple flavor to taste right and I will be picking up some saline wash to test my theory unless someone else has tried it and failed dramatically--lol!
I have been thinking about salt, lately. I'm one of those people who puts salt on tomatoes, cantalope, watermelon, grapefruit & apples to bring out the sweetness. Always have eaten them that way. I can't get any apple flavor to taste right and I will be picking up some saline wash to test my theory unless someone else has tried it and failed dramatically--lol!
I had been thinking too… lol dangerous.
but really, i've had too much time with this somewhat frivolous obsession (because i vape more than necessary) and in the last few months spent a lot of time tasting and comparing my favorite store bought to my DIY.
I've narrowed down what for me is closest to it, and have thought that i'd never get close enough and that the professional makers' secrets were unobtainable from my station. There must be some magic secret additives per OP that are beyond my grasp… lol.
I'm sure thats still true, but a lot less so lately. after endless comparisons, i'm actually starting to like my version better!
this thread has helped so much.
i just have to stay away from those juice bars luckily i don't have any near me anyway.
but really, i've had too much time with this somewhat frivolous obsession (because i vape more than necessary) and in the last few months spent a lot of time tasting and comparing my favorite store bought to my DIY.
I've narrowed down what for me is closest to it, and have thought that i'd never get close enough and that the professional makers' secrets were unobtainable from my station. There must be some magic secret additives per OP that are beyond my grasp… lol.
I'm sure thats still true, but a lot less so lately. after endless comparisons, i'm actually starting to like my version better!
this thread has helped so much.
i just have to stay away from those juice bars
luckily i don't have any near me anyway.
I appreciate reading everything that's posted even though I don't post often myself, as my hyper-sensitivities probably seem crazy to most and won't make declarative statements too often lol. Sometimes I agree or disagree with what is posted. Like everyone has noted, tastes are subjective and each to his own I don't use sweeteners anymore. I do use flavors that have sweetness in themselves though
I've never had juice bars or any B&M vape stores around. Lucky too, like ukeman lol
I don't use sweeteners anymore. I do use flavors that have sweetness in themselves thoughI've never had juice bars or any B&M vape stores around. Lucky too, like ukeman lol
I don't really use EM to sweeten I use it in tobaccos to give a bit more thickness and body and to take the ruff edge off. I never really found EM to sweeten. But I do find if there is a hint of sweetness in the tobacco flavor it does enhance the perception of sweetness.
Sure, possibly. However I havent ever found the need to do so. I like the progression of my juice after two weeks. I hated waiting for juice to mature to that point. Something about the juices I make.... maybe its my method... seems that four hours is perfect for me. I like all my juices at that point, and can appreciate and enjoy how they change after that. Its a progression, it just gets better as it gets older.
I have one tobacco juice that is nearly two years old. Doesnt matter if the nic has aged a bit and its weaker (I keep this one only in the fridge to perserve it) but its the best juice I have. I allow myself 1.5ml a month. I have only 10 ml left. Every time I vape it, it has changed for the better. I made another 120ml bottle of that recipe 4 months ago and havent touched it yet, but I know its ready and waiting!
Im sure more time heating would age the juice more. I have my sweet spot so I havent tried but you can report back and let us know.
I have one tobacco juice that is nearly two years old. Doesnt matter if the nic has aged a bit and its weaker (I keep this one only in the fridge to perserve it) but its the best juice I have. I allow myself 1.5ml a month. I have only 10 ml left. Every time I vape it, it has changed for the better. I made another 120ml bottle of that recipe 4 months ago and havent touched it yet, but I know its ready and waiting!
Im sure more time heating would age the juice more. I have my sweet spot so I havent tried but you can report back and let us know.
I agree with you alot. I voraciously went after all the info I could when I first started. I read most of the stickied diy threads two or three times straight thru. By the time I was done I felt armed and ready. I also had things based on what others did, that I wanted to modify and do either easier... or maybe better. It didnt always work out that way but I learned what worked for me and created my method of making juice that I hardly modify anymore.
These days I dont mix as much. I sit down once a month to mix my known recipes and another day for expirementing. I dont post much except to threads Im subscribed in or if something catches my eye. Honestly, I find most of the questions in the diy section have been asked 5,000 times and answered 10,000 times. Most often if users read threads like this one, esp the stickies, when they start mixing most of the questions asked... wouldnt need to be asked. So I tend to stay out of those unless I feel they are doing something dangerous.
We all have opinions on what works or doesnt. Has been said countless times, its all subjective to your own taste. Once you have a method and process that works for you tho things get consistant and much better.
These days I dont mix as much. I sit down once a month to mix my known recipes and another day for expirementing. I dont post much except to threads Im subscribed in or if something catches my eye. Honestly, I find most of the questions in the diy section have been asked 5,000 times and answered 10,000 times. Most often if users read threads like this one, esp the stickies, when they start mixing most of the questions asked... wouldnt need to be asked. So I tend to stay out of those unless I feel they are doing something dangerous.
We all have opinions on what works or doesnt. Has been said countless times, its all subjective to your own taste. Once you have a method and process that works for you tho things get consistant and much better.
This is very interesting, especially since I'm new to diy and have painstakingly read thread after thread here for a few months looking for all the information I can absorb/note to establish a base knowledge on making juice. Now I'm having second thoughts on some things I've noted to be correct/truths may simply contain a bit of hyperbole.
It doesn't matter what type of forum on any given subject, there are always a handful that are considered or consider themself the C*ck of the walk on the given subject. As someone new to diy (as I) who am I to question anyone who is considered an expert on the subject. I've ran across several instances where someone who doesn't live on this forum have a much different opinion from those who seem to be the first to answer any and every question posed/posted...no disrespect intended towards anyone...just saying...think I'll hold off on the ACV and damn...I was actually considering buying an ultrasonic cleaner...
I've seen it posted that EM does give a perception of sweetness and if too much, that sweetness disapears.
i've gotten some supplies from High Desert because they have a bunch of different brands of flavors, but most the TFA flavors come in plastic. Thats a bummer but if you need just a couple/few things from different brands, its a good way to go.
I like to check out the reviews of flavors, and most reviews of EM or CC will say like ie. "if you make a sweet juice, or a fruit juice, you must have EM (or cotton candy TFA) in your mix".
So i do use it because i'm not too fond of Sucralose (Sweetener)…
You are correct EM does have a sweetness component but it's only a perception of sweetness chemically reproduced essencially fooling your taste receptors. It also seems to flatten other flavors to give a perception of smoothness or melding when combining several flavor combinations almost similure to what FA's vape wizard does. What I do notice besides the slight sweetness is it gives a thickness and body to a mix which VW does not do. I think to use it only as a sweetener as so many suggest is not the best solution unless its a small amount of sweetness your looking for. For a major boost in sweetness sacarlos or stevia is a better way to go. But again over sweetening is not good either because it presents a whole new host of issues with your hardware.
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As someone with above average culinary skills I tend to liken making DIY juice to cooking a great meal. I take a little from this chef, a little from that chef, and maybe a little from another. I then create a tasty dish that is uniquely my own. I rarely ever follow a recipe to the letter because I know what I like and I know what my family and friends like. I approach my DIY juices in the same way.
When I started doing the DIY thing I read up on the subject, heeded all the warnings and cautions, followed manufacturer's recommendations, and set out on my journey to create flavors that I and others would enjoy. I have had some experiments that have failed miserably, I have also had some awesome hits along the way. Just like the food I serve to my family and friends I get a high when my vaping friends dig on the flavors I share with them.
The Y in DIY stands for yourself. Make your juices to please yourself. If others dig it too, that's a bonus.
When I started doing the DIY thing I read up on the subject, heeded all the warnings and cautions, followed manufacturer's recommendations, and set out on my journey to create flavors that I and others would enjoy. I have had some experiments that have failed miserably, I have also had some awesome hits along the way. Just like the food I serve to my family and friends I get a high when my vaping friends dig on the flavors I share with them.
The Y in DIY stands for yourself. Make your juices to please yourself. If others dig it too, that's a bonus.
So is it your opinion that ultrasonic steeping is hyperbole/snakeoil?
I still use my US cleaner all the time for steeping, but mine is heated. It's also very useful for prepping or cleaning ceramic wicks (which I prefer) and also cleaning up new/crudded up atties. They are handy for all types of vape-ralated tasks....even cleaning jewelry.
That being said - I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a new one - you can find used US cleaners pretty cheaply. I got mine in a trade from a Dentist who was retiring, but there are many Laboratory surplus places around that have them for very reasonable prices if you look around.
Whatever floats your boat....
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Its not that its snakeoil. Its definitely useful as namvet said. I happend to come across a heated one a few months ago that had a busted cord on it for $12. I fixed it and tried it and the results werent as good. Not bad, but not as good as a crock pot steep with hand shaking every half hour or so. (Truth be told I dont shake that much cause Im lazy but I advise other people to) See heat forces the juice to warm and cool inside the bottles. This creates motion and mixing the juice all on its own. As a dramatic example think of a rolling boil with noodles in a pot. They will circulate from bottom to top. The same thing happens to your juice.... whether you shake it or not.
Its not that UC is snakeoil.... its just absolutely NOT necessary for stellar juice and I cannot advise anyone to justify that expense.... UNLESS... you come across one dirt cheap that IS heated.
Heat is the key. Shaking juice is the snakeoil.
Edit: Before anyone asks, no Im not saying you should boil your juice... used the boiling pot idea to demonstrate only how heat creates motion.
Its not that UC is snakeoil.... its just absolutely NOT necessary for stellar juice and I cannot advise anyone to justify that expense.... UNLESS... you come across one dirt cheap that IS heated.
Heat is the key. Shaking juice is the snakeoil.
Edit: Before anyone asks, no Im not saying you should boil your juice... used the boiling pot idea to demonstrate only how heat creates motion.
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Just to add another dimension to this discussion.
I've read in some past threads the question posed about "How do you add fizz like the cola's have to a mix" And I completely forgot about the flavoring that will do that until I just came across it again in a recent thread.
That flavor is
"Champagne"
I've read in some past threads the question posed about "How do you add fizz like the cola's have to a mix" And I completely forgot about the flavoring that will do that until I just came across it again in a recent thread.
That flavor is
"Champagne"
Not at all. It does work.
Blending and heat are both nessessary. Blending comes from the cavitation of the radio waves. Heat is produced by this cavitation. So this method is efficent. I think your argument is in the cost of investment with your argument being why spend all this money when you can simply heat and shake. This may be a valid argument but I found heating and shaking does not do the job as quickly as a UC. I did the thurmos cup heating and shaking and found the mix still needed a week or 2 to mature.
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