First DiY, question about VG taste

[conflator]

Just started our first experiments with DiY juice, and I have to say, it's a lot of fun. Of course, there is already something I'd like to tap the collected wisdom on.

We started with just a couple of small samplers, 50/50 PG/VG, and a very little bit of tobacco extract and Seedmans (one commercial, one virginia) and a bit of maltol. I was actually pretty happy with the virginia - needs a little something, and could definitely stand to up the flavour a bit, but it feels like something worth working with.

Only problem was, both of these had a kind of soapy taste to them. That's maybe not quite the right description - they're not perfumy or floral - but it's the closest description we've managed to come too.

After a bit of science, I discovered two things:

1) unflavoured PG with nic is surprisingly nice all on it's own

2) VG tastes soapy.

The latter makes a kind of sense to me, but what I'm baffled about is how to get rid of it. I'm reasonably certain that the VG we're using (USP 99.5% pure) is the same that our usual vendor uses for their straight VG flavours and I've never noticed this flavour there. Is it something you just mask with stronger flavour (the flavour on both samples was very light), or is there a little something that can be added to mask that?

Thanks for any input!

 

[Levitas]

I have had similar issues, though I didn't think VG tasted soapy, I just thought it tasted a little off. I have been adding more PG into my blends, and depending on the flavor, 12-15% flavoring. It seems to calm that other taste I get from it a little bit. I have learned to accept it. Some people notice it, some don't.

Honestly, I compare my own blends to Alien Visions a lot because they were my go to vendor. It's hard to compare the two because with Ave, it doesn't seem like I got that taste at all with their tobacco flavors, ever. However, with my blends, it's present.

Surely someone else will chime in with more useful information that I can provide. I was given advice to try different VGs, and perhaps add distilled water to cut it a bit (if you're PG sensitive). Best of luck.

 

[glassmanoak]

Only problem was, both of these had a kind of soapy taste to them. That's maybe not quite the right description - they're not perfumy or floral - but it's the closest description we've managed to come too.

After a bit of science, I discovered two things:

1) unflavoured PG with nic is surprisingly nice all on it's own

2) VG tastes soapy.

What kinds of PG-VG are you using? I mean what source?

 

[NatTheBrit]

Maybe it's the Ethyl Maltol...i can't stand that stuff, smells wierd too!!

 

[conflator]

I have had similar issues, though I didn't think VG tasted soapy, I just thought it tasted a little off. I have been adding more PG into my blends, and depending on the flavor, 12-15% flavoring. It seems to calm that other taste I get from it a little bit. I have learned to accept it. Some people notice it, some don't.

"Soapy" might not be the right word. I feel like I have to learn a whole new vocabulary to describe taste and smell! "Off" might be the same idea, though. Both me and my SO noticed it, though she definitely seems more sensitive to it.

What kinds of PG-VG are you using? I mean what source?

Not sure I should directly mention them as I'm in Canada, and they're a Canadian vendor. Although he and his krew are pretty well known 'round ECF, wasn't sure if drawing extra attention to the DiY supplies was wise. Sorry, I figured that would be one of the first questions. For what it's worth, they seem to be pretty well regarded, went to a lot of extra effort making sure we had good basic info, and included a few additives we hadn't thought of. I have no idea who their upstream provider is. Everything is very white label.

I realize that's not exactly entirely helpful. I'm reasonably sure what we're getting is good quality, but couldn't tell you anything for certain :/

Maybe it's the Ethyl Maltol...i can't stand that stuff, smells wierd too!!

It reminds me of cotton candy. We're starting out with a lot of sampling one thing at a time - Ethyl Maltol and PG, TE and PG, etc. When I'm cooking, I'll sample everything on it's own, raw, first. Trying to apply the same principles.

Really appreciate the input (and any further thoughts you have!) I'm going to try another few samplers tonight, tone the VG in the ratio down and up the flavours a bit. If there's no success with that, I think I'll try several small samples with no flavour, with different additives. We have the maltol, PGA, sweetener (no actual idea what that is - they threw in extras), TPA Smooth, koolada and menthol.

I'll report back.

 

[glassmanoak]

my primary concern about the source of the VG was that it WASN'T a pharmacy or Walmart. You have a much better chance of getting good stuff from a legit juice supplier.

I would suggest you read the stickies at the beginning of the DIY section and also the blog posts by Hossier
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/hoosier/
Good Luck!

 

[Los Marauder]

May try a small amount of vinager. This helps my 100% vg juice taste much better. If you look through the DIY threads you can get alot more info. I don't like to get to specific because I get worried about messing up peoples nic levels.

 

[conflator]

my primary concern about the source of the VG was that it WASN'T a pharmacy or Walmart. You have a much better chance of getting good stuff from a legit juice supplier.

I would suggest you read the stickies at the beginning of the DIY section and also the blog posts by Hossier
E-Cigarette Forum - Hoosier - Blogs
Good Luck!

Ah, that makes sense Where we live, it's actually more convenient to order in, too.

Thanks for the link the Hoosier post. Checking that out right now. I'm still working my way through all the stickies, although I did make sure I went through all the "be careful" ones before doing anything.

It's Friday evening. Time for a tasty beverage and some science.

 

[wizard10000]

I work exclusively in VG and have found some are better than others. I suggest vaping your VG straight (dripping works for this or cut it with 20% distilled water and sacrifice a carto) and see if it's the source of your soapy taste.

Some people rave about Procter & Gamble VG - I use NOW glycerin I get from the local health food store and love it. I do know that I don't like Humco VG (this is what's relabeled as drug store and walmart brands) as I do think it has an odd taste.

 

[Rlafontaine1971]

I work exclusively in VG and have found some are better than others. I suggest vaping your VG straight (dripping works for this or cut it with 20% distilled water and sacrifice a carto) and see if it's the source of your soapy taste.

Some people rave about Procter & Gamble VG - I use NOW glycerin I get from the local health food store and love it. I do know that I don't like Humco VG (this is what's relabeled as drug store and walmart brands) as I do think it has an odd taste.

I just ordered some of the NOW VG to try it out. What did you use before that?

 

[wizard10000]

I used the store brands - almost turned me off DIY