Johnson creek original, anyone??

[Kate51]

I think I have found it. My old all-time favorite juice Johnson Creek Original in VG.

I've been striving for so long, so many tries, so much money, and today I think I found the "reasonable facsimily" for a nutty, caramelly, mild tobacco vegetable glycerin vaping liquid to die for!!Or, not die for, however one looks a this Cigarette Replacement Therapy overall!
One secret is finally to find a rich, flavorful VG/36mg base from ECOpure (IntellicigUK) called Krystal or K36.
I think it was the turning point I needed for my tobacco absolute mix and three other ingredients.
Please give me a couple days (I am very busy with work the next few days, working on a dead-line.) and I will bring back to this Thread my ingredient list and a drop-by-drop recipe. I want to do a couple more "from scratch" dry runs just to proof the recipe and make sure my ducks are in a row...thanks to all of you who post these DIY threads, I've learned so much, so many shared theories and mixing secrets, it's been incredible and inspiring. Be back in a couple days! (My six-month-no-cigs Anniversary!) Kate

 

[breakfastchef]

I received my first vial of Original this week. I like it very much, but prefer the TN Cured.

 

[Kate51]

Do you like the new Tn Cured?
I like the old Tennessee Cured as well, but found it a little harsh to use all the time. They sent me a small new formula Tn, but didn't really care for it, vanilla a little overpowering, it's just really a different taste now. I even would mix the old two half and half, gave the Original a little more flavor and tamed down the Tenn. But I cannot use the PG or the reduced-VG, that's why I've been trying to mimic the Original in VG. I loved the nutty caramel hint with the tobacco, and of course they don't use real tobacco flavors now. I guess it's a matter of getting used to something nice and then not being able to get it anymore that keeps the DIY Threads going! I have it down pretty darned close now, but have to do some proofing batches just to get everything right to print out....

 

[Lissa G.]

That's fantastic Kate, cant wait to try it!

 

[doots]

Is the new stuff as thin as the old?

 

[Kate51]

I think it's quite a bit thicker. I didn't add any liquid other than my absolute mix and the two flavor concentrates. The ECOpure K36 comes with water added, and I did not use their mixer(no nic) for that reason, I used plain VG. For my 801 JS thin does not work as well, the attys flood too easy, and makes too much juice condense on the cart. A smaller cart/atty would be ok probably to use the ECOpure mixer. I have to get the specs for the K36 downloaded now and make a notation about how much water is added. The taste is sooo close to the old juice, I think it's just fine. Doesn't "bite" after prolonged use like the Tenn Cured did. Maybe just a bit more flavor than the old Original, which was a little on the shy side.
Amazing how it all came together with the ECOpure Krystal, it just wasn't happening with other unflavored VG's, so do think it's quite possible the extra Ethyl Maltol has something to do with that. Once I know exactly what's in the ECOpure Krystal it could be replicated with any VG or even PG if you wanted. Don't think they'll give away their secrets though...

 

[Kate51]

Lissa G. get your absolute ready!

 

[MaxUT]

Bump for later... this oughta be good!

 

[Kate51]

Attemps to get this formula right was helped greatly when I found the ECOpure Krystal 36 mg/ml VG base from Intellicig UK, now available from many retailers in US:

Cignot your Midwest Electronic Cigarette store.

This is one, there are more. Terri offers great speed in delivery and is most helpful!
For some unknown reason, the ingredients just seem to work better with the Krystal, you could try a version using PG or any unflavored. For the un-flavored VG to cut to 18 mg/ml, I used generic pure USP grade VG. I did not use ECOpure "mixer", because it is aqueous VG, as is the Krystal, and I worried it would be too thin.
This is the method I used for making my tobacco absolute mix. I used Nicotiana Rustica and Blonde Absolute Nicotiana tabacum Sources below. The absolute must be suspended to enhance mixing, I used EverClear, 95% grain alcohol. Also a TINY pinch of Menthol Crystals just to "cool" the tobacco, it is not really a noticeable flavor. These absolutes are very thick, I used throw-away pipettes to measure, stuff is hard to wash off until it's suspended in alcohol. Try not to 'wear' too much, it's very strong smelling! For a long time! (Use EverClear to wash it off, works good.)
For the Ethyl Maltol, I used distilled water, measured the tsp. per 5ml, and ground the crystals to a powder before heating to dissolve. These Mixes will make quite a few batches of Juice.



This is the formulation I used, notice I made the formula for 10 ml, for larger quantity, triple would be suitable for a 30 ml batch. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE: BEFORE USING THE CALCULATOR, MAKE SURE THE DROPPERS YOU USE DO CALIBRATE THEM FOR 20 DROPS PER ML. MY DROPPER USED TO MAKE THE TABACCO ABSOLUTE MIX CALIBRATED TO 40 DROPS PER ML, SO IF YOU USE DROPS TO MEASURE YOUR INGREDIENTS USE YOUR OWN CALIBRATIONS, OR SIMPLY USE THE MILLILITER MEASURES GIVEN.

So, for my formula, I used:
5 ml of Krystal 36mg/ml VG
2.5 ml of plain VG, to cut the Krystal to 18mg/ml
To this Add (I put in through a small funnel with a folded paper filter
1/2 ml of the Tobacco Mix, or 20 drops
1/2 ml of the Ethyl Maltol Mix, or 20 drops
1/2 ml of Caramel flavoring, or 20 drops
1/2 ml of Hazelnut flavoring, or 20 drops.
Pretty simple. To vary + or - any one of those last four ingredients, you could use a little more of the tobacco mix and leave out the hazelnut flavoring, add vanilla instead, and more Ethyl Maltol, etc. for something a little closer to the JC Tennessee Cured flavor. Or make a little bit of Mix using Menthol if desired. This juice is a Medium Dark color, using my ingredients. Also NOTE: there's no added water because of the Aqueous VG that ECOpure Krystal uses. In my 801 cart would be too runny, you may find you have to add more, depends on your cartridge/wicking.


Don't Forget to hang some of these around the entryways and any open windows, and use a gas mask and goggles for safety:

Ethyl Maltol - crystalline powder

source for Ethyl Maltol
http://www.wingedseed.com/Merchant2...ode=15322&Category_Code=S-Z1&Product_Count=27

TOBACCO ABSOLUTE: Samara Botane Online

http://www.wingedseed.com/Merchant2...ode=15322&Category_Code=S-Z1&Product_Count=27 Source for the Nicotiana Rustica Absolute

eJuice Recipe Calculator

EJuice Calculator

Tobacco Absolute Blond Nicotiana tabacum

Source for Nicotiana tabacum "Blond" Absolute

Spices by Spice Barn

Source for Caramel and Hazelnut flavorings (I'm sure Lorann's would work also)

In a little while, I will be cigarette-free for Six Months!

 

[MaxUT]

Thanks Kate!

I copied everything including links into a Word document titled: "Kate's Tobacco Recipe."

------
Max

 

[Kate51]

I discovered how very hard it is to get a good version of anything done with VG. I am certainly glad I found the ECOpure Krystal, I didn't get much satisfaction using generic unflavored/nic VG. Was unable to determine the H2O content of Krystal, just that it is an aqeous vg, so could be a significant percentage, up to 50% according to a Google search. They also use ethyl maltol, unknown the amount, they simply make 'purity' claims, which is standard for EM. All I know is that is worked fine. Highly recommend it. Very clean.

Using the eJuice calculator was also helpful, just make sure you measure milliliters carefully, don't go by the 20 drops = 1ml, because that's only accurate if your dropper drips exactly 20 drops/ml! Mine did not, was glad I caught that. I've since found a syringe with ml graduations, that helped also, I can fill my "mixes" with that all in one shot, and filtering is also helpful for no-dregs.

The four flavor ingredients can be varied to taste, just keep the number of drops/milliliters constant. You can vary the absolute mix also...more flavor less 'blond'. I've tried the rustica by itself, it tastes good but too harsh for me for all day every day. The blond really helps to smooth it out without losing flavor. Neither one of my absolutes contained additional nicotine to adjust for. Some do have nicotine. The Bulgarian nicotiana tabacum has high nic, over 3.7%, so if nicotine is a concern watch your sources for content, and adjust it with your plain VG. (Add it in with your Nic base)

I am still working on dissolving that darned Ethyl Maltol, would prefer using VG plain for that as well, or find a source that sells it in liquid form high density. ?? Anyone finds it or perfects a method let me know! Even when I get it to dissolve sometimes, it reverts back to crystal or flakes after it cools. Fickle stuff! But really necessary to balance flavors.

 

[MaxUT]

I am still working on dissolving that darned Ethyl Maltol, would prefer using VG plain for that as well, or find a source that sells it in liquid form high density. ?? Anyone finds it or perfects a method let me know! Even when I get it to dissolve sometimes, it reverts back to crystal or flakes after it cools. Fickle stuff! But really necessary to balance flavors.

Here's some info from member Vaporer on ethyl maltol:

Ok...here's an easy method to always get the amount of Maltol you want.
The math is easy to convert, if you have trouble, PM me. Sometimes my descriptions stink. lol

Start with 3ml of 151 vodka (75% ethyl alcohol). Use a bottle that will hold a total of 5-10ml. Add the Maltol till no more will dissolve. No need to measure it. It will be almost 4gm of Maltol. Powder it before you start so it disolves easier. Then shake it, tip it over watching tv. Let it sit over night and shake it some more in the morning....not long. Make sure there are still crystals/powder in the bottom and they aren't disolving anymore.

Now you have about 4ml of liquid to pour off. Label the bottle and that is your constant standard base to add to mixes.

Using a dropper that is standard (20 drops per ml) each drop contains 65mg of Maltol! It's not hard to do and you always get the same result. You can cut part of it 50/50 with 151 and it will be 32.5gm per drop. Now you can fine tune your mixes the same everytime.

And here's my suggestion:
Since EM dissolves best in alcohol, why not just add it to the tobacco mix, same as you do with menthol crystals? I would combine the hardest-to-mix ingredients first, whether it's the menthol or the EM, then add the absolutes.

Hope this is useful. Thanks again for your contributions!

 

[Kate51]

Thanks Maxut, will give it a try. I did end up just pulling off the clear liquid, some never did dissolve in the water, but of course by then I had no idea about the true density of EM. Also, there is a top ratio at which a given amount of liquid can absorb the EM. I seem to recall alcohol/Ethyl Maltol at 12% solution, which would be higher than in water. As far as putting it in the absolute mix, that would be the sensible place to put it, but was leary of spoiling my expensive absolute, but will try that also next time I do a batch of Mix.

Another thing I kind of forgot to mention, but "my" JC seems to taste better and better, after a couple days it sort of "melds" into cohesion, so if it doesn't taste right the first day just give it a few hours. To me it is just very very close to my old favorite. If not perfect, it's the one I was craving. Very different using all VG, must say.

 

[Sun Vaporer]

Attemps to get this formula right was helped greatly when I found the ECOpure Krystal 36 mg/ml VG base from Intellicig UK, now available from many retailers in US:
This is one, there are more. Terri offers great speed in delivery and is most helpful!
For some unknown reason, the ingredients just seem to work better with the Krystal, you could try a version using PG or any unflavored. For the un-flavored VG to cut to 18 mg/ml, I used generic pure USP grade VG. I did not use ECOpure "mixer", because it is aqueous VG, as is the Krystal, and I worried it would be too thin.
View attachment 4139This is the method I used for making my tobacco absolute mix. I used Nicotiana Rustica and Blonde Absolute Nicotiana tabacum Sources below. The absolute must be suspended to enhance mixing, I used EverClear, 95% grain alcohol. Also a TINY pinch of Menthol Crystals just to "cool" the tobacco, it is not really a noticeable flavor. These absolutes are very thick, I used throw-away pipettes to measure, stuff is hard to wash off until it's suspended in alcohol. Try not to 'wear' too much, it's very strong smelling! For a long time! (Use EverClear to wash it off, works good.)
For the Ethyl Maltol, I used distilled water, measured the tsp. per 5ml, and ground the crystals to a powder before heating to dissolve. These Mixes will make quite a few batches of Juice.

View attachment 4140

This is the formulation I used, notice I made the formula for 10 ml, for larger quantity, triple would be suitable for a 30 ml batch. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE: BEFORE USING THE CALCULATOR, MAKE SURE THE DROPPERS YOU USE DO CALIBRATE THEM FOR 20 DROPS PER ML. MY DROPPER USED TO MAKE THE TABACCO ABSOLUTE MIX CALIBRATED TO 40 DROPS PER ML, SO IF YOU USE DROPS TO MEASURE YOUR INGREDIENTS USE YOUR OWN CALIBRATIONS, OR SIMPLY USE THE MILLILITER MEASURES GIVEN.

So, for my formula, I used:
5 ml of Krystal 36mg/ml VG
2.5 ml of plain VG, to cut the Krystal to 18mg/ml
To this Add (I put in through a small funnel with a folded paper filter
1/2 ml of the Tobacco Mix, or 20 drops
1/2 ml of the Ethyl Maltol Mix, or 20 drops
1/2 ml of Caramel flavoring, or 20 drops
1/2 ml of Hazelnut flavoring, or 20 drops.
Pretty simple. To vary + or - any one of those last four ingredients, you could use a little more of the tobacco mix and leave out the hazelnut flavoring, add vanilla instead, and more Ethyl Maltol, etc. for something a little closer to the JC Tennessee Cured flavor. Or make a little bit of Mix using Menthol if desired. This juice is a Medium Dark color, using my ingredients. Also NOTE: there's no added water because of the Aqueous VG that ECOpure Krystal uses. In my 801 cart would be too runny, you may find you have to add more, depends on your cartridge/wicking.


Don't Forget to hang some of these around the entryways and any open windows, and use a gas mask and goggles for safety:
View attachment 4136
source for Ethyl Maltol
Source for the Nicotiana Rustica Absolute
EJuice Calculator
Source for Nicotiana tabacum "Blond" Absolute
Source for Caramel and Hazelnut flavorings (I'm sure Lorann's would work also)

In a little while, I will be cigarette-free for Six Months!

Excellent work here Kate and I will be sure to give it a try. Thanks ever so much,

Sun

 

[Vaporer]

Great work Kate,

Can't wait to try it.
The reason I used the 151 vodka for the Maltol, it's readily available and can dissolve so much per ml.
You are right, in water its much less. I saw this as a possible problem if you needed more it would thin the mixture. So the more concentrated the better and this way is consistant.
I'd prefer to thin at the end if needed and not try to thicken it back up.

Ok....time to go to spice barn. No sense changing anything after all your hard work.
Mine will be a PG mix though....

Again, Great Job and Thanks

 

[lashmn]

Thanks, Kate. I, too, am partial to JC original and thanks to the information you shared with me a few weeks ago, I think I have all of the ingredients on hand. Tomorrow I may play mad scientist and give it a try using half PG and half VG.

I may have to resort to 80 proof Vodka to dissolve the tobacco absolute and also the Ethyl Maltol because that's all I have on hand. (When i tried to buy Everclear, the store clerk acted as if I was asking for ......! LOL)

I'll be checking this thread before I start in case you come up with some last minute tips. You've been such a terrific source of information and I trust your judgment. Thanks again,
Lynn

 

[Kate51]

Hi lashmn, Did you read about the Canadian guy that had to get a Doctor's prescription for EverClear!! Honestly, what's going on anyway! Good luck with the formula, hope it works as good with PG, don't know why it wouldn't. We used to drink "Depth Charges" when I younger, A big mug of beer with White Lighting in a shot glass dropped in. Whoo! That was only 180 proof.
The vodka should work fine, I see others use that.
Let us hear how it goes. I'm sure enjoying my Original once again, it's just savory stuff! Don't forget to put up the HAZ MAT warnings!

 

[Kula]

Hi Kate,

Thank you very much for taking the time to post your concoction recipe

I am UK based so I have no idea how long it will take to get the absolutes - I will place an order with the companies you linked. Also I don't think we can get everclear here so I will have to find an alternative.

Thanks again - I really miss JC Orig and especially Tennessee Cured - as long as I can get something "similar" I will be happy.

Cheers.

Kula.

 

[booboo]

OMG, sounds way too complicated for me Wanna sell me some? I finally gave up buying every vg I could find and started making my own (the easy way). I use Lorann's butterscotch, keoke and bavarian cream with vg nic juice from eliquidplanet and plain vg from Walmart. It probably doesn't taste like Tenn Cured (I don't have any left to compare it to ), but it is sweet and quells my lust for Tenn Cured, so I get by. The tiny amount of pg in Lorann's (and/or the coloring) does bother me though (leg and muscle cramps, headaches). God I miss that stuff!

 

[MaxUT]

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