Flavor Brands?

[stols001]

I have not found smell to be a super accurate barometer either, and FA is really strong (IMO) so I'm glad you started lower. Steeping is going to change the flavor a lot. Premixed juice smells and tastes very different than flavorings on their own. I know it's counterintuitive to say "smell less flavoring is actually going to be more potent than storebought juice, but right now you are working with the building blocks, and also as Letitia stated storebought does have sweetener in it and is pre steeped. You may find you don't need more flavoring, but you may need to layer in other flavors to make a mix you like, and sweeteners, although you are starting out EXACTLY how I did, single flavor mixes. After I steeped them I would combine in my tank, and was able to build up to pretty complex recipes. I am a "reluctant sweetener" but some mixes do benefit from some sweetener as well, I usually am using about a drop or two per 30 ml, but it does sometimes make a large difference.

Best of luck and happy flavoring!

Anna

 

[IDJoel]

although you are starting out EXACTLY how I did, single flavor mixes.

(And I still mix that way; with concentrates that are "new" to me. ) It is the best way, that I have found, for me to understand how I can best utilize it. Single flavors aren't often "amazing" on their own. But, single flavor testing tells me what flavor percentages are likely to work; and what it does, and does not, have to offer.

 

[Raider87]

FA is strong, some of them are usually put in the mix at less than 1%.

A fresh made juice needs to steep awhile, smelling them right away doesn't give a true barometer, especially for deserts and custards.

Getting into DIY is a learning experience, it takes some time, but it's worth it.