Now You All Have Gone & Done It!!

[Sweeney Todd]

i use a weekly pill box set up to taste test new flavors. No reason to make an entire 5ml, or 10ml when just .3, and .2 of that will do for a mix to test vape.

I'd never considered this! I'm constantly rewashing bottles as it is, thanks.

I mix my FlavorArt flavorings at 5% and my TPA flavorings at 10-15% (those are all I have so far, only started DIYing last week). When I'm doing a test batch of, say, one flavor, I'll do like 18 drops of 0 nic pg/vg at the ratio you want, and 2 drops of the flavoring.

Be aware that you'll probably place another order of flavorings pretty soon after the first one shows. My wife's really gotten into DIYing and has whipped up a green tea we both really enjoy. Her tastes in vapes is nothing like she expected, so it's been good to have some options.

 

[minigoat]

i use a weekly pill box set up to taste test new flavors. No reason to make an entire 5ml, or 10ml when just .3, and .2 of that will do for a mix to test vape.

Those contact lens cases work really good for this too, or one of those plastic water color painter palettes with the little divots. It's all good whatever works for you…

 

[Newwell]

Those contact lens cases work really good for this too, or one of those plastic water color painter palettes with the little divots. It's all good whatever works for you…

I've got some water color palettes. Folks, I think we might have a winner here!
Question though - Do you let your flavor tests steep at all? Or just guess?

 

[AzPlumber]

I've got some water color palettes. Folks, I think we might have a winner here!
Question though - Do you let your flavor tests steep at all? Or just guess?

Yes, please wait a few days before making a decision on any flavor, they will change over time. Some only need a few hours to mature but some will take days.

FYI: It takes less time if you make three separate samples of the same flavor at different strengths. Say one at 5% one at 10% and one at 15% let them "steep" then see what % is best for you (%'s are just an example). After you decide the correct % you just adjust the others to match and mix them all together.

 

[Newwell]

Yes, please wait a few days before making a decision on any flavor, they will change over time. Some only need a few hours to mature but some will take days.

FYI: It takes less time if you make three separate samples of the same flavor at different strengths. Say one at 5% one at 10% and one at 15% let them "steep" then see what % is best for you (%'s are just an example). After you decide the correct % you just adjust the others to match and mix them all together.

Excellent idea! Definitely a do-able. Would you recommend tightly covering samples with plastic wrap or loosely covering? I read somewhere in the DIY section about people letting their ejuices "breath".

 

[AzPlumber]

Excellent idea! Definitely a do-able. Would you recommend tightly covering samples with plastic wrap or loosely covering? I read somewhere in the DIY section about people letting their ejuices "breath".

Lots of diy'ers that let their mixes breath. I don't but that is only a personal choice as I'm uncomfortable with open bottles with nic in them. I believe letting them breath is basically allowing the nic to oxidize and I'm sure that will effect flavor. I don't have an opinion one way or another as I don't let mine breath so i can't compare. I do know that time in the bottle will effect the flavor and only experience will tell you how long for each of your own mixes.

 

[GoodDog]

In the small quantities your test batches will be I have found a few hours is all that is needed to meld the flavors together enough to get a good idea what they are like. Tobaccos may be different and I don't know about them.

What I meant by lemon in the lemon shaped bottle is the lemon you buy at the grocery store. I'm so sorry for not making that clear in my post.

The reason it's good to test each flavor is because each vendors' flavors can be dramatically different and usually is. It's not like buying a banana and knowing all bananas are going to taste the same or that an egg is going to taste like an egg. Waffle for instance is very different from TFA and Capella and different %s need to be used. Also flavorings are not real foods but chemical molecules and since each person's taste buds are different each flavor will be interpreted differently. Makes DIY the way to go that's for sure.

 

[Newwell]

In the small quantities your test batches I have found a few hours is all that is needed to meld the flavors together enough to get a good idea what they are like. Tobaccos may be different and I don't know about them.

What I meant by lemon in the lemon shaped bottle is the lemon you buy at the grocery store. I'm so sorry for not making that clear in my post.

The reason it's good to test each flavor is because each vendors' flavors can be dramatically different and usually is. It's not like buying a banana and knowing all bananas are going to taste the same or that an egg is going to taste like an egg. Waffle for instance is very different from TFA and Capella and different %s need to be used. Also flavorings are not real foods but chemical molecules and since each person's taste buds are different each flavor will be interpreted differently. Makes DIY the way to go that's for sure.

Thanks again GDog I just happen to have one of those little plastic lemons in my fridge as we speak. But I also ordered TPA Lemon. Hmmm...new taste treat experiment when I get my stuff. I will try to find some stevia in glycerin next time I'm in the big city.
I've looked at the flavor charts posted by Nikhil in ECF's DIY E-Liq section: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/diy-e-liquid/74109-guide-diy-flavoring.html Seems very comprehensive & is complied by manufacturer.
Since I've been vaping flavors other than just tobacco, I have found that now I don't particularly care for the tobacco flavor anymore (still have some). More liking the coffees during the day & fruitys at night. I bought some peach ejuice that I really like...vaping now.
The first of my goodies is scheduled to arrive on Friday. My empty little tool box is waiting.

 

[sobero4]

It never hurts to wear some gloves if you are concerned about the nicotine content you're handling. Mixing takes a whole lot of trial and error unless you know someone personally who can guide you into some proven concoctions early on. It can be a tedious process initially, but if you stick with it, improve your technique and learn from your mistakes, you soon will be making satisfying e-liquid at a small fraction of the price you would pay for it as a premixed e-liquid. I was seldom satisfied with premixed e-liquid I purchased and was paying through the teeth for it, so I had no choice but to consider trying my hand at DIY and have since never looked back.