Is it better to make each Flavor Separate?

[SimonC86]

When I started vaping we didnt have access to all these flavors, so I got sick of the few usable flavors that could be found at the grocery store, vaped non flavored for a while. Mostly have been buying retail ejuice for the past 5-6 yrs.
~Retail prices are getting ridiculous, and quality hasn’t improved that much IMO.~

So Im a n00b, checking out flavorings now, and finding a lot of variance between brands, lol.



Have you tried diluting the nic and tasting it without flavoring?
I have been buying my Nic from Levi AKA "supertrucker" at Xtreme vaping ever since he went into business (2009-2010?), every shipment I have taken a whiff when I open the bottle. When I ordered a small bottle from RTS I took a whiff and it just about made my eyes water, but can't taste any off flavors. I just assume their supplier might use a different method to extract the nic, or perhaps they are purging with co2, no clue really, lol.

I will have to give that a try. It's a lot of trial and error at first I guess!

 

[SimonC86]

But do the "rules" governing good vs bad for YOU. Equate to the same Good or Bad for others? There are rules governing safety, ie nic levels, certain chemicals, ect. But for flavor, or the definition of what is a GOOD flavor or even a good VAPE for that matter. Rules do not apply.

I guess you're right, but I read somewhere how sometimes too much flavor will make it taste horrible. There has to be a happy medium even for flavors.

 

[xxJollyRogerxx]

Generally the flavors will have limits that if exceeded will taste like chemical / perfume. If you use Capella then a starting point of 10% is a good place to begin. Some Capella can go up to 20% without a bad taste. Other flavorings Flavor West you don't generally want to go above 8% on anything. For example, Raspberry by Signature I won't go over 2% since it is just so strong. But there are exceptions to every rule and what you like. There are some threads that list suggested strengths for different vendors. I have complied my own in a spreadsheet of what I like and what level. Even if you mix it too strong you can always dilute it down with a batch of unflavored juice so get the taste back under control and not waste it.

 

[MsLoud]

Sorry, didn't read all the responses but you have some great ones already! Here is what I did...I searched recipes on this subforum, found some familiar to me I knew I would love - then bought a ton of flavors (TFA) and PG/VG/Nic (VaporsTek) - then followed that recipe to the letter. End result - I was thrilled I made something that didn't kill me or I had to pour down the drain. I repeated that about 5 times till I understood why the percentages were used by the recipes and started branching out to include or replace different flavors - staying in 3 different profiles.. Fruity, Custardy, Tobaccoy...

I now have a flavor base for each of those profiles and I only add in the flavoring I want. May sound simple or I may not be explaining the best but I have not made a juice yet I can't or wont vape (cept for the double chocolate thing - OMG - it was strong!). If you know a flavor, by nature, it strong or can dominate you liquid, start at a very low percent - .5 to 1% - then go up from there depending on taste.

 

[Kodak]

My suggestion would be to try different flavor manufactures, not all Strawberry / banana taste the same.
https://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/c-108-the-flavor-apprentice-world-of-flavors.aspx
http://flavourartnaflavourreports.com/
http://www.nudenicotine.com/products-page/unflavored-nicotine-base/

I totally agree. I am a big strawnana fan (its the flavor that finally got me to quit the stinkies after 30 years)...when I started diy I bought the strawberry TFA and the Capella banana thinking it would be easy peasy to make it. I pitched a bunch cause it did not taste right no matter how I adjusted the percentages. I wound up ordering a bunch of different strawberries and a bunch of different bananas and playing with them. My strawnana blend that I am finally happy with has 2 different strawberries and 2 different bananas....all from different companies.

Now if I could just figure out how to duplicate the 1 store bought juice that I still have to purchase *sigh*

 

[SimonC86]

I totally agree. I am a big strawnana fan (its the flavor that finally got me to quit the stinkies after 30 years)...when I started diy I bought the strawberry TFA and the Capella banana thinking it would be easy peasy to make it. I pitched a bunch cause it did not taste right no matter how I adjusted the percentages. I wound up ordering a bunch of different strawberries and a bunch of different bananas and playing with them. My strawnana blend that I am finally happy with has 2 different strawberries and 2 different bananas....all from different companies.

Now if I could just figure out how to duplicate the 1 store bought juice that I still have to purchase *sigh*

Now I'm worried. These Recipes are so complex and you can't just throw something together and try it out right away. When you Cook you can grab a spoon and taste as you go, this is turning out to be pretty difficult. I threw 2 batches together today, and I'll let him sit for a week, already tried some and it's vapeable.

 

[sparkky1]

Now I'm worried. These Recipes are so complex and you can't just throw something together and try it out right away. When you Cook you can grab a spoon and taste as you go, this is turning out to be pretty difficult. I threw 2 batches together today, and I'll let him sit for a week, already tried some and it's vapeable.

These recipes aren't that complex, just better flavorings used, don't think adding 4 flavors together will be better than three unless your talking 0.5 % - 1.5 % because that will make a difference from tasting good and starting to mute the other flavor, mix smaller batches @ small ratios and shake "n" vape then add to taste.I would suggest an rda to test with as your mixing, some flavors are best @ higher wattage some less but could be done with wiped cream.

 

[Kodak]

Now I'm worried. These Recipes are so complex and you can't just throw something together and try it out right away. When you Cook you can grab a spoon and taste as you go, this is turning out to be pretty difficult. I threw 2 batches together today, and I'll let him sit for a week, already tried some and it's vapeable.

Nah, don't be worried, and it's not that hard I found out. I just found out from trial and error what flavors I like...others may not like the same! Most of the recipes I've tried have turned out fine and are vapeable right away...I am just tweaking some to "my" tastes. I do have a couple of drippers that I use to test as I'm tweaking things and Sparkky is right--it helps a lot. I always start out at low % on flavors even though I know the flavors will be kind of weak...it at least gives me an idea of what it might need to fit me. You'll find your groove and figure out what you need and want. It just takes patience

 

[SimonC86]

These recipes aren't that complex, just better flavorings used, don't think adding 4 flavors together will be better than three unless your talking 0.5 % - 1.5 % because that will make a difference from tasting good and starting to mute the other flavor, mix smaller batches @ small ratios and shake "n" vape then add to taste.I would suggest an rda to test with as your mixing, some flavors are best @ higher wattage some less but could be done with wiped cream.

Say I make a 10ML batch, shake and vape. If I add more flavoring woulnd't that mess with the ratio and stuff because I have already use some of the 10ML?

 

[sparkky1]

Say I make a 10ML batch, shake and vape. If I add more flavoring woulnd't that mess with the ratio and stuff because I have already use some of the 10ML?

Your nicotine level will drop minutely from the few added drops because again just a few drops will make a difference in flavor, I suggest writing down your ratios for reference, after you get your numbers right make 30 ml batches.
http://ejuice.breaktru.com/