How to produce this flavor, and need advice on a couple things.

[DcMagic]

Hey guys


First off:
So I was hoping that someone might be able to help me re-create this flavor.

I am OBSESSED with flavor by Mid-Evil Vapes called "Merlin" - Their description says that it is a Vanilla Custard. I want to make my own, so I was curious if anyone knows either how to make it -or- If there is an actual vanilla custard flavoring that I can buy outright.

I am going to get my order or stuff from Electronic Cigarette, Clearomizer, USA e-Liquid, e-Cig Juice, DIY Flavors, Wholesale Nicotine, Empty Bottles for E-Liquid - ecigExpress so feel free to take a look at the flavors if it consists of a combination of flavors so you can link them in your post, if you prefer to do that.


Next, to start off with DIY, I was going to pick up a couple liters of juice and like 115ml of nicotine @ 100mg/ml. Then a bunch of little 5mg bottles to use to make up small batches of flavors until I get it right, then I once I get it down, I was going to make 120ml batches at a time.

So with that in mind, I am not sure how much of each flavor to buy with my first order. I was looking at LorAnns 1 "Dram" bottles, Which I guess are somewhere around 3.5ml of flavoring. I am not sure if getting just 1 "dram" of each flavor is going to be enough, or if I am definitely going to need 3,4,5 drams of each flavor to start. They are only $1.20 each.

Would love a rough idea on what to shoot for, without going over the top... I am just starting out, so I want to keep the first order as cheap as possible to see if I can manage DIY, and then I can buy a bunch more for the 2nd order, and be able to get the flavors that I know I like after I had a chance to test them out with the first order. So I dont want to buy too much at first.

Thanks for the help!
-DC

 

[Dogeggs]

Ive made dozens of Vanilla Custard variants and the best (to me) has been:

15% Capella Vanilla Custard
3% TFA Dulce du Leche
1.5% TFA Brown Sugar

It needs a month steeping though , that said, make a big bottle and keep trying it every few days if you like...

 

[CreepyLady]

I would def agree with something like the post above. Caps is going to be much more forgiving to mix with (and at least IMO tastes much better) than LA that you are looking at.

 

[DetraMental]

Flavor West has a really good Vanilla Custard and is reasonably priced. I prefer its flavor over many other flavors that I've tried. I got it from ecigexpress.

 

[DcMagic]

Im sorry. What is caps? And what is TFA? Are These just different Companies?

I will be sure to check out Falvor West also.

No issues with mixing flavors from different companies right? So if I have to get 1 flavor from company A, and they dont carry the 2nd, I will just get it form company B... I just dont want to get the same single flavor from 3 different companies. At least for this order.

Id like to stick to ordering everything (at least on the first go around) from the same site, and as of now, from recommendations and the price, it looks like ecigexpress is where I will be getting my stuff.

-DC

 

[Arnie H]

Im sorry. What is caps? And what is TFA? Are These just different Companies?
-DC

Yes, that is correct. They are just abbreviations for different flavor makers. CAPella and The Flavor Apprentice in this case.

When your ready to, don't be afraid to experiment with the same flavor from different companies. Some are better than others IMO.

 

[Boletus]

So with that in mind, I am not sure how much of each flavor to buy with my first order. I was looking at LorAnns 1 "Dram" bottles, Which I guess are somewhere around 3.5ml of flavoring. I am not sure if getting just 1 "dram" of each flavor is going to be enough, or if I am definitely going to need 3,4,5 drams of each flavor to start. They are only $1.20 each.

Would love a rough idea on what to shoot for, without going over the top... I am just starting out, so I want to keep the first order as cheap as possible to see if I can manage DIY, and then I can buy a bunch more for the 2nd order, and be able to get the flavors that I know I like after I had a chance to test them out with the first order. So I dont want to buy too much at first.

Regarding amounts of flavorings to purchase, most here recommend starting with small bottles of each flavor to make sure you like them. Concentration amounts vary with the flavor and how it is produced, so a particular flavor from one producer may require more or less than something with the same name from somewhere else. Most recommendations I have seen range from 2% to 10%, but there are certainly exceptions to that. Asking here for recommendations for a specific flavor from a specific vendor will probably net you the most opinions in the shortest time, and of course searching this DIY forum can be useful.

In my opinion, if you really want to start out slow and not spend much money, just get small amounts of a few flavors you are pretty sure you will like. I spent <$50 on my first foray into DIY and am still learning from experimenting with that.

 

[DcMagic]

ok, I may go ahead and find a few flavors I know I am going to get, and then take note of there ratios and price... Once I figure out a few flavors, I will post a list on here and get recommendations from others on which company is "best".

As for now, I noticed that I like "strong" flavors.. and I know that doesn't say much, but I guess, Deep. Strong, Thick. robust, would all be words I would use... so far out of 7 years of vaping. I have found myself not liking fruity flavors. and tend to lean towards these as my fav. Vanilla custard, a vanilla nut mixture, caramel, cinnamon red hots (has to be spicy tasting to be good), and this Milk and Honey mixture that I picked up.... These all. to me. have a certain element that I notice in them And I love it ..... other flavors don't have it... and especially fruity ones.. I feel like fruity flavors are to light, and airy, not thick flavor in the mouth, taste bitter or even tasteless after a while. etc etc.... instead,.. Like, An espresso shot coffee would taste good to me cust its like BOOM. and it would probably stink up the room too. lol.. All my flavors I usually like, are the only flavors other people are like, DAMN what are you smoking"? I can smell that from upstairs lol.

Anyway, that was my best attempt to put that into words... IF anyone else has some other flavors they THINK might go along with what I said above, please share. Id love to get a couple new flavors to experiment with from the start.

Mmmm.. I just imagined vaping a thick strong maple syrup. Mmmm Maybe mix it iwth a deep banana and nut mixture... Banana nut pancakes with maple syrup. lol .... I dunno

Thanks again for all the info and help thus far!

 

[AndriaD]

One thing that I'm not sure was stressed enough -- I'm just learning this DIY thing too, and I've discovered that with DIY, steeping for a pretty good while is absolutely essential -- if you taste something as soon as you mix it, it's generally somewhere from awful to nasty and you'll be tempted to pour it down the drain. But apparently letting it sit in a dark place for a couple weeks (or more), giving it a vigorous shake every few days, can make all the difference.

Andria

 

[rowdyplace]

One thing that I'm not sure was stressed enough -- I'm just learning this DIY thing too, and I've discovered that with DIY, steeping for a pretty good while is absolutely essential -- if you taste something as soon as you mix it, it's generally somewhere from awful to nasty and you'll be tempted to pour it down the drain. But apparently letting it sit in a dark place for a couple weeks (or more), giving it a vigorous shake every few days, can make all the difference.

Andria

Very true!! Steeping is not optional...

One can speed up this process by buying a small crock pot, outlet timer, and digital thermometer. I make sure the juice bottles are closed tightly. Sit them in the CP and almost cover with hot water. Use the timer to turn the CP on and off about every 30 minutes and watch the temp using the thermometer. It should stay between 135°F and 150°F. Once you get this setting to your satisfaction, leave this for about 2 hours. Return to carefully open each bottle (some pressure maybe...) to allow alcohol to escape. Shake like heck and return for another 2 hour cycle. Let cool for a few hours and do it again...4 hours here (in my opinion) is like a week of sitting in a dark room. However, YMMV!

My crock pot came from Walmart for $10.00. Look at thrift stores and they can be found for around $5. (Check your own kitchen first...)
My timer, again Walmart - $5.00... http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brinks-42-1023-4-Brinks-Grounded-1-Outlet-Analog-Timer/21909761
My thermometer - eBay - $4.00... New Digital LCD Fish Tank Aquarium Marine Water Thermometer Temperature Black | eBay

 

[DcMagic]

Wow the CP is an awesome idea! I have a huge one that I picked up a costco a while ago and I have never used it... I literally cook everything in a counter top convection toaster oven lol. Betty crocker that ish up!

I have heard quite a bit about warming up juice... I don't know why but I have always been under the impression that heat and sunlight damages the juice... or it loses its flavor or nicotine content.. something along those lines. I have no idea if this is true. Would love for someone to clear this up for me.

As far as steeping I have no problem getting a little rack set up with sort of a scheduled system for steeping batches. Once I get in the groove of things.

However, just for starting out, when I get my first order. I know for a fact that I am going to be antsy to mix up something and try it right after. So is there any methods, flavors, etc that I could add to my order that are more tolerable to vape right after making it just to hold me off until my steeping process is finished?

Lastly, if anyone else uses another method to speed up the steeping process I would love to hear your thoughts, and also the thoughts of others on steeping over time v.s. steeping in a croc pot or other various methods, including whether or not they seem to produce the same results as steeping over time.

-DC


Ps. Would still love some suggestions for super strong flavors to look into! (Not concentrations, just the taste of the flavor in general).. I want something so strong that it tastes and feels like I got juice in my mouth. Hahaha

 

[rowdyplace]

Look for and read the threads on ultrasonic cleaners being used for steeping. It is actually better than the CP.