Doc,
I will start with my experiences - everything I vape is 20mg or higher. I wont go into the "do-it-yourself" yet... also as other have stated - dont try to find a liquid that tastes like an analog. dont expect your ecig to taste like your Winston, MArlboro, Camel etc. I dont think a vapor can ever taste like a burning leaf and a buncha chemicals.
I have only purchased liquid from US based vendors. They might be chinese-made fluid (ecopure is made in the UK) but I feel better buying "in" the US.
Remeber the sample sizes - while convenient and allow you to try a variety are pricier than buying larger bottles.
Innovapor.com Ecopure liquids (3ml samples available)
EcoPure Rich - a good rich tobacco/nutty flavor with a little sweetness on exhale a little dry... I like it ALOT. Reminds me of "really clean tobbaco"? Just ordered 60 ml
EcoPure CoolRich - This is the Ecopure with a hint of "cool". Not really menthol, not mint either. I dont like menthol but I like this stuff once a day or so.
EcoPure Pure - This is a super-clean tasting 'something'. Almost what I would describe as "refreshing" without any mint/menthol.
EcoPure Krystal - no flavor 36mg juice. I use it with other flavors that need more throat/nic kick and vapor. Or if I need quick nic fix.
THe ECOpures are VG based and have a lot of vapor. ECOpure is a bit pricey tho - but worth it.
rockymountainvapor.com (10 ml bottles $6.)
RockyMountain Vapor 24mg- RY4 - sweet, nutty, carmelly, vanilla? tobacco? flavor. Not a lot of vapor. Took me some getting used to. Mixed great with EcoPure rich! Now I love it. Just ordered 50ml.
RockyMountain Vapor 24mg- cappuccino - I was sorely disappointed in this. Dont even know how to describe it. I never had cappuccino that tasted anything like this. I salvaged it by mixing it with lotsa Ecopure Rich!
Rocky Mountain Vapor 24mg - Kent - I used to love Kents. This stuff tastes nothing like a Kent! I like it though, sweet yet harsh. Kinda cotton candy-ish? ...and I really like it mixed with some Ecopure Pure flavor. My wife likes the Kent . Dont tell anyone (and I dont recommend this) - but I ofetn put a micro dab on my tongue... dont ask why... ordered 50ml of it again.
nhaler.com (6ml samples $4)
Nhaler - 555, turkish, camule, french pipe - all variations on a 'tobacco' theme. All average or above average, in my book, on flavor. All mixable for variations and also mix well with my ecopures. (available in 6ml samples) I am ording more from them when I get back from disney next monday.
As you can see Doc, I like the ecopures and am not big on the flavors. I found mixing the premade flavors with the ecopure was wonderful for me. I like a hint of flavor in a tobaccoey base.
My wife likes flavors from the manufacturer. Kent, Marlboro, Camel, and carmel type flavors. She could care less about fullness, vapor etc... But, I think she would vape deer urine if she thought there was nicotine in it...
Also keep in mind I love the taste of Busch beer and Genesee Creme Ale, so take my opinions with that as your baseline.