How do you test new flavors?

[jambi]

Facing my first order of like 30 flavors, I started out by looking them all up on (unmentionable site?), then mixing them at the recommended single flavor ratios in 10 ml bottles.

It became tedious very quickly, not to mention I ran out of bottles. I really didn't want what I ended up with, which is mls and mls of single flavor "finished product" that's mostly pretty boring to vape. I did it that way pretty much because I was following the idea of "You know, you have to let it steep". While some of it has matured after sitting (for better or worse), the basic profile is the same as when it was fresh off the scale (in other words, I know if I like it and how I'll use it with the first vape).

So, second order of 30 flavors, I'm out of bottles, want to taste them all, make notes and form ideas about how I'll use them, so I just filled a bottle with like 7 mls of VG70/PG30 and started dripping a couple-few drops, shake and vape. Low and behold it works. It's not perfect, but it's good enough to get an idea of how a flavor works. I'd go through 3 flavors before washing and refilling the bottle, starting with the ones I'd assume to be accents ("sweet cream, meringue, etc".), then overlaying with the flavors I'd consider "bolder".

Imprecise as heck, but it's a lot faster than dedicated batches.

Is there a better way that's fast? How do you test flavors?

 

[dannyv45]

Facing my first order of like 30 flavors, I started out by looking them all up on (unmentionable site?), then mixing them at the recommended single flavor ratios in 10 ml bottles.

It became tedious very quickly, not to mention I ran out of bottles. I really didn't want what I ended up with, which is mls and mls of single flavor "finished product" that's mostly pretty boring to vape. I did it that way pretty much because I was following the idea of "You know, you have to let it steep". While some of it has matured after sitting (for better or worse), the basic profile is the same as when it was fresh off the scale (in other words, I know if I like it and how I'll use it with the first vape).

So, second order of 30 flavors, I'm out of bottles, want to taste them all, make notes and form ideas about how I'll use them, so I just filled a bottle with like 7 mls of VG70/PG30 and started dripping a couple-few drops, shake and vape. Low and behold it works. It's not perfect, but it's good enough to get an idea of how a flavor works. I'd go through 3 flavors before washing and refilling the bottle, starting with the ones I'd assume to be accents ("sweet cream, meringue, etc".), then overlaying with the flavors I'd consider "bolder".

Imprecise as heck, but it's a lot faster than dedicated batches.

Is there a better way that's fast? How do you test flavors?

As you discovered making so many at one time will always lead to burnout. I'll make 2 or 3 at a time taste them and then move on. No need to steep first just mix it and try it. Then take the ones that have potential and put them away for a week or 2 then revisit them to see if they improve.

Usually If a flavor taste like crap right off the bat I doubt steeping will help much. It's likely the percentages are wrong or it's just crap flavoring.

Once I find a flavoring that interest me then I'll take time to experiment with it. The rest will join my other dead solders on a high dark dusty shelf.

So my suggestion is do a little at a time and have fun with it and don't over do it to the point of fustration. When fustration sets in walk away and come back later when your mind is fresh.

 

[jambi]

As you discovered making so many at one time will always lead to burnout. I'll make 2 or 3 at a time taste them and then move on. No need to steep first just mix it and try it. Then take the ones that have potential and put them away for a week or 2 then revisit them to see if they improve.

Usually If a flavor taste like crap right off the bat I doubt steeping will help much. It's likely the percentages are wrong or it's just crap flavoring.

Once I find a flavoring that interest me then I'll take time to experiment with it. The rest will join my other dead solders on a high dark dusty shelf.

So my suggestion is do a little at a time and have fun with it and don't over do it to the point of fustration. When fustration sets in walk away and come back later when your mind is fresh.

Well spoken.

 

[JCinFLA]

@dannyv45 - What about the flavor testing method you talked about in your blog? I read it thoroughly and it sounds like a super method to me & takes a tiny amount of liquids.

 

[dannyv45]

@dannyv45 - What about the flavor testing method you talked about in your blog? I read it thoroughly and it sounds like a super method to me & takes a tiny amount of liquids.

I actually speak of sampling in many of my blogs. I was addressing the OP's pending fustrations which spoil DIY for may beginners and cause them to abandon DIY completely which I hate seeing. But absolutely research is a big factor in success..

My blogs will give insight into all aspects of DIY, from steeping to what supplies to have on hand to a basic walk through mixing your first E-juice.

E-Cigarette Forum - dannyv45 - Blogs

Then read hoosier's blogs. These blogs concentrate on fine tuning your mix and give insight on additives.

E-Cigarette Forum - Hoosier - Blogs

Then read Boletus's blog's. These blogs concentrate on formulation of nicotine bases regarding proper calculations methods for figuring Nicotine concentration as well as safety.

E-Cigarette Forum - Boletus - Blogs

Then read Ginger's book "E-Cigarettes 102: DIY E-Liquid". It is a book which I've contributed to that delivers an in depth easy to follow guide in the art of DYI.

E-Cigarettes 102: DIY E-Liquid

I recommend viewing VPLive Vape Team Episode #82: DIY Safety and bookmark it for future reference. It explains safety in all aspects of DYI.

VPLive Vape Team Episode #82: DIY Safety

then read the stickies at the top of the page.

this will explain a lot of the how's and why's.

 

[BrotherBob]

Bought 10 ea. 3 ml. dropper bottles. I drip the new flavors in new wicked RDA after a 2 week steep. 3 ml's will last quite a while for a non sub ohm'r (Simple and no guess work).

 

[93gc40]

Your problem is you are using too many flavors and too many juices.... To learn anything.

You need to learn how to make 1 maybe 2 juices that you like.. That probably means copying your favorite store bought juices. At first. Until you either perfect the copy or create a better variation. Reduce the flavorings you use to make juice down to like 10, at most. Learn to make a variety of juices from those 10 flavors. Then slowly as you get comfortable with how the flavorings interact add a few more to the pallet.

There's store bought juice to ADV till you learn to make your own.

 

[skullblade789]

To test I use a warm bath technique and a dripper.

 

[BackDoc]

I taste a drop of them on my finger

 

[BackDoc]

Of course I first sanitize my hands in a FDA approved clean room

 

[jambi]

I taste a drop of them on my finger

I tried that...the Lemon Sicily haunted my mouth and nose for an entire day.